Monkey Island

Monkey Island, also called Pellew Island, is a small wooded rock a couple of hundred metres off San San Beach, privately owned and uninhabited, and the reef around it is the best snorkelling on this stretch of coast. Strong swimmers make the crossing; most people take a boat from the beach. There are no monkeys and there never were; the name's origin is not clear. Landing on the island itself is not generally permitted.

What you actually see

• The reef - coral around the islet, the best snorkelling in the area.
• The islet - a small wooded rock rising straight from the water.
• The swim - a crossing of around two hundred metres from San San.
• The fish - reef species in numbers around the shallow coral.

When to go

December to April is the calmest and clearest for snorkelling. Swell from June to November reduces visibility and makes the swim unsafe. Mornings are calmest.

Honest expectations

The island is private and landing is not generally allowed; the reef is the point. Boat traffic crosses the swim route and a float or marker is sensible. Currents run between the shore and the islet.

Nearby

San San Beach is on the shore opposite, and Blue Lagoon is west.