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Marine Park A world beneath the surface

With visibility at 25-30 metres on average, the crystal-clear lagoons offer a chance to get up close with blooming coral underwater gardens

Over 500 species of vibrant fish, majestic manta rays, fat hawksbill and green turtles, and bottlenose dolphins. As fish from both the Indian and Pacific Ocean meet here, new species like the Cocos Pygmy Angelfish and an extremely rare dwarf fish have developed too – making our far-flung marine environment so unique.

A school of small, iridescent blue fish swim amongst the coral in the Cocos Keeling Island Marine Park

Marine Park Life in the lagoon

Whales and dolphins have been spotted in the waters surrounding the outer reef, which is also home to a much loved local Dugong named Kat.

The Cocos Keeling Islands are one of the only places in Australia where such an amazing array of marine life can be seen just a few metres in from spots around the island shores. 

Cocos Islands Wildlife
An underwater shot of two dolphins swimming playfully in the Cocos Keeling Marine Park

Marine Park Cast a Line, Respect the Park

Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marine Park protects a vast and important marine environment, but that does not mean fishing is off-limits.

Most inshore waters are within a Habitat Protection Zone, where recreational fishing is allowed. The offshore waters from about 3 nautical miles from shore are a National Park Zone where fishing is not allowed.

There are also two small inshore green zones at the Rip on Direction Island and Trannies Beach on West Island where fishing is not permitted.

Fishing
Drone shot of fishers on a boat in the lagoon on the Cocos Islands

Marine Park Experience the reef, lagoon and beyond

One of the best ways to experience the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marine Park is by getting out on the water with a local operator.

Whether you want to scuba dive, snorkel, fish or explore the outer islands, these tours open up remote parts of the atoll and bring you closer to the marine life, reefs and remarkable scenery that make this place so special.

Tours
Scuba divers underwater in the Cocos Keeling Islands Marine Park

Scuba Diving

A scuba diver swims around a coral garden on Cocos Islands

Snorkelling

A snorkeller swims with a turtle in blue water.

Fishing

A man on a boat with a fishing rod in the water on the Cocos Islands

It is rare, in this day and age, to come upon a place so delightful in both looks and temperament that, on the very first sighting, one’s jaw does genuinely drop.

Georgia Rickard Australian Traveller

If going with the flow is how you roll, you will love the Cocos Keeling Islands. They have a small – very small – country town vibe. Your activities revolve around the exquisite lagoon whether they be snorkelling, diving, fishing, parasailing, or just relaxing under a coconut palm reading a book while inhaling the frangipani infused air

Steve Klein Curious Campers

Scuba diving at Cocos Keeling islands is nothing short of spectacular. Fabulous visibility, pristine coral reefs, abundant marine life and all the trappings of a tropical paradise without the flashy resorts. Yes, it is isolated and it takes some effort to get there, but this is more than offset by the quality of the diving, the friendly locals and the very laid back and relaxing ambience of the entire place. It is quirky, fun and a great place for a holiday. We will return and soon

Phillip Tubb Melbourne

Don’t miss this place. My wife and I recently spent a fantastic week on Cocos Keeling Islands. We took the opportunity to take the twice weekly ferry service from West Island to Direction Island... we loved it so much we came back for a second time.

Mike G Joondalup

Home Island is definitely quieter than West Island with religion a big part of daily life but the locals were so friendly and welcoming. It was so nice to be able to swim straight off the shore in amazing turquoise water while we cooked BBQs at sunset. Highly recommended!

Pete