Fees · Destination Guide
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Australia's atoll lagoon for manta encounters, coral walls, and barefoot island days
Key fee: Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marine Park zoning compliance
Free (rules apply)
Fees · Destination Guide
Australia's atoll lagoon for manta encounters, coral walls, and barefoot island days
Key fee: Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marine Park zoning compliance
Free (rules apply)
Confirm these fees before you book so your operator plan and day budget match what you will pay onsite.
There is no general entry fee to visit the islands' reefs, but you must follow Marine Park zoning and any local safety restrictions. Unlike some reef destinations, Cocos does not have a standard per-visitor marine park tag for everyday lagoon use. Permits are required for some activities in Pulu Keeling National Park (North Keeling). Budget separately for inter-island transport like the ferry.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marine Park zoning compliance | Free (rules apply) ongoing | All visitors using lagoon, reef, and offshore waters | Where to pay | Know the zones before you fish, anchor, or run water sports. Two inshore areas (The Rip near Direction Island and Trannies Beach) are green zones (no take). Most inshore waters are Habitat Protection Zone, which generally allows line fishing but restricts seabed-disturbing methods. |
| Pulu Keeling National Park access and activity permits (North Keeling) | Permit required (fee varies by activity) per permit | Anyone seeking to undertake recreational or commercial activities within Pulu Keeling National Park | Where to pay | North Keeling is a highly protected area with restricted access. General tourism visits may not be available. Apply well in advance and follow all conditions, including wildlife protection and landing restrictions. |
| Underwater cultural heritage restrictions (historic wreck protection) | Permit may be required activity and location dependent | Divers and vessels visiting protected wreck zones (for example the Emden wreck area) | Where to pay | Historic shipwreck sites can have extra legal protections and exclusion distances. Do not remove artifacts and do not enter declared protection zones without written approval. |
| West Island to Home Island ferry ticket | AUD $15 one way (adult), AUD $7.50 (child) per crossing | All passengers | Where to pay | Tickets are cash-only and purchased at the West Island ferry terminal. Use the timetable to plan Direction Island days and to coordinate with flights. |
Fee
ongoing
Know the zones before you fish, anchor, or run water sports. Two inshore areas (The Rip near Direction Island and Trannies Beach) are green zones (no take). Most inshore waters are Habitat Protection Zone, which generally allows line fishing but restricts seabed-disturbing methods.
per permit
North Keeling is a highly protected area with restricted access. General tourism visits may not be available. Apply well in advance and follow all conditions, including wildlife protection and landing restrictions.
activity and location dependent
Historic shipwreck sites can have extra legal protections and exclusion distances. Do not remove artifacts and do not enter declared protection zones without written approval.
per crossing
Tickets are cash-only and purchased at the West Island ferry terminal. Use the timetable to plan Direction Island days and to coordinate with flights.