Diving in Cocos-Keeling/Christmas Island
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Cocos-Keeling/Christmas Island's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Cocos-Keeling/Christmas Island, ecoregion. This region features 37 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Cocos-Keeling/Christmas Island has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🏛️ Marine Hierarchy
🌍 Associated Countries
Popular Spots in Cocos-Keeling/Christmas Island (37)
Aquarium Wall
Aquarium Wall is situated to the west of Ski Run and Cabbage Patch. The dive site features a rocky bottom and is recommended for experienced divers, particularly those with deep diver certification. At a depth of 40 meters, divers can explore an undercut. The site is known for sightings of juvenile reef fish species and the possibility of encountering sharks along the drop-off, as well as the presence of G. bellus.
Barry’s Pool
Barry's Pool offers a wall dive experience starting at depths of 30 to 40 meters, showcasing impressive coral formations including sea fans and rose wall corals. This site is recommended for experienced divers due to the depth and conditions. Divers can conclude their dive in a shallow ocean pool at approximately 9 meters, located atop the reef. While primarily a coral dive, divers should remain vigilant for sharks and tuna that may be seen swimming past the wall.
Broccoli Patch
Broccoli Patch is an accessible dive site ideal for novice divers. The dive begins with an easy descent from the boat to a sandy bottom at 5 meters. Divers can then ascend to 3 meters before descending gradually to a depth of 9 meters. This site is particularly suitable for students practicing buoyancy control. Marine life commonly observed includes whitetip reef sharks, turtles, and dolphins, which are often seen welcoming divers. The coral formations at Broccoli Patch are notable for their beauty.
Cabbage Patch Cocos Keeling
Cabbage Patch at Cocos Keeling is a notable dive site characterized by a large expanse of cabbage or salad coral, situated between depths of 5 to 20 meters. The area has experienced some storm damage recently but is showing signs of recovery. Nearby, divers can explore a swim-through canyon. Marine life includes garden eels, sleeping white tip reef sharks, and the possibility of encountering sharks and tuna along the drop-off. For those qualified to dive to 30 meters, there is an opportunity to observe a rare anemone with a blue skirt.
Cable Bommie
Cable Bommie features a variety of historic equipment on the seafloor, including several cables originating from Direction Island and two large winches likely used for cable retrieval from ships. Divers can also observe a range of coral and fish species. The site is known for its lionfish, which can be found under the bommie that gives the site its name. Nearby, the current at the ridge attracts grey reef sharks, and manta rays are frequently sighted in the area.
Caits Reef
Caits Reef is an ideal location for beginner divers, featuring a sandy bottom and a nearby reef that offers easy navigation. The site is characterized by clean water and a variety of marine life. Divers can observe resident Black Tip Reef Sharks, convict surgeons, parrot fish, and bumphead parrot fish. The reef is notable for its abundance of branching corals, providing an engaging environment for exploration.
Canons
Canons is a shore entry dive site located at coordinates -12.088200, 96.873100. This site is known for regular sightings of the resident dugong named Kat, as well as dolphins and manta rays that frequently pass through the lagoon. The underwater environment features garden eels and serves as a nesting area for giant triggerfish during the summer months. Additionally, fine sand found under ledges may host white cap partner gobies.
Celestes
Celestes is a dive site located on the eastern side of the atoll, best explored during the summer months. The site is characterized by an abundance of hard corals and typically experiences less current compared to nearby Ripper. Divers can expect to encounter schools of Indian triggerfish and pyramid butterflyfish, making it a rewarding experience for all skill levels. The entry to the site is from the shore.
Chocolate Flow
Chocolate Flow is located on the western side of Horsburgh Island within the southern atoll. The dive site features a wall composed predominantly of Montipora corals, which thrive in low light conditions, extending from depths of 16 to 35 meters. Divers can complete a deeper dive and then ascend to the top of the reef for a longer safety stop. The reef top is characterized by a full cover of both hard and soft coral species.
Claires Corner
Claires Corner is an advanced dive site that is best explored during incoming tides or when currents bring in clear ocean water. The underwater topography features ridges that run perpendicular to the drop-off, with depths reaching 25 meters or more. Divers can encounter a school of big eye trevally, and swimming further out into the blue may reveal barracuda and grey reef sharks patrolling the deeper waters.
Coconut Gun Point
Coconut Gun Point offers a unique dive experience with its historical features, including two World War II guns located at the tip of Horsburgh Island. The dive site is characterized by a series of gullies that run between ridges, providing an interesting underwater landscape. It is suitable for both beginner and advanced divers, with a variety of reef fish species commonly found in the area. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it easily accessible for divers.
Cologne Gardens
Cologne Gardens is a dive site accessible from the shore, suitable for divers of varying experience levels. Novice divers can explore the upper sections of the wall, while more experienced divers can descend to observe the vibrant orange Gorgonian Sea Fans at greater depths. As divers navigate along the wall, they will encounter the beginning of the Rose Wall corals, known for their stunning formations. Notably, during the full moon, large schools of blacktail snapper are often present, and in the summer months, divers may witness significant gatherings of breeding bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum).
