Cocos (Keeling) Islands
The idyllic Cocos (Keeling) Islands are made up of 27 separate coral islands forming two atolls which have developed on top of old volcanic sea mounts rising from the sea floor some 5,000 metres below. The main southern atoll is comprised of 26 coral islands shaped in a horseshoe encircling a central lagoon. Of these, only two, Home Island and West Island are inhabited, with most administration, the airport, quarantine station and tourism facilities on West Island.
With the exception of North Keeling Island which is a declared national park, all the islands have been modified by coconut palm plantations and only North Keeling Island maintains any original forested areas though some islands have dense stands of secondary growths on them.
However, if its coconut palms, post-card islands, long sandy beaches, clear water and a beachcomber’s lifestyle you crave, then welcome to the Cocos.
Reef Walking
During low tides, a guide may be organized to introduce eco-experience visitors to the various species and sharing the experience of learning and the diversity of creatures.
The coastal reefs and intertidal areas receive a battering from the sea but at low tide there are a number of areas where the naturalist may see species of interest.
Some of the creatures encountered include swift-footed reef crabs, red-eyed crabs, fiddler crabs, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, rock shells, crab-eating eels, gobies in the pools, algae, sponges, seagrass meadows and their respective fauna.
Snorkelling
Snorkelling in the “Humbug Drift” adjacent to Prison Island is brilliant, with acres of live coral and myriad fish including butterflyfish, wrasses, parrotfish, damsels and anemonefish.
There are excellent snorkelling areas on the southern islands and special nets have been set up at Direction Island so that snorkellers can access the channel safely. However, none of these places are accessible on a daily basis as they all incur a trip across the lagoon and this is only possible on relatively calm days. A snorkelling service and glass-bottom boat is available on suitable days.
With the Indian Ocean providing such a wonderful opportunity, anybody can snorkel. It doesn’t matter what body shape one has, with a shortie wetsuit, natural buoyancy or help from a vest or flotation assistance life jacket the lagoon and its wildlife can be everybody’s enjoyment, from kids to retired kids.
Shallow and protected with a wealth of wildlife a mere arm’s length away the reefs and their creatures provide a never ending sense of amazement to all who share the experience.
However, like all adventure activities snorkelling is of greater pleasure if a few things are known beforehand. Always ensure that masks and fins fit properly.
Always clean a mask with soap, a drip of detergent or ample spit to make sure it does not “fog up” and spoil the view. Remember, if you need to stand up while snorkelling, head for a sandy area. Try not to stand up on the coral, especially in the deeper lagoonal areas as the corals are much more fragile and can be easily damaged.
Snorkelling on the surface means you are face to face with hundreds of easy-to-touch creatures. Investigation is fine but always be very careful how you touch animals.
Some can sting, spine, abrade or bite. Even small fish being hand fed have small teeth and can draw blood; the bigger the fish the bigger the teeth.
Sea urchins are not good to touch as the spines are needle sharp and break off in careless fingers. Some sea cucumbers have sticky, noxious defensive organs which are shot out from their anus when they are handled, so don’t harass them. Common sense should be applied at all times. If you are not sure, leave it alone and just look.
Marine Life
Parks Australia North and the Western Australian Museum have conducted a number of fauna surveys over the years and recorded lists of marine flora and fauna. Studies have shown that the islands’ marine fauna is mainly comprised of species from the Indo-West Pacific, however, some West Indian Ocean species are present and a few species are very common. For all its isolation, Cocos (Keeling) Islands have one endemic fish species which they share with Christmas Island, the Cocos angelfish Centropyge joculator.
So far, marine taxonomists and biologists have recorded 528 species of fish, 89 species of echinoderms, seven reptiles, six marine mammals (including a resident dugong) 610 species of molluscs, 198 decapod crustaceans, 13 barnacles and 99 species of corals.
Visiting divers and snorkellers can look forward to the opportunity of observing a possible 1,550 species of sea creatures, more than enough to satisfy the most avid enthusiast.
