Diego Garcia

Diego Garcia is an island located at about 7 degrees South latitude in the Indian Ocean, directly south of the tip of India.  It is horseshoe shaped, with the opening facing to the north.  It is unbelievably beautiful, a perfect little tropical paradise.  Most of the island is a preserve, protected by the British who own the island.  I was there from March to May, 1998, and again in 2000.  The lagoon is teeming with marine life, coral, and crystal clear water during the norther hemisphere winter months.  Surfing is not allowed on the island.  There are heavy fines and other disciplinary actions if you are caught.  Also, the Brits will confiscate your surfboard on arrival as you go through customs.  Having said all that, there is unreal surf on the island.  The overview picture below shows fringing reef that surrounds Diego.  I have heard that there are some "underground" surfers on the island, but I never saw anyone surfing there.  The waves are very powerful, and the coral is very sharp.  As if that isn't enough, the sharks there are very aggressive.  We caught an 8' reef shark on a fishing lure, about 300 yards offshore while fishing one day.  Also, sharks are frequently seen from the air while flying.  Not an easy place to get to or surf, but if you do, you will be one of just a few who have ever sampled the pristine surf that Diego holds.  Good luck!

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