Plizio Visual Lab

Chissioua Chandzi

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Island

Weather…

Chissioua Chandzi is an uninhabited volcanic islet within the Mayotte archipelago, situated to the east of Petite-Terre in the Indian Ocean. The island is characterized by its steep rocky cliffs and sparse but specialized vegetation capable of withstanding extreme salt and wind conditions. As part of the Mayotte Marine Natural Park, the islet plays a crucial role in preserving regional biodiversity, specifically serving as a protected sanctuary for various seabird species. The surrounding waters are renowned for their pristine coral reefs and high density of reef fish, making the area a significant research site for marine biologists. Historically, the island's isolated location meant it saw very little human interference, contributing to the preservation of its original natural state. Today, access is subject to strict ecological regulations to prevent disturbance to the sensitive breeding colonies of terns and other threatened avian species. The geological structure of the islet provides clear evidence of the volcanic activity that formed the entire archipelago millions of years ago.

Location: Comoros
Nearby: Kangani (6 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	28	28	28	28	27	26	25	25	25	26	27	28
Rain mm	221	156	140	99	45	30	25	17	14	24	42	96

📋 Practical info

🧭

Getting there

Reaching this small offshore island requires chartering a local boat from the nearby coast of Mohéli. The journey across the ocean depends heavily on calm sea conditions and the availability of local fishermen.

📅

Best season

The relatively dry months from May to October provide the safest window for boat crossings. Monsoon winds and heavy rains during the wet season often make the approach far too dangerous.

⛰️

Terrain & paths

The island is essentially a compact formation of volcanic rock surrounded by thriving coral reefs. There are no established paths, and traversing the jagged rocks on land is exceptionally difficult.

🎒

What to bring

Excellent snorkeling equipment and protective water shoes are the most important items to bring. High-factor, reef-safe sunscreen and plenty of bottled water are essential since there is no shade.

🅿️

Parking

Vehicles must be left on the main island of Mohéli at the designated boat departure points. Travelers usually rely on the security provided by the local fishing communities where they embark.

⚠️

Safety

The currents around the island can be deceptively strong, making swimming without a boat nearby risky. Visitors must also be extremely careful not to damage the fragile coral formations while snorkeling.

⏱️

Time needed

A typical excursion to circle the island and snorkel the reefs takes about half a day. Extended stays are rarely planned due to the complete lack of basic infrastructure on the rocky outcrop.

Geography

Coordinates

-12.43330, 43.73330

Facts

Part of the Mayotte Marine Natural Park since its establishment in 2010.
Critical nesting ground for the Sooty Tern (Onychoprion fuscatus).
Geologically composed of basaltic lava rock of volcanic origin.
The islet is located approximately 2 kilometers east of the coast of Petite-Terre.
Subject to stringent conservation laws protecting indigenous birdlife.
The surrounding coral reef system supports over 200 species of fish.