Eden
Eden is a dive site recommended for experienced divers, accessible primarily during the summer months when wind speeds are below 12 knots. The site is characterized by strong and variable currents. Divers can explore impressive gorgonian sea fan corals that rise from the seafloor between depths of 20 to 28 meters, resembling a forest. Additionally, a large school of resident big eye trevally can frequently be observed in this area.
Enterprise
Enterprise features a prominent bommie located at the edge of a steep drop-off. The site benefits from upwelling during incoming tides, which enhances the activity of the local food chain. Divers with more experience can explore a small cave along the wall. Regular marine life sightings include grey reef sharks and dogtooth tuna patrolling the area, while large groupers are often found near the bommie towards the end of the dive. Schooling paddle tails can also be observed in the vicinity.
Fan Wall
Fan Wall is a dive site suitable for divers of all experience levels. The reef is predominantly found at depths shallower than 20 meters, offering a variety of marine life. More experienced divers can explore the deeper areas, descending to 40 meters where they can observe large fans and a cave. This site is known for sightings of black trevally, cruising sharks, and dogtooth tuna. Additionally, there is a possibility of encountering a rare thresher shark near the deep wall.
Garden of Eelden
Garden of Eelden features a shallow reef top characterized by sandy slopes and gullies, providing opportunities for exploration. The sandy areas are home to numerous Garden Eels, which inspired the site's name. Divers can also observe pelagic species such as C. joculator and bluefin trevally in the blue waters beyond the reef.
Hooters
Hooters is a dive site suitable for novice divers, featuring a maximum depth of 8 meters. Divers can explore a mix of reef structures and rubble as they make their way towards the drop-off. The return journey to the dive boat provides an opportunity to practice navigation skills. Marine life sightings may include dolphins, mantas, turtles, reef sharks, moray eels, garden eels, and extensive areas of fire coral.
Kat’s Kables
Kat's Kables is a shore entry dive site located near Two Caves, characterized by the remnants of old communication cables that connect Direction Island to Australia and beyond. Divers can expect to see regular sightings of manta rays and sleeping white tip reef sharks. Additionally, barracudas can often be spotted by attentive divers. The site is notable for its underwater features, though it appears that Kat the dugong has moved on to other feeding grounds.
Kellys Patch
Kellys Patch features a narrow shallow reef top that quickly descends on the eastern side, leading to a significant drop-off into deeper waters. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including red bass, tuna, and sharks, as well as C. joculator. The site is typically dived during the summer months and is known for its healthy coral formations on the reef's surface. Keep an eye on the blue waters for pelagic species cruising by.
Lane Cove
Lane Cove is a dive site that is best accessed from the shore and is highly influenced by weather conditions, requiring winds below 10 knots and minimal swell for optimal diving. The reef top is located at a depth of approximately 10 meters, with a notable drop on the eastern side leading down to 18 meters before gradually sloping into deeper waters. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including sharks, tuna, and trevally, along with a significant stand of fire coral located on the eastern ridge. Currents can be present, which may affect diving conditions.
Lynnies Leap
Lynnies Leap is a dive site designed for experienced divers, featuring a reef top at a depth of 14 meters that gradually descends to the top of a wall at 20 meters, continuing down to depths exceeding 40 meters. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including significant populations of sharks, tuna, and fusiliers. The site is characterized by variable current directions, which may pose challenges, making it unsuitable for novice divers. Entry to the site is from the shore.
Manta Cleaning Station
Manta Cleaning Station is a well-known snorkel site located near Direction Island. The site features two small coral outcrops at a depth of 9 meters, which serve as a habitat for cleaning wrasse that provide essential cleaning services to local manta rays. Mantas frequently visit this location, particularly during incoming tides, although sightings can occur at other times as well. It is advisable to check the site when passing by, as the presence of mantas is a key attraction.
Noritaki
Noritaki is a shore dive site characterized by an abundance of plate corals, which have shown signs of recovery following storm damage. Divers can observe various marine life, including anemones and fish, while also spotting mantas that travel along a deep ledge towards a cleaning station located further south.
Old Cleaning Station
Old Cleaning Station was historically known as a manta cleaning site, although mantas are no longer observed here. This location serves as a training area for novice divers. The site features a sandy bottom where garden eels can be spotted. Marine life includes white tip and black tip reef sharks, dolphins, and turtles. The entry to the site is from the shore.
Perpendicular Wall
Perpendicular Wall is a notable dive site located on Christmas Island, accessible from the shore. Divers can choose their depth, with a recommended maximum of 30 meters. The site is characterized by large fan corals and a variety of marine life, including numerous moray eels. Pelagic fish are often seen passing through the blue waters, and batfish are known to approach divers, adding to the diverse underwater experience.
