Sortta exemplifies some inherent dicotomies in writers. Clarke was a major player in the development of radar circa WW2, then decided to pursue aquatic pursuits in the Western Indian Ocean. He continued to write authoring such stories as “20001, A Space Oddesy” and its sequals.
I’ve long suspected his choice of residence was strongly ifluenced by local mores, (or lack thereof) regarding his long-term homosexualo realtionship..... >PS
Given the law in the UK at the time (1950s) it's understandable why he'd want to leave.