This Little-Known Tropical Island Is An Ideal Vacation For Crowd-Free White Sand Beaches

Imagine life on a tropical Island with calming waves and white sandy beaches? Whether it is losing yourself in a book by the beach, heading inland for a rocky adventure, lounging with a coconut in hand, or soaking up rays, there are thousands of ways you can unwind or immerse yourself in nature on a tropical Island. This is especially true with Islands located in the eastern part of Africa. The region is awash with underrated adventure destinations in Africa, including beaches where crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and warm weather await, and are crowd-free. A good example is Rodrigues Island, situated about 384 miles east of Mauritius, a stunning tropical country to visit without blowing your budget.

The sparsely populated volcanic island is outstandingly beautiful, with lots of small islands and stunning beaches like the famous Ile aux Cocos. The hilly, charming island is surrounded by a multi-hued lagoon, coral reefs, and covers an area of about 40 square miles. Due to its remoteness, it is a great destination for those seeking a less trodden experience, as well as a tranquil atmosphere where they can engage in various activities, such as snorkeling, world-class diving, sailing, fishing, and kite surfing. Rodrigues is one of the three Mascarene Islands, which also include the Islands of Réunion and Mauritius, that were formed by a volcanic eruption about 2 million years ago. The island is a territory of Mauritius, and named after Diego Rodrigues, a Portuguese explorer who arrived in 1528.

Sometimes referred to as the "Cinderella of the Mascarene Islands," Rodrigues is home to some of the prettiest waters in the world. Among its best features is Trou D'Argent, an immaculate white-sand beach surrounded by rugged cliffs. Visitors can access it via a moderately challenging 20-30 minute hike on the coastal trail from St. Francois Beach. A popular in-land hiking destination is 1,300-foot Mont Limon, the island's highest point. Walking to the top will reward you with majestic views of the turquoise ocean, terraced fields, and stunning cliffs. 

Wildlife lovers will appreciate the Francois Leguat Giant Tortoise and Cave Reserve at the southwestern side of the island. It's home to over 3,000 giant Aldabra tortoises, tropical birds, and thousands of indigenous trees. Additionally, the nearby Caverne Patate is the only other explorable cave systems on the island. This limestone cave is situated in the village of Petite Butte, and visitors can join guided tours. Ziplining at Montagne Malgache is also a major draw. The activity takes visitors through different zip-line routes through leafy valleys with stunning views of the Rodrigues lagoon. If that isn't enough of an adrenaline boost, you can also bungee jump or walk the suspension bridge at Cascade Pistache.

The gentle winds and protected lagoons create the perfect environment for kite surfing. Mourouk Beach, on the island's southeast coast, is one of the best kite-surfing spots in the world. The spot also hosts the Rodrigues International Kitesurf Festival (RIKF) every year, which attracts kitesurfers from all over. Rodrigues is also rich in culture from its creole cuisine and unique sega tambour dance and musical performances, which combine African rhythms and European melodies.

There are no direct international flights to Rodrigues Island, but you can access it via cargo ship or domestic flight. Start by flying to Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport on Mauritius, which operates many international flights from major cities in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The flight to Plaine Corail Airport on Rodrigues Island takes about 1.5 hours. Air Austral also flies from Reunion Island twice a week. If you're a dedicated slow traveler, you can access the island aboard a passenger cargo ship that runs bimonthly between Port Louis in Mauritius and Rodrigues Island. The journey takes between 36 to 48 hours, so make sure you bring lots of snacks and a good book. Passengers choose from one of four cabin classes, and the ticket price includes meals on board.

Just like these underrated tropical vacation destinations to add to your bucket list, "the Cinderella of the Mascarene Islands" has a pleasant climate year-round. The best time to visit to enjoy a wide array of outdoor activities and adventures is during the drier and cooler months, from May to October. However, the rainy season brings more lush green landscapes, lower accommodation prices, and fewer tourists. Before you leave this stunning area of Africa, make sure you kick off your shoes and enjoy the stunning white sand beaches on the main island of Mauritius.