Diego Garcia - Seeking Info

[2Restless]

I just spent the entire month of Jan there. Saying that, it is off limits to cruisers but like another poster said, if you can sneak in and anchor for a few days on a different island then good luck. I never read it anywhere, but it is my understanding that there is a no fishing zone circling the island of 150nm, I believe it's just commercial fishing tho. Other than that, the island is very pretty. Lots of turtles and sharks and trails all over the place.

I don't see the US pulling out of there anytime soon. Especially since the Navy just shifted focus to Asia and we have our guided missile submarines forward deployed out of there. Just my opinion...

[Doodles]

The US has (or had) one of NSA's satellite tracking stations there. Can't see them giving that up.

[steamgoat]

CF member TOM was there recently, permit approx $150/month. Check his photos in 2011 ships log area Ship's Log

[medicrene]

When I was there in 2001, it was certainly off limits. it is interesting that they have opened it up. But it seems pretty expensive for a island with nothing to offer.

[Talyn]

Diego Garcia is where I learned to sail. I was fortunate enough to spend a few months there last year. Sadly the island has not opened up to cruisers. It is required to stay at least 12 miles away from Diego Garcia. Other islands in Chagos are open for cruising but from what I understand BIOT is charging a pretty heavy fee for that privilage. I do feel for the Chagosians struggle. That island chain is as close to an untouched paradise as I have seen.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by steamgoat

CF member TOM was there recently, permit approx $150/month. Check his photos in 2011 ships log area Ship's Log

Excerpted from Paul Baillie’s Blog http://www.byamee.com/id3.html

“... Once upon a time you could pay a 100 quid to B.I.O.T. and stay as long as you liked, some stayed for years.
Suddenly it was 100 quid for 3 months, then 100 per month maximum stay 3 months,
now you can only stay for a month and it costs you a 100 quid.
The writing is on the wall ...”

* 1 GBP = ±1.58 USD
100 £ ≈ $158 USD

[AiniA]

Diego Garcia is a no-go but you can go elsewhere in the Chagos Archipelago. If you check the BIOT or Noonsite webpages it is all explained. You need to get a permit before hand and can only stay for one month for 100 pounds sterling.