Saint Brandon Islands

Saint Brandon, also called the Cargados Carajos Shoals, is a remote Indian Ocean archipelago of low coral islets, sand banks and reefs belonging to the Republic of Mauritius. Lying roughly 400 km northeast of the main island, it is not a conventional city but a sparsely settled island group where only a small seasonal community of fishers and support staff lives, mainly on Île Raphael. The islands rise barely above sea level; Albatross Island, the largest, covers about 1.01 km² and reaches around six metres at its highest point. Together the islets have a land area of about 1.3 km² within a wide lagoon, and the surrounding waters support rich coral reefs, seabird colonies and turtle nesting sites. Historically used as a fishing station, Saint Brandon is best known today as a working fishing concession associated with the Raphael Fishing Company, with a small meteorological and coast guard presence. There are no towns, paved roads or formal tourism facilities, which keeps the atoll quiet and isolated. For visitors, Saint Brandon is primarily a fly-fishing and expedition destination. Its flats and passes are known for bonefish, giant trevally, permit and other species, and the clear lagoon also draws divers, snorkellers and sailing crews seeking a near-pristine marine environment. Because access is limited and seasonally dependent, the atoll suits travellers who value remote wilderness rather than urban sightseeing. Most journeys begin in Mauritius, with stays on live-aboard or supply vessels and brief periods ashore, making Saint Brandon one of the Indian Ocean's least developed island destinations.