Prison Island is a small, shifting sandy cay nestled between Home Island and Direction Island in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands lagoon. Until recently covered in coconut palms, this dynamic island is ever-changing and surrounded by pristine coral reefs that serve as a nursery for juvenile fish. The channel between Prison Island and Direction Island feeds into the famous 'Rip' drift snorkel, offering abundant coral gardens and the chance to drift alongside colourful tropical fish, reef sharks, rays, and turtles. Its remote, untouched setting makes it a true gem for adventurous snorkellers seeking solitude and thriving marine life.
Prison
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.2 mSwell Period 12 sWind Speed 2.5 knPrecipitation 14 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Strong tidal currents (The Rip)
The channel between Prison Island and Direction Island experiences strong tidal currents that can sweep snorkellers along quickly. Less experienced swimmers may find this challenging.
Low risk: Sharp coral/rocky shoreline
Sharp coral and rocky foreshore at entry points around the cay.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Boat traffic in the lagoon channel between islands.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Prison Island is located between Home Island and Direction Island in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Access is by boat — organise a trip with local charters such as Cocos Blue or Cocosday boat tours from West Island or Home Island. The ferry from West Island to Direction Island (Thursdays and Saturdays, ~$5 return) can also get you close, but Prison Island itself is a small sandy cay requiring a boat to reach its shores.
Parking & facilities
Parking is available at the West Island jetty area where ferries and boat charters depart.
Boat charter fees vary; ferry to Direction Island is approximately $5 return cash only.
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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