Cargados Carajos Shoals

DependencyMauritius, Africa

Cargados Carajos Shoals is a STATE in Mauritius, Africa.

The Cargados Carajos Shoals, also known as Saint Brandon, is a remote archipelago of coral islands, sandbanks, and reefs located in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Mauritius. This pristine paradise is a haven for marine life, offering some of the best snorkeling and diving experiences in the world. The crystal-clear waters are teeming with vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and even the occasional sea turtle or dolphin. The islands are uninhabited except for a small group of fishermen, making it a perfect destination for those seeking solitude and untouched natural beauty. The shoals are also a birdwatcher's dream, home to several species of seabirds. Due to its remoteness, visiting Cargados Carajos Shoals feels like stepping into a forgotten world, where nature reigns supreme.

Best time to visit Cargados Carajos Shoals

The best time to visit Cargados Carajos Shoals is between October and April when the weather is warm and dry, and the seas are calm, making it ideal for water activities.

October

Now

Right now

Condition
Clear
Temperature
25°
Feels like
26°
Humidity
83%
Wind
29 km/h
Precipitation
0 mm

Typical for October

Weather
Warm 24-29°C, dry

Travel notes

Crowds
Low
Prices
Shoulder

End of peak; still favorable

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

MRU

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport

International

430 km away

Getting around

"Transportation around the shoals is primarily by boat. There are no roads or vehicles on the islands, so visitors typically rely on small boats or kayaks to explore the area."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

0 Mbps

Mobile data

Poor

WiFi

None

Local SIM

No local SIM; satellite phone recommended

Stay safe

Overall

4/10

Remote location with no emergency services; safety depends on preparation.

Night safety

3/10

Remote location with no emergency services; safety depends on preparation.

Transport

2/10

Scam risk

1/10

"The remote nature of the islands means that visitors should be self-sufficient and prepared for emergencies. Always inform someone of your travel plans and expected return. Be cautious of strong currents and marine life while swimming or snorkeling."

Entry and health

Health information

"Visitors should ensure they are up-to-date on routine vaccinations. It's also advisable to bring insect repellent and any personal medications, as there are no medical facilities on the islands. Be cautious of sun exposure and stay hydrated."

Culture

Local customs

"As the islands are sparsely populated, there are no significant local customs. However, visitors are expected to respect the natural environment and avoid disturbing the wildlife. Fishing is a way of life for the few inhabitants, so engaging with them respectfully can provide unique insights into their lifestyle."
FrenchEnglishCreole

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Luxury

Meals

N/A | no restaurants; bring your own food

Hotels

N/A | no hotels; camping or boat accommodation

Local transport

$500-2000 | charter boat from Mauritius

Cost notes

Costs are high due to private transport and self-sufficiency requirements.

Timezone

Indian/Mauritius +04:00 (GMT+4)

More facts

Population

63

Area

1.3 km²

ISO code

MU-CC

Type

Dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Cargados-Carajos-Inseln, Saint Brandon, Cargados Carajos Shoals, Cargados Carajos, Cargados Karakos, Kargados Karadzhos, karagadosa karajosa, kargadosa karajosa, kargadws karajws, kargaڈws karajws, karigadosi karahosi, karjadws karakhws, karugadosu・karajosu, Каргадос Караджос, كارجادوس كاراخوس, کارگادوس کاراجوس, کارگاڈوس کاراجوس, कार्गाडोस कराजोस, কার্গাডোস কারাজোস, ਕਾਰਗਾਡੋਸ ਕਾਰਾਜੋਸ, ካርጋዶስ ካራሆስ, カルガドス・カラジョス

Capital CityMajor HubRemoteBeachDivingFishingWildlifeCampingSnorkelingAdventure