Best for advanced divers, 1-10m, shore entry, strong current.
The Rip is a shallow reef site in the Cocos Islands defined by strong currents. With depths ranging from 1 to 10 metres, this site is strictly for advanced divers capable of managing significant water movement. Visibility is typically between 20 and 30 metres, allowing clear views of the reef structure. Divers may encounter Napoleon Wrasse, Harlequin Sweetlips, and Titan Triggerfish, alongside various wrasses, parrotfish, and butterflyfish. Water temperatures remain warm, between 27 and 29 degrees. Shore entry requires careful timing based on current direction to ensure a manageable dive. Facilities including toilets, showers, and changing rooms are available on site.
-12.09478, 96.88685
Read the current direction from shore before entering, as conditions at The Rip can change quickly and a poorly timed entry will make the dive significantly harder to manage. Showers, toilets, and changing rooms are available on site, so bring a towel and dry kit for after the dive.
Accessed by boat across the lagoon from West Island to Direction Island, followed by a 10 minute walk to the site.
Recorded at this site
Depth
Up to 10m
Visibility
20-30m
Skill Level
Advanced
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
27-29°C
Current
Strong
Typical Dive
10 min
Best Time
May, Jun
No nearby dive sites found within 50km.
Divers can encounter Napoleon Wrasse, Harlequin Sweetlips, Titan Triggerfish, Redlip Parrotfish, Scrawled Butterflyfish, Pacific Orange-spine Unicornfish, Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse, Bluefin Trevally, Yellow Boxfish, Lagoon Triggerfish, Pennant Bannerfish, Moorish Idol, and Pacific Bullethead Parrotfish.
No, The Rip is an advanced-level dive site due to the presence of strong currents that require solid buoyancy control and careful entry timing.
The site has a depth range of 1 to 10 metres, with an average depth of 5 metres.
The Rip is a shore-entry dive site.
While the site is primarily used for diving, the strong currents and advanced skill requirements make it unsuitable for casual snorkelling.
The main hazards are strong currents, which require careful monitoring of your dive computer and depth. Divers should also remain vigilant of sharks.
Diving at The Rip in West Island requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A rashguard or 2mm shorty is recommended for diving at The Rip in West Island. Water temperatures range from 27°C to 29°C.
The best months to visit The Rip in West Island are May and June. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
The Rip in West Island can have strong currents. Advanced experience with drift diving and current navigation is recommended.
Visibility at The Rip in West Island typically ranges from 20 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.
