Pulu Maraya is a tiny sand cay at the southern end of West Island, accessible only by wading across a shallow reef channel from Scout Park at low to mid tide. This shallow drift snorkel (1-2 m depth) sweeps you partway around the island past coral gardens teeming with butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, and clams. The gentle current does the work — no fins needed. Watch for baby reef sharks cruising in knee-deep water, curious turtles, and the occasional bluefin trevally hunting eels. The protected lagoon side offers crystal-clear calm water, while the outer side delivers a mild current and a parade of tropical life. Walk across the island and repeat the circuit for a different show each lap.
Pulu Maraya
IntermediateMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.7 mSwell Period 5.6 sWind Speed 13 knPrecipitation 25 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Sharp reef walk crossing
The reef flat between Scout Park and Pulu Maraya is a sharp, uneven coral rubble and rock surface. Reef shoes are essential to avoid cuts.
Low risk: Lagoon tidal currents
The site is in the lagoon with moderate tidal flows. Snorkellers should be aware of changing current direction, especially during incoming and outgoing tides.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Boat traffic accessing the lagoon and nearby channels. Snorkellers should stay aware of charter and local vessels in the area.
Low risk: Sharp coral and reef rock
Sharp coral bommies and reef rock near the surface. Reef shoes are recommended to avoid cuts when entering or exiting the water.
Low risk: Shallow water at low tide
At low tide, water depth drops below 0.5 m in places, making snorkeling difficult and increasing the risk of kicking or standing on coral or marine life.
Low risk: Drift current around island
A gentle but persistent current flows around the island, which can carry weak swimmers toward the outer side. Use the current to drift but be aware of your exit point.
Low risk: Trade wind swell
Between July and October, the area can experience stronger southeasterly trade winds and increased swell, affecting water clarity and current strength.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From West Island, head 4.5 km south to Scout Park. At low to mid tide, walk across the reef channel from Scout Park beach to Pulu Maraya (waist-deep water). Alternatively, join a motorised canoe tour with Cocosday that drops you directly at the island.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at Scout Park on West Island. Also accessible by bicycle from the main accommodation area on West Island (~4.5 km ride). No parking on the island itself — it's a small sand cay only reachable by foot or boat/tour at certain tides.
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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