Chagos Archipelago, BIOT

[aqfishing]

Greetings everyone,

Planning to do some cruising in the Indian Ocean as soon as our yacht comes out of its Moorings contract in the Seychelles.

I was wondering if anyone has been to Chagos in the last few years. Seems a fair bit of red tape involved and strict rules once you there. Was wondering if it’s worth the trip. We would depart and return to Seychelles. Not sure we would get as far as Maldives.

Any advice on best time of the year, how long to stay, what are the anchorages like etc. would be appreciated.

Other than the prescribed anchorages, can you visit any other islands?

Any advice welcomed!

[aqfishing]

Take it not many been there!

[Adelie]

BIOT?

[atoll]

https://www.noonsite.com/place/biot-chagos/

24 March, 2020:

As noted on the BIOT Website – new permits are no longer being issued until further notice due to the ongoing COVID-19 international pandemic.

The limited number of issued permits remain valid and these vessels will be allowed to moor as planned, as per the conditions of their permit.

There are no additional regulations when mooring in the Outer Islands, other than those normally applied to visiting vessels: https://biot.gov.io/visiting/mooring-permits/

For updates, keep an eye on https://biot.gov.io/

[atoll]

Originally Posted by Adelie

BIOT?

British indian ocean territory

[aqfishing]

Hi Atoll,

Thank you for that, yes I did see the website, very informative. I am sure the Covid permit issue would be temporary. Looking to hear from people who have been there in the last 5 years or so.

As the whole area falls under BIOT I am sure you would only be allowed to anchor in the designated areas. As the chart and Sat info I have is very scanty, I am not sure just how many islands and places to visit there is. Although the 5 anchorages look more than ample looking at Sat images, one never know the real on the ground conditions.

What outer islands are you referring to? or are they part of the dedicated anchorages?

FYI:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...chagos-islands

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chagos...20possible.%22

[Fore and Aft]

These people have just left the Chagos.
Cheers
https://wanderingwaterhorse.com/trav...erfect-chagos/

[aqfishing]

Awesome, thanks!

[GordMay]

A couple of older threads. I don't expect things have gotten any easier, for cruisers.

➥ https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ad.php?t=51369

➥ https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...sers-6166.html