Direction Island, home to the legendary 'Rip' drift snorkel, is a castaway-style paradise on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The fast-flowing current through the channel between the island and the atoll's outer reef creates a world-class drift snorkel — a thrilling ride over vibrant coral gardens teeming with parrotfish, reef sharks, giant wrasse, and vivid reef fish. For calmer adventures, the lagoon-side shallows near the beach offer beginner-friendly coral bommies in crystal-clear turquoise water. Cossie's Beach, voted Australia's Best Beach, provides powdery white sand, shaded pondoks, and wood-fired BBQs for a perfect day out. There are no shops — just pristine nature at its most unspoilt.
Direction Island
IntermediateSKIP
SKIP
Poor conditions. Stay out today.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 1.4 mSwell Period 12 sWind Speed 2.5 knPrecipitation 14 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Direction Island has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Strong Rip Current (the Rip) danger
The Rip is a fast-flowing drift snorkel channel with a strong current that can sweep inexperienced swimmers out into open water. Fins are essential and a boat pickup is recommended for safety.
- The Rip strong current danger
The Rip is a fast-flowing drift snorkel channel with strong currents. Only for strong swimmers with fins. No lifeguards on the island.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Strong Rip Current (the Rip)
The Rip is a fast-flowing drift snorkel channel with a strong current that can sweep inexperienced swimmers out into open water. Fins are essential and a boat pickup is recommended for safety.
High risk: The Rip strong current
The Rip is a fast-flowing drift snorkel channel with strong currents. Only for strong swimmers with fins. No lifeguards on the island.
Moderate risk: Strong Drift Current (The Rip)
The channel feeds a powerful current that sweeps snorkellers rapidly from the ocean into the lagoon. Even strong swimmers can feel out of control. Go with the flow.
Moderate risk: Strong tidal current (The Rip)
The Rip is a fast-flowing tidal drift snorkel channel with strong currents. Only for strong swimmers with fins. No lifeguards on the island.
Moderate risk: Deep open water
Snorkeling occurs in deep open water along the drift channel. Deep water adjacent to the reef edge.
Moderate risk: No Lifeguard Patrol
No lifeguards are present on Direction Island. Snorkelers must self-assess their ability to handle deep, open-water conditions.
Low risk: Sharp Coral/Rock Entry
Entry point has rocks and uneven foreshore. Reef shoes are strongly recommended to cut feet.
Low risk: Rough Surf at Entry
The water can be rough at the entry point as the current pushes against the shore. Requires timing your jump carefully.
Low risk: Wet Season Storms
Tropical storms and rough weather can occur during the wet season (November to March), reducing visibility and making conditions dangerous.
Low risk: Sharp limestone rocks
Sharp limestone rocks are present around the shoreline and entry points. Reef shoes are recommended.
Low risk: Sharp Limestone and Coral
Limestone rocks and sharp coral line the shoreline and entry areas. Reef shoes are strongly recommended to avoid cuts.
Low risk: Remote Location — Bring Supplies
The island has no shops or food outlets. Visitors must bring all food, drinking water, and sun protection for the day.
Low risk: Limited facilities
No shops, food outlets or drinking water on the island — visitors must bring all supplies.
Low risk: Infrequent ferry service
Ferry service only runs twice per week (Thursday & Saturday); limited options if stranded.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
3 photos from the community
Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
The public Cocos Islands ferry runs to Direction Island twice per week (Thursday and Saturday) from West Island and Home Island. $5 cash per person for the return journey, paid onboard. Local tour operators also offer half-day lagoon tours that include Direction Island.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at the ferry departure points on West Island and Home Island.
toiletspicnic_tables
$5 per person return on the public ferry (cash only). Tour operators vary.
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Gallery ┬╖ 3 photos
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports