Explore East Point Settlement

Discover the remote settlement on Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territory.

explore
wb_sunny

24°C / 75°F

Sunny in East Point Settlement

trending_up

Peak Season

High visitor demand

East Point Settlement at a glance

East Point Settlement is the inhabited area of Diego Garcia, the only island of the British Indian Ocean Territory. It stands out for its strategic military presence and untouched natural environment, offering a glimpse of a location with virtually no commercial infrastructure and a unique position in the central Indian Ocean.

palette Culture & Art
restaurant_menu Culinary Heritage
East Point Settlement View
East Point Settlement Landmark
East Point Settlement Street

Map View

Explore East Point Settlement on the map

open_in_new Open in Google Maps
place

East Point Settlement

The map is centred on East Point Settlement.

-7.353, 72.468

Why travel to East Point Settlement?

The settlement is suited for specialized trips such as military assignments, scientific research, or regulated eco‑tourism that focus on marine and wildlife observation. Visitors need official permits, and activities are centered around the atoll’s pristine beaches, coral reefs, and abundant seabird and turtle populations.

palette Culture & Art
restaurant_menu Culinary Heritage
East Point Settlement View
East Point Settlement Landmark
East Point Settlement Street

East Point Settlement travel blogs

Stories and guides connected to East Point Settlement and the surrounding destination.

What Should You Know Before Visiting British Indian Ocean Territory
City blog
article British Indian Ocean Territory

What Should You Know Before Visiting British Indian Ocean Territory

Visiting the British Indian Ocean Territory requires a special permit, careful timing, and limited transport options. Pl...
Hidden gems of British Indian Ocean Territory: what to see
City blog
article British Indian Ocean Territory

Hidden gems of British Indian Ocean Territory: what to see

The hidden gems of British Indian Ocean Territory are its remote lagoons, abandoned WWII sites, and untouched coral gard...
What is a good itinerary for British Indian Ocean Territory?
City blog
article British Indian Ocean Territory

What is a good itinerary for British Indian Ocean Territory?

Yes, a solid itinerary for the British Indian Ocean Territory spans four to seven days, focusing on Diego Garcia’s milit...
Is British Indian Ocean Territory safe for travellers? Safety guide
City blog
article British Indian Ocean Territory

Is British Indian Ocean Territory safe for travellers? Safety guide

Yes, British Indian Ocean Territory is generally safe for travellers who respect the strict entry permits and stay clear...
What is the best time to visit British Indian Ocean Territory? – November to March for wildlife and calm seas
City blog
article British Indian Ocean Territory

What is the best time to visit British Indian Ocean Territory? – November to March for wildlife and calm seas

The best time to visit the British Indian Ocean Territory is from November to March. During these months the sea state i...
How Many Days Are Enough to Visit British Indian Ocean Territory?
City blog
article British Indian Ocean Territory

How Many Days Are Enough to Visit British Indian Ocean Territory?

A stay of three to five days is generally enough to experience the British Indian Ocean Territory. The archipelago’s mai...

More in British Indian Ocean Territory

Browse more city pages across British Indian Ocean Territory.

Downtown
Browse Cities

Downtown

place British Indian Ocean Territory
Seabreeze village
Browse Cities

Seabreeze village

place British Indian Ocean Territory
Carcasse
Browse Cities

Carcasse

place British Indian Ocean Territory

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is East Point Settlement located?

expand_more
East Point Settlement is situated on the atoll of Diego Garcia, the only inhabited island of the British Indian Ocean Territory, in the central Indian Ocean, about 1,600 km south of the Maldives.

What is the climate like in East Point Settlement?

expand_more
The settlement experiences a tropical marine climate, with consistently warm temperatures year‑round, high humidity, and a distinct wet season from December to March and a drier period from April to November.

When is the best time to visit East Point Settlement?

expand_more
The most favorable period for visiting is the dry season, roughly November through April, when rainfall is lower and sea conditions are calmer for any permitted excursions.

How can I travel to East Point Settlement?

expand_more
Access is restricted to authorized personnel; travel is normally by military or chartered aircraft from the United Kingdom or nearby bases. No commercial flights serve the settlement.

Are there any hotels or accommodations in East Point Settlement?

expand_more
There are no commercial hotels or guesthouses in East Point Settlement. Visitors must stay in military accommodation or arrange private lodging through official channels before arrival.

Are there any restaurants or dining options in East Point Settlement?

expand_more
The settlement does not have public restaurants. Meals are provided through the base’s mess facilities for authorized personnel; other visitors must bring their own provisions.

What attractions or points of interest are near East Point Settlement?

expand_more
The primary points of interest are the natural environment of Diego Garcia, including pristine beaches, coral reefs, and surrounding marine life, which can be observed during permitted excursions.

Is there any wildlife or natural scenery to see in East Point Settlement?

expand_more
The atoll supports abundant seabird colonies, nesting turtles, and diverse coral ecosystems, offering opportunities for wildlife observation and marine research under regulated access.

Do I need a visa or special permit to enter East Point Settlement?

expand_more
Entry to East Point Settlement requires a special permit issued by the British Indian Ocean Territory administration, typically granted only to military personnel, researchers, or approved visitors with a clear purpose.

What safety considerations should I keep in mind when visiting East Point Settlement?

expand_more
Visitors should follow strict security protocols, respect environmental protection rules, and be prepared for limited medical facilities; the remote location means emergency services are limited and rely on military support.