St. Brandon

St. Brandon, also known as the Cargados Carajos Shoals, is a remote chain of coral reefs, sandbanks and small islets in the western Indian Ocean administered by Mauritius. The archipelago comprises numerous small islets and reefs that form an exposed atoll-like group important for fisheries and wildlife.

The shoals are valued for offshore fishing, seasonal habitation by fishing crews, and colonies of seabirds and marine life including nesting turtles. There are few permanent settlements; human presence is mostly seasonal and associated with fishing and small-scale operations.

Historically visited by sailors and used as a fishing base, the islands have never supported large permanent populations due to their low elevation and exposure. Management focuses on sustainable fisheries and protection of seabird and marine habitats.

Geographically the shoals lie in the open Indian Ocean to the northeast of Mauritius and are physically separate from the main islands, consisting of low sandy islets, reef flats and channels.

• Visiting access: Access is restricted and typically arranged through licensed fishing operators or with official permission from Mauritian authorities.
• Wildlife sensitivity: Important breeding site for seabirds and turtles; visitors should follow strict biosecurity and wildlife-disturbance rules.