With warm, clear waters and pristine tropical reefs, the Cocos Keeling Islands is one of the best snorkelling destinations in Australia.
After just a short flight from Perth, WA, you can step straight off the beach into coral gardens teeming with life. With barely another soul in sight, you’ll share the water only with colourful tropical fish, turtles and the odd reef shark.
Spend your days between lazing on white sandy beaches and exploring the vibrant underwater world. You’ll feel a world away, while still holidaying in Australia.
Why you’ll love snorkelling on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Healthiest reefs in Australia
The coral reefs surrounding the Cocos Keeling Islands are among the healthiest in the country. Protected within the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marine Park, these reefs have experienced very little bleaching or damage compared to other destinations.
Secluded experience
Unlike many popular snorkelling spots in Australia, the Cocos Islands remain refreshingly uncrowded. With only around 144 guest beds available across the islands, your time in the water feels personal and unhurried. Instead of sharing a reef with a boatload of tourists, you’re more likely to swim alongside a curious turtle.
Experiences for all levels
Whether you’re a first-time snorkeller or a seasoned underwater explorer, the Cocos Islands have spots to suit every ability. Beginners will love the calm, sheltered waters of Trannies Beach, while more confident snorkellers can take on the exhilarating drift of The Rip at Direction Island.
Top snorkelling spots on the Cocos Islands
You can snorkel straight off the beach at many of Cocos’ best spots, or join a skipper to explore some of the harder-to-reach locations.
The Rip (Direction Island)
A trip to Direction Island is a must, and snorkelling The Rip is a highlight of any visit. This drift snorkel takes you past coral gardens buzzing with colourful fish, making it one of Australia’s best snorkelling experiences.
Pulu Maraya
A short walk across the channel at Scout Park gets you to Pulu Maraya. Drift around the island spotting puffer fish under ledges, or maybe even the resident octopus.
Broccoli Patches
Located on the north-eastern side of the lagoon, this site gets its name from the unique coral formations that resemble fields of giant broccoli. Spot bright parrotfish grazing on the reef and curious reef sharks cruising by.
Trannies Beach
At the northern end of West Island, Trannies Beach offers sheltered, calm waters that make it ideal for first-time snorkellers and families with children. The gentle conditions mean you can relax and explore the reef at your own pace, spotting colourful fish close to shore without needing to venture into deeper waters.
Prison Island
Until only recently covered with coconut palms, Prison Island illustrates the ever changing nature of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Organise a boat trip to Prison Island and explore the reefs surrounding the sandy cay, which serve as a nursery for juvenile fish.
Coal Barge
The remains of a shipwreck from 1889 have become an underwater reef system, hosting vibrant coral and marine life. Snorkel over and through the boat’s skeleton to spot moray eel and parrotfish.
Turtle Beach
Head over to Home Island and discover Turtle Beach, a favourite spot for snorkellers hoping to encounter green turtles in their natural environment.
Manta Ray Cleaning Station
In the heart of the lagoon, this unique coral outcrop is a gathering place for majestic manta rays. Here you can watch them circle slowly as cleaner fish remove parasites and leftover food. It’s an underwater spa day few snorkellers ever get to witness up close.
What awaits beneath the surface
The healthy corals of the Cocos Islands are home to an abundance of marine life. You don’t need to go far to see green and hawksbill turtles, black tip and white tip sharks and vibrant tropical fish including parrotfish, triggerfish, butterflyfish, wrasse, boxfish and gropers.
Out in the lagoon, lucky snorkellers might spot dolphins, manta rays and even an elusive dugong.
Planning your Cocos snorkel trip
You can bring your own snorkel gear or hire some from the visitor centre. Reef shoes are a must for making your way across rocky beaches.
Many of the best snorkelling spots are accessible from the beach. But getting out in a boat will give you more options to explore the pristine waters in the lagoon. Discover harder to reach snorkel spots with Cocos Blue and Cocosday boat charters or the Cocos Dive Sea Scooter Tour. Or enjoy a cruise around the southern atoll with a snorkel at Pulu Maraya and South Island on the Motorised Canoe Tour.
Ready to plan your trip?
Whether you’re dreaming of snorkelling with turtles, discovering colourful coral gardens, or drifting with reef sharks, the Cocos Keeling Islands is one of the best snorkelling holidays in WA and Australia.
Get in touch with our friendly visitor centre team to plan your trip!
