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Fishing What you can catch

The islands’ unique marine environments offer anglers an extraordinary variety of experiences.

From the beach or the shallows, wade into the flats at scenic spots around West Island and Home Island to test your skills against XL bonefish, giant trevally and even bumphead parrotfish.

If you’re after something for the table, species like sweetlips, bluefin trevally and silvery fish are commonly caught from the shore.

Take a boat onto the lagoon and you’ll find turquoise waters teeming with tropical species. Coral trout and passionfruit trout are among the favourites here.

The deep waters beyond the reef open up an entirely different world. Offshore charters give anglers the chance to take on powerful pelagic species such as dogtooth tuna, wahoo, yellowfin tuna and even the occasional sailfish.

A man fishes from the beach at Direction Island on the Cocos Keeling Islands

Fishing Best time to fish on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Fishing is rewarding year-round on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The best time to visit depends who you ask!

Between November and April, the doldrums season brings calmer seas and lighter winds, perfect for long days out on the boat. From May to October, the trade winds set in, delivering strong conditions that many anglers relish.

Two men holding bonefish caught in the lagoon on the Cocos Islands

Fishing Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marine Park

The waters surrounding the islands are part of one of the world’s largest marine parks, protecting more than 450,000 square kilometres of pristine ocean.

Recreational fishing is welcome in most inshore areas, with just a few exceptions including at the Rip and Trannies Beach. Size and bag limits are in place to help sustain fish stocks for generations to come. Before you cast a line, stop by the Visitor Centre for the latest fishing guide and local advice.

Drone view of a boat fishing in the blue holes on the Cocos Keeling Islands

Planning your fishing trip

Whether you’re coming to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands for a dedicated fishing holiday or simply want to try your luck during your stay, local operators make it easy to get out and cast a line.

Guides are available for both first-time anglers and seasoned fishers, with local knowledge that makes all the difference when it comes to finding the best spots.

A limited amount of gear is available to purchase from stores on Home Island and West Island, but we recommend bringing your own rods and tackle. If you do, it’s a good idea to pack them as priority luggage, and ensure you pack braid line in your checked luggage.

Cocos Blue Charters

Shot half below the water, half above. Below the water a freediver swims towards the bottom. Above the water, a group of people sit in a Cocos Blue boat.

Cocosday Fishing and Boat Tours

Cocosday guide holds a big fish just caught on the boat on Cocos Islands

Cocos Land-based Fishing Tours

Fishing guide fishes on the flats on the Cocos Islands

Hello Backing Fishing Charters

A large fish with a bopper in its mouth after being caught 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