Rodrigues is a small island about 560 kilometres northeast of Mauritius, and is the best reason to extend your trip. It belongs to Mauritius politically but feels like a different world — quieter, less developed, more African in atmosphere. If Mauritius sometimes feels like it's trying too hard, Rodrigues doesn't try at all.
The island is hilly, ringed by a vast lagoon, and home to around 40,000 people. Port Mathurin is the small capital. The beaches are excellent and largely empty. The snorkelling and diving around the outer reef are outstanding. The François Leguat Giant Tortoise and Cave Reserve, a few kilometres from Port Mathurin, has one of the largest populations of giant tortoises outside the Seychelles, and the cave systems there are impressive.
Rodrigues is also known for its octopus fishing — women wade the reef flats at low tide with traditional traps. You'll see dried octopus (ourite) for sale everywhere; it's a local speciality.
Getting here takes effort, which is exactly the point. Air Mauritius flies daily from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport (about 1 hour 30 minutes). The cargo ferry runs two to three times per month and takes around 36 hours — rough and wonderful if the sea cooperates.