The Rip
A tidal channel at the south end of Direction Island for drift snorkeling, with schools of grey reef sharks, turtles and napoleon wrasse. It is the best snorkeling spot on the island.
The Rip is a tidal channel at the south end of Direction Island that connects the lagoon with the open sea. The current carries snorkelers over the coral reef, where you can see schools of grey reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, turtles, parrotfish and napoleon wrasse. It is the most famous snorkeling experience in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. It is about a 15-minute walk from Cossies Beach along an island track. The current can be strong, so go with a buddy, wear a life jacket or join a local guide group, and enter the water early in the flood tide. Never enter during the strong ebb current.
Opening hours
All day (tide-dependent)
Nearby sights
- Cossies Beach, Direction Island
- Prison Island
- Home Island Museum (Pulu Cocos Museum)
- Home Island
- Oceania House
- Horsburgh Island
- Trannies Beach
- West Island Settlement