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Home/Countries/Cocos (Keeling) Islands/Nature & outdoors/Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marine Park

Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marine Park

An Australian marine park declared in 2022 over the ocean around the atolls.

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WhereCocos (Keeling) Islands
Nearest cityWest Island
Best seasonApril to October
Time to allowVaries
Getting thereWaters around the atolls; boat and dive operators from West and Home Islands
EntryFree; operator charges apply

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marine Park was declared in 2022 and covers the ocean around both atolls out to the edge of Australian waters, a very large area of deep sea, seamount and reef with two small atolls in the middle of it. Most of it nobody ever sees. What visitors encounter is the reef around the lagoon and the drop-offs on the ocean side, worked by a handful of dive operators.

What you actually see

  • The reef edge - the drop-offs on the ocean side of the atoll.
  • The lagoon reef - the coral inside the ring the operators work.
  • The 2022 declaration - the park established over the surrounding ocean.
  • The scale - protection running far beyond the visible atolls.

When to go

April to October is drier with steadier conditions for diving. Visibility is generally good year round. The wet season brings heavier weather.

Honest expectations

Almost all of the park is deep ocean nobody can reach. Dive operators are few and must be booked ahead. Zoning rules govern where fishing is allowed and should be checked before going out.

Nearby

Pulu Keeling is north, and the lagoon is at the centre.

What to pack for Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marine Park

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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