Cagados Carajos, Coral archipelago in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius.
Cagados Carajos is a coral archipelago in the Indian Ocean extending about 50 kilometers from north to south, comprising more than 50 islands with coral ridges and extensive sand flats. The island group features varied landforms that offer both natural harbors and shallow lagoons.
Portuguese explorers mapped these islands in the early modern period and named them Cargados Carajos, establishing the first navigation routes through the region. Early European presence shaped exploration of the Indian Ocean significantly.
Fishermen from Mauritius live in Raphael village on Ilot Raphael using fishing methods passed down through generations. This small community shapes daily life across the archipelago and shows how people connect with the sea in this remote region.
Access to the archipelago requires special permits from Mauritian authorities, and accommodations are available only at three fishing villages spread across different islands. Visitors should expect limited infrastructure and basic conditions due to the region's remote location.
The archipelago contains the Indian Ocean's most extensive algal ridge, where coralline algae grow on existing coral reefs and form a complex natural structure. This geological formation draws marine researchers from around the world.
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