Scuba Diving
The dive sites I visited were exceptional, with good variation, crystal clear water and a wealth of semi-tame subjects, perfect for underwater photography. From wrecks to reefs the diving experience was brilliant, and on the way to some sites there were dolphins and manta rays to be seen. Cocos Dive maintain a regular operation based on demand and provide two dives per day with a well-prepared lunch at some of the most exotic island locations you will ever have the pleasure of visiting.
However, it must be understood that out there at the edge of the world, it is adventure diving and must be recognised as such.
Cocos Dive has over 10 years experience at the islands and has dive sites at over 20 locations both inside and outside the lagoon depending on the weather circumstances. Cocos Dive supplies a complete scuba service with hire gear, excellent air fills as well as open water certification and advanced specialties.
Contact Cocos (Keeling) Island Tourism Assosiation for possible reef walking experiences and snorkelling advice.
Cocos (Keeling) Islands INFORMATION GUIDE
Airlines (Monday and Thursday from Perth)
The island is serviced twice a week by National Jet Systems Avro RJ-70 jets which have four engines (for safety on flights over water) and airliner comfort within (check for baggage allowance).
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Passport is mandatory, with full security checks at every entry and exit, even from Christmas Island to Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Plane leaves from the International Airport. Overseas visitors require a visa.
HEALTH REGULATIONS
There are no reported incidents of endemic malaria, dengue fever or other debilitating insect borne diseases. However, if undertaking walks in swampy areas anywhere always wear shoes as hookworm is present, and always take water on walks.
BUSINESS HOURS
Generally 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. depending on the type of business.
The supermarkets have limited opening times and shops may be only manned at certain periods.
Check with tourism as self-contained units require stocking.
BANKING is 8 a.m. till 12 midday on Wednesdays only.
RESTAURANTS
The takeaway style restaurants are open seven days a week and the single bar open most nights.
CLIMATE
There are two distinct seasons at Cocos (Keeling) Islands and although these are generally predictable, prevailing weather conditions can extend or reduce either depending on what is happening in the region.
The wet season generally runs from December to April. The tropical monsoon season is the strongest influence and devastating cyclones have reached the island causing huge amounts of damage. Rainfall is around 2000 millimetres and it is hot and humid.
Cyclone season is from 1 November to 30 April.
The dry season extends from May to November with little rain, warm sunny skies, light SE trade winds and clear water. Temperatures vary from 20deg C to 30deg C.
DRESS
Dress for the tropics: cover up and wear hat, sunglasses and regular sunscreen on the beach or out in boats. Visitors to Home Island should respect the Cocos Malay Muslim culture and dress conservatively. The ancestral roots of the Cocos Malay community is linked to Africa, China, Java, Borneo and Malacca. Ninety-seven
percent of the Cocos (Keeling) Island's community are of Muslim faith which is strictly observed.
ELECTRICITY
Regular 240 volt, same as Australian mainland.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Telephone services (land line) as Australian mainland.
TIME ZONE
Perth is two hours behind the eastern states and Cocos (Keeling) Islands are 1.5 hours behind Perth.
TRANSPORT
West Island and Home Island have a network of road systems some of which are surfaced. While your accommodation generally arranges airport transfers, limited hire vehicles. Bicycles can be hired.
CURRENCY
Australian dollars. All major credit cards are accepted as well as EFTPOS facilities. No foreign exchange exists on the island.
MUSEUM
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands Historical Society
A remarkable historical display is on show here Monday to Friday covering a large range of historical photographs - artefacts - articles and books including wartime relics and stories of the SMS Emden and HMS Sydney
VISITORS INFORMATION CENTRE
COCOS (KEELING) ISLAND TOURISM ASSOCIATION
Cocos (Keeling) Island WA 6799
Tel. (08) 9162 6790 Fax (08) 9161 6696
Email info@cocos-tourism.cc
Web http://www.cocos-tourism.cc/
Book Store