The Cocos Atoll and Lagoon

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands, a tiny and remote Australian territory adrift in the vast Indian Ocean, form a classic coral atoll of exquisite beauty: a horseshoe ring of low, palm-covered coral islands enclosing a great, shallow lagoon of shimmering turquoise water. Only two of the twenty-seven islands are inhabited, Home Island and West Island, leaving the rest as pristine, deserted tropical isles. The calm, clear lagoon and the surrounding reefs are a paradise for swimming, snorkelling, diving, kayaking and, thanks to reliable trade winds, world-class kitesurfing. With its powder-white beaches, coconut palms, abundant marine life and profound sense of remoteness and tranquillity, the Cocos atoll is an unspoiled and idyllic Indian Ocean escape far from the crowds.

What's there

• The turquoise lagoon - the vast shimmering shallow lagoon.
• The coral ring - the horseshoe of low palm-clad islands.
• The deserted isles - the pristine uninhabited coral islands.
• The water sports - the snorkelling, diving and kitesurfing.

When to go

April to October, the drier season with steady trade winds, is ideal for water sports and settled weather, and the peak for kitesurfing; the tropical climate is warm year-round, with a wetter season around December to March. Calm, sunny days are best for snorkelling the lagoon and reefs.

Things to know

The Cocos are extremely remote, reached only by limited flights, with a tiny population and modest facilities, so they suit travellers seeking tranquillity, nature and water sports rather than resorts or nightlife. As a classic, unspoiled coral atoll of turquoise lagoon, deserted islands and world-class water sports, though, the Cocos are a genuinely idyllic and remote Indian Ocean paradise.

Nearby

Direction Island and the deserted southern islands lie around the lagoon.