The Cocos (Keeling) Islands is a water-lovers paradise. It boasts some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world. The pristine coral gardens of over 100 different species of hard and soft corals are host to a myriad of marine life. Over 600 species of fish have been recorded and many more to be discovered. Beautiful parrotfish, wrasse, butterflyfish, angelfish, gobies and garden eels are just some of the species that you will encounter. Endemic to Cocos & Christmas Islands is the small angelfish, Centropyge joculator - the Cocos Pygmy Angelfish. Fish surveys carried out by James Cook University have found interesting hybridisation between many of the parrotfish, wrasse & surgeonfish, making the Cocos (Keeling) Islands a haven for marine studies.

Whilst diving or snorkelling you may also be paid a visit by our gentle dolphins, turtles or majestic manta rays, or even our illusive, lone Dugong, affectionately known as Kat. These beautiful marine creatures are here all year round.

Located at the southern tip of Direction Island is The Rip, a marine park set aside for snorkellers to enjoy the diverse and amazing marine life in relatively shallow waters. The creatures, including shells, are protected and must not be removed.

The Cocos Lagoon also holds hidden historical treasures from yesteryear. In the near future an underwater historical trail will be available linking the wreckage of the Catalina JX435 to the wreck of the Phaeton, a sister ship of the Cutty Sark, an 18th century barque, a 19th century American whaler, a WWII barge and several cannons. The trail will be accessible for snorkellers, divers and for the non-snorkellers, through Geof's glass-bottom boat. To protect the Catalina JX435 wreckage, Parks Australia have installed two moorings.

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands entices not only divers to its pristine environment. Over the past few years the islands' popularity has swelled with surfboard riders, windsurfers and kitesurfers. Two Australian mainland based operators offer windsurfing and kite surfing clinics each year. The southeast tradewinds experienced during our "winter" months of July to October offer ideal conditions for these enthusiasts to enjoy. In peak periods the southern end of the lagoon is awash with colourful sails and kites. Q-Station Bay has an inconsistent left-hand break for surfers and it can be crowded at times. However for the adventurous surfer, Cocos Fishing Charters now offer surfing trips to Pulu Keeling National Park (subject to weather conditions).

For a three day wind forecast visit this link: Buoyweather

Tides also play an important role with many of our water activities. Visit the following web site for tidal information: WA Tides.

The Local Operators
The local operators pride themselves on their personalised customer service and strive to ensure your enjoyment and safety. All boat operators hold the necessary insurances and permits, safety equipment and all vessels are in-survey.

COCOS DIVE
Enjoy the pristine and diverse marine life of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Cocos Dive has been operating with the same owners since 1993 offering divers a relaxed and safe diving experience. Dive courses available on request and subject to numbers. Scuba diving packages should be booked prior to travelling. Group packages available. For more information please visit: www.cocosdive.com

Pristine corals gardens to explore either diving or snorkelling or looking through the glass bottom boat. image courtesy of: Karen Willshaw - Cocos Barefoot Photography

COCOS FISHING CHARTERS
Explore the beautiful clear waters of the Cocos Islands aboard Ikan Laya. We offer fishing trips inside and outside the lagoon in comfort with an experienced and friendly Crew. For more information visit: www.cocosfishingcharter.com.au

GEOF CHRISTIE'S BOAT TOURS
Enjoy a day out in the glass-bottom boat with Geof. Snorkel, bottom fish or island hop, Geof can organise a day to suit your needs. Visit Direction Island or the beautiful Prison Island or the more remote Horsburgh Island.
For more information contact the Tourism Office

HIGH TIDE CANOE SAFARI
Enjoy a four hour island hopping, snorkelling and fishing tour and discover the beauty of the southern end of the lagoon. Drinks and nibbles are supplied. Lifejackets are available if required. For more information contact the Visitors Centre.

Enjoy a motorised canoe trip exploring the southern end of the atoll. image courtesy of: Karen Willshaw - Cocos Barefroot Photography

ZEPHYR WATERSPORTS
Kite-surfing tours. The Cocos Islands offers the best winter kitesurfing conditions in Australia. With consistant 15-25 knot trade winds, the flat tropical waters make it a kiters paradise. Zephyr Kite Tours offers group, deluxe and individual kitesurfing holidays with many extras such as lessons, free coaching, hire and demo equipment. The tours run from July through to September. For more information on the 2008 tour contact Jen at: www.zephyrkitetours.com