Prison Gardens
Prison Gardens is located on the eastern side of the southern atoll near Prison Island. This dive site is accessible from the shore and is particularly suitable during the summer months or when southerly winds create a need for a protected dive location. Divers can observe a variety of plate and hard corals, along with large schools of Big Eye Trevally that inhabit the area. Additionally, monitoring buoys encrusted with corals can be found here, adding to the site's unique features.
Ripper
Ripper is situated on the eastern side of the atoll, near the entry point to the renowned RIP. This dive site is characterized by a large coral mound accompanied by a sand chute, with a sloping wall composed of hard corals. It is known for its resident school of Big Eye Trevally, which often interact with divers. The site can experience strong currents, making it less suitable for novice divers. When currents are present, divers may swim away from the boat for approximately 45 minutes before drifting back to the surface and returning to the boat for a mid-water safety stop.
Rose Wall
Rose Wall is an accessible dive site suitable for both novice and experienced divers. The dive begins with an easy descent from the boat to a depth of approximately 7 meters, where the top of the reef is located. The wall drops off steeply, starting at 14 meters and extending down to 30 meters, with some areas reaching depths of up to 40 meters. The site is characterized by a solid wall of Montipora corals, providing a habitat for diverse marine life. Divers can expect to see schools of parrotfish, including bumphead parrotfish, while exploring the vibrant coral formations.
Royal Dalton
Royal Dalton features extensive plate corals, with some areas showcasing new growth replacing older formations. Divers can explore the site by descending the wall to a depth of 22 meters, where they can observe the corals from below. As dive time decreases, divers can drift back to the surface mid-water. During the summer months, large schools of juvenile fusiliers may be encountered, along with various typical reef species.
Ski Run
Ski Run is a well-frequented dive site accessible from the shore. Divers begin their descent at the edge of the coral reef and proceed down a sandy slope. Notable features include a bommie populated by glassfish and the presence of trevally feeding in the area. As divers continue deeper, they may encounter sleeping white tip reef sharks and elongated garden eels. For those interested in macro photography, various shrimp species can be found, along with juvenile emperor angelfish. Experienced divers can opt for a deeper dive to observe Genicanthus bellus.
Spanish Eyes
Spanish Eyes is situated at the southern tip and eastern side of Home Island. Access is primarily during the summer months or when winter trade winds are below 10 knots. The site is named after a yacht that was wrecked on the beach due to a navigation error while attempting to enter the Cocos Islands lagoon. The dive site features a relatively shallow reef top with a mix of hard and soft corals. Divers can expect to see grey reef sharks and barracuda off the wall. This location is also suitable for more experienced divers looking for a deep bounce dive.
The Rip
The Rip is located at the southern end of Direction Island and is known for its strong incoming currents, making it primarily suitable for experienced snorkelers. Under certain conditions, particularly when northern swells enter the lagoon, scuba divers may also explore this site. Marine life includes white tip reef sharks resting beneath ledges, along with various species such as spotted sweetlips, maori wrasse, groupers, and red bass.
Turtle Beach
Turtle Beach is a shore entry dive site located at coordinates -12.112900, 96.821300. The site is known for occasional sightings of resting turtles and is frequented by various shark species, including Grey, Black, and White Tip Reef Sharks. Divers may have the opportunity to observe these sharks up close, especially with some encouragement. Conditions at Turtle Beach can be affected by weather, particularly with larger westerly swells, making it less suitable for diving during such times due to its proximity to Turks Reef.
Two Caves (Wreck)
Two Caves is a wreck dive site featuring the remains of a Sri Lankan vessel that was involved in smuggling refugees to Australia. The wreck is primarily scattered across the seabed, with the notable exception of a section of the hull located beneath the engines. This site provides insight into maritime history and the challenges faced by those seeking refuge. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore the wreckage.
Two Ridges
Two Ridges features two prominent coral formations resembling the hull of an inverted catamaran. This site is known for its wall dive that descends to depths exceeding 40 meters, where divers may encounter mantas along the wall and possibly spot a resident thresher shark. The area is also frequented by Kat, a dugong that has been observed visiting this location regularly.
Two Trees
Two Trees is a shore entry dive site characterized by its notable large green trees that contrast with the surrounding coconut trees. Divers can anchor in depths ranging from 12 to 14 meters. The site features an initial area of impressive plate corals, which have experienced a die-off but are showing signs of recovery. This makes it a suitable location for divers interested in observing coral restoration efforts.
Winter Wall
Winter Wall offers a dive experience characterized by a full coverage of both hard and soft corals on the reef's surface. As divers descend over the wall, they can explore the Rose Wall corals, which are prominent between depths of 16 to 30 meters. While primarily a coral dive, divers should remain vigilant for pelagic species that may pass through the area. Notably, a sleeping white tip reef shark can often be found resting on the sandy bottom at a depth of 40 meters.