St Brandon Island (Saint Brandon)

Located 268 nautical miles northeast of Mauritius, St Brandon (Cargados Carajos Shoals) is a remote group of over 50 islands, coral ridges, and sand flats. Part of the Mascarene Islands and classified as a Mauritian dependency, the archipelago stretches 50 km north to south, with a vast reef area of 190 km². It’s also home to one of the largest algal ridges in the Indian Ocean.

With crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and raw natural beauty, St Brandon is a dream destination for nature lovers, divers, and fishing enthusiasts.

St Brandon - A Virgin Island Waiting to be Discovered

Unlike most parts of the world, St Brandon has remained untouched by modern development. This wild and remote paradise has preserved its natural charm, free from crowds and commercialisation.

Only a small Creole fishing community resides in Raphael village on Îlot Raphael. Beyond that, the islands are uninhabited and teeming with unspoiled beauty - a rare gem just waiting to be explored.

History of St Brandon

St Brandon was once a large volcanic island, gradually eroded by the sea over time and transformed into a coral atoll. Its shallow lagoon is now one of the world’s top spots for bonefishing and marine exploration.

According to legend, Arab sailors first discovered the islands, and the Portuguese later named them. Its hidden location even made it a pirate hideout centuries ago, adding mystery to its natural appeal.

The Flora and Fauna

St Brandon’s unique ecosystem is rich in biodiversity. The islands are covered in white coral sand and layers of guano, making them ideal for sea turtles to nest in peace. You'll find coconut palms, grasses, and shrubs, while the surrounding reefs are alive with lobsters, crayfish, octopus, and a variety of reef fish.

The largest island, Albatross, is a true bird sanctuary, where thousands of seabirds - including the “ye-ye,” “virgin,” and “makoa” - compete for space. This island remains protected and vital to the region’s ecological balance.

Geography

Each island in St Brandon has its own identity.

• Albatross Island is the largest and highest, rising 6 metres above sea level. Once inhabited, it’s now a haven for seabirds.
• Île Raphael is the main base, home to around 35 people, including workers at a private fishing station, a coast guard, and a meteorological team.
• Île du Sud sits at the southern tip, acting as a natural gateway to the archipelago.
• Nearby, Île Coco stands out with its powder-white beaches and relics of a historic past, including old rail tracks.
• Smaller islands like Avocaré and Cocos also host minor settlements.

St Brandon Tourism

To protect its fragile environment, tourism is strictly limited to a few licensed operators. For years, St Brandon was off-limits to visitors—but today, eco-friendly travel is finally possible.

Guests can enjoy low-impact activities such as:

• Fishing (within regulated limits)
• Scuba diving
• Snorkeling
• Bird watching
• Eco-conscious sailing cruises

This is your chance to experience raw, authentic nature in a responsible and respectful way.

Fishing at St Brandon

St Brandon is considered one of the top fishing destinations in the Indian Ocean.

Expect world-class bonefishing, with large shoals in shallow waters - some reaching 87 cm and 15 lbs. It's also the most productive Indo-Pacific Permit fishery, offering multiple chances per day to catch these elusive fish.

Giant Trevally (GT) fishing is also popular here. While sightings vary by day, St Brandon is one of the best places to land a GT over 100 cm - a true prize for any fishing enthusiast.

Did You Know?

St Brandon is one of several Mauritian dependencies. Curious about the others? Click here to explore more!