Fringed by dense tropical pandanus on Christmas Island's eastern coast, Ethel Beach is a quintessential Robinson Crusoe escape. Accessed via a short 50-metre path through lush vegetation, this stunning pocket of white sand meets a colourful sloping coral reef that extends straight from the shore. The crystal-clear waters teem with vibrant fish and coral patches, while fossil fragments and blue coral rubble in the sand hint at the island's volcanic past. Ethel Beach ranked in the Top 20 of Australia's Best Beaches in 2022, offering superb shore-entry snorkelling with a wild, untamed character.
Ethel Beach
IntermediateGO
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 6.5 sWind Speed 7.9 knPrecipitation 1.2 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Strong offshore currents beyond the reef
Strong currents can develop beyond the protective reef, posing a risk to swimmers and snorkelers who venture too far out.
Low risk: Reef bombies and sharp coral
Sharp coral heads and reef bombies are present in the shallows; contact can cause cuts or injuries.
Low risk: Changing tides and swell
Sea conditions can shift rapidly with tides and swell, creating unexpected waves and changing water depths.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
1 photo from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Ethel Beach is located on the eastern side of Christmas Island, a short 50-metre walk down a path from the roadside parking area. It is a few minutes' drive from the Settlement area.
Parking & facilities
Small roadside parking area near the beach access path.
Free entry.
Spot Map
Community
Gallery ┬╖ 1 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