Feature by Sarah Coote
In the heart of the Indian Ocean lies an idyllic gem, so ethereal, it’s as though it was created from the dreams of ocean lovers and adventurers alike.
Welcome to the Cocos Keeling Islands, where sparkling azure waters meet powdery white sands and stretches of remote palm tree lined shores. Time flows to the rhythm of the ocean here and from the moment you arrive, island life immerses you in its wake. This archipelago, nestled within the embrace of Western Australia with a short flight from Perth, beckons travellers to immerse themselves in a world where every moment feels like you’re part of a tropical dream.
Cocos Keeling Islands by Jaxon Roberts
Hosting just 144 visitors at a time, it’s all about raw, undeveloped nature here. The fusion of Malay and Western cultures, fascinating history and one of the largest marine parks in the world offers visitors the chance to slow down, reconnect and seek ocean inspired adventures.
Here are some of the best ways to dive in and discover the enthralling aquatic adventures to be shared amongst this breathtaking destination.
Motorised Canoe Safari
An absolute must do, the Motorised Canoe Safari with Cocosday offers a captivating introduction to the aquatic wonders of Cocos. Led by experienced guides, this immersive excursion promises island hopping across the southern atoll with stops to dive into the crystal clear, blue-hued lagoon to spot enchanting marine life. With a warm tropical breeze in your hair and the sun on your back, you look around in absolute awe realising you’ve found the paradise dreams are made of, as your canoe skims along with no paddling required. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a first-time explorer, this guided tour promises an aquatic experience like no other, for all ages.
Snorkelling
Boasting one of the largest protected marine sanctuaries in the world, Cocos’ warm, clear waters cradle an ecosystem teeming with life. Snorkelling here feels like visiting a magical underwater world with over 500 species of vibrant fish living amongst endless coral gardens, and majestic manta rays, fat hawksbill and green turtles, and friendly bottlenose dolphins greeting you amongst the depths. You can hire snorkelling gear from the Cocos Islands Visitor Centre on West Island and wade in from the shore to at local spots such as Pulu Maraya and Trannies, or pack them with you on a day trip to Direction Island - once voted the best beach in Australia - and snorkel the natural rip which offers a marine sanctuary that will take your breath away.
Snorkeling with Turtles, Cocos Keeling Islands
Glass bottom Boat Tours
If you'd prefer to stay dry, glass-bottom boat tours offer a window into the enthralling underwater world of Cocos.. Hop on board with Cocos Blue Charters and take a fascinating peek into the magnificent underwater world. This special guided tour also takes you to snorkel some of the best spots around the islands, such as the Western Boat Passage, Turks Reef, Direction and Prison islands, the Phaeton ship wreck, manta cleaning station and more. While skimming along the waters, delve into the rich history and captivating tales of the Cocos shared by your skipper and long-time local, Pete.
Cocos Blue Charters, Cocos Keeling Islands by Maui Pano
Scuba Diving
For those wanting to dive in deeper, The Cocos Keeling Islands stand as one of Australia's best-kept secrets for diving enthusiasts. With Cocos Dive you can immerse into pristine gardens of colourful soft leather corals, cabbage like hard corals and delicate gorgonian fans that paint a mesmerising tapestry, and sharks, manta rays, dolphins, tuna, turtles and brightly coloured marine fish are regular encounters on each dive. Diving here is a year-round activity, with water temperatures averaging between 26°C-29°C. The incredible visibility, consistently at 20-30 metres makes the twenty uncrowded dive sites around Cocos Keeling Islands an underwater paradise for diving lovers.
Scuba Diving, Cocos Keeling Islands - Credit Karen Willshaw
Kitesurfing
Or perhaps it’s the allure of unyielding winds and an expansive lagoon of boundless turquoise water that truly defines the essence of your most memorable island getaway. During the trade wind season which runs from May-June to September-October, Cocos stands as a beacon among the world's best kitesurfing destinations and when you’re soaring along the surface with a consistent strong, warm breeze in your kite and looking down over passing turtles, reef sharks, dolphins and manta rays, it’s not hard to see why. Zephyr Tours and Ape X offers lessons, equipment hire and tours catering for all levels, paving the way for an incredible kitesurfing adventure you’ll remember forever.
Kite Surfing on Cocos Keeling Islands
Australia’s last unspoiled paradise promises an unparalleled island holiday, immersing you in a tropical oasis of coconut palms, endless white-sand beaches and azure waters teeming with life and adventures at every turn. If you love the ocean, the Cocos Keeling Islands is the destination that sparkles a magic like no other and proves tropical island dreams do come true.
Published April 2024.