British Indian Ocean Territory

British Indian Ocean Territory

The British Indian Ocean Territory, a UK overseas territory, is a remote and pristine archipelago in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The territory comprises over 1,000 islands and atolls, many of which are uninhabited, making it a haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. The territory`s Chagos Archipelago is one of the world`s largest coral atolls, with vibrant marine life, clear waters, and pristine beaches. The territory`s isolation and lack of development make it a unique destination for adventurous travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. However, access to the territory is highly restricted, and tourism is not currently permitted.

Travel Time

January
Okay
February
Great
March
Great
April
Great
May
Great
June
Great
July
Great
August
Great
September
Great
October
Great
November
Great
December
Okay

Highlights, Sights & Attractions

Bird Island

Bird Island, true to its name, is a haven for seabirds. With the lack of human disturbance, it has become a breeding ground for a variety of bird species, including the red-footed booby and the sooty tern. Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts would... more

Bird Island, true to its name, is a haven for seabirds. With the lack of human disturbance, it has become a breeding ground for a variety of bird species, including the red-footed booby and the sooty tern. Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts would find the island a dream destination, but its sensitive ecosystem means access is strictly limited.

Blacktip Reef Sharks

The Blacktip Reef Sharks are one of the shark species that inhabit the waters around the BIOT. These sleek predators are often seen near the coral reefs and are an integral part of the territory`s marine ecosystem. While their presence is a testament... more

The Blacktip Reef Sharks are one of the shark species that inhabit the waters around the BIOT. These sleek predators are often seen near the coral reefs and are an integral part of the territory`s marine ecosystem. While their presence is a testament to the health of the BIOT`s marine environments, opportunities to observe them are strictly regulated due to the sensitive nature of the ecosystems.

Brown Booby

The Brown Booby is a large seabird that can often be seen on the BIOT, particularly around the islands` shores and cliffs. Known for its distinctive brown plumage and bright blue beak, the bird is a notable part of the islands` diverse birdlife. Acce... more

The Brown Booby is a large seabird that can often be seen on the BIOT, particularly around the islands` shores and cliffs. Known for its distinctive brown plumage and bright blue beak, the bird is a notable part of the islands` diverse birdlife. Access to areas where these birds are found is controlled to ensure their protection.

Chagos Anemonefish

Unique to the waters of the Chagos Archipelago, the Chagos Anemonefish is a vibrant species of clownfish known for its symbiotic relationship with the sea anemones found in the area`s coral reefs. Seeing these colourful fish darting among the anemone... more

Unique to the waters of the Chagos Archipelago, the Chagos Anemonefish is a vibrant species of clownfish known for its symbiotic relationship with the sea anemones found in the area`s coral reefs. Seeing these colourful fish darting among the anemones is a captivating sight. As always in the BIOT, the opportunity to observe these creatures is tightly regulated to protect the ecosystems they inhabit.

Coconut Crabs

The BIOT is home to the world`s largest land arthropod - the coconut crab. These incredible creatures, which can grow up to a meter in leg span, are a unique sight on the islands. Due to their sensitivity to human disturbance, and the overall ecologi... more

The BIOT is home to the world`s largest land arthropod - the coconut crab. These incredible creatures, which can grow up to a meter in leg span, are a unique sight on the islands. Due to their sensitivity to human disturbance, and the overall ecological sensitivity of the islands, any interaction with these creatures is strictly regulated.

Danger Island

Danger Island, despite its foreboding name, is actually a haven of natural beauty. One of the remote islands of the Chagos Archipelago, it is known for its pristine sandy beaches and rich marine biodiversity. As with other areas in the BIOT, access i... more

Danger Island, despite its foreboding name, is actually a haven of natural beauty. One of the remote islands of the Chagos Archipelago, it is known for its pristine sandy beaches and rich marine biodiversity. As with other areas in the BIOT, access is heavily restricted and requires permission from the relevant authorities.

Diego Garcia Lagoon

Diego Garcia Lagoon is a large, sheltered lagoon offering a stunning vista of clear turquoise waters set against the backdrop of lush tropical vegetation. The lagoon is among the largest coral atolls in the world, with a unique biodiversity that incl... more

Diego Garcia Lagoon is a large, sheltered lagoon offering a stunning vista of clear turquoise waters set against the backdrop of lush tropical vegetation. The lagoon is among the largest coral atolls in the world, with a unique biodiversity that includes numerous species of fish, coral, and other marine life. However, due to its use as a military base, access to the lagoon is heavily restricted.

Dolphin sightings

The waters of the BIOT are home to several species of dolphins, including Spinner and Bottlenose dolphins. Sightings of these playful marine mammals leaping from the water add to the sense of untouched wilderness that characterizes the BIOT. Again, w... more

The waters of the BIOT are home to several species of dolphins, including Spinner and Bottlenose dolphins. Sightings of these playful marine mammals leaping from the water add to the sense of untouched wilderness that characterizes the BIOT. Again, while the opportunity to observe these creatures in their natural habitat is enticing, it is important to remember that access to these areas is tightly controlled.

Climate

Month Temperature Sunshine hours Raindays
January 27 °C 10 17
February 28 °C 10 17
March 28 °C 10 19
April 28 °C 10 16
May 28 °C 10 7
June 27 °C 10 10
July 27 °C 10 11
August 26 °C 10 6
September 27 °C 10 9
October 27 °C 10 13
November 27 °C 10 13
December 27 °C 11 21

Facts

Language
  • English
Currency US Dollar

Hotel

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