The Cables is a premier snorkel and dive site in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands lagoon, named for the historic submarine telegraph cables that once ran through this area. The site combines a unique wreck-dive element — including large winches and cable remnants — with a maze of coral bommies (patch reefs) and sea grass beds. The clear, warm lagoon waters are teeming with extraordinary fish diversity, making it one of the most biodiverse spots in the archipelago. Snorkelers can expect to see schools of bluefin trevally, peacock rockcod, trumpetfish, chin-strap snapper, and long-nose butterflyfish, with reef sharks often drifting through. The shallow lagoon setting and the fascinating man-made relics on the sandy bottom create a snorkeling experience unlike any other in the Indian Ocean.
The Cables
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Tidal currents in lagoon
Strong tidal currents can flow through the lagoon channels, especially during spring tides.
Moderate risk: Venomous reef fish (stonefish, scorpionfish, lionfish)
Stonefish, scorpionfish, and lionfish may be camouflaged on the coral and rubble bottom.
Low risk: Submerged cables and wreck debris
Coral bommies and submerged cables/wrecks create potential entanglement and snagging hazards for snorkelers.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Boat traffic accessing the lagoon pass through this area; snorkelers need to be vigilant.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
Be the first to share a photo
No photos yet — yours could be the first.
Photos are reviewed by moderators before they appear.
Getting in
The Cables is located in the lagoon of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. It is accessed by boat, typically as part of a guided dive or snorkel tour departing from Direction Island or West Island. No shore-based access.
No parking available at the site itself. Parking is available at the boat ramp on West Island or at the Direction Island jetty if arriving by private vessel.
Spot Map
Community
Trust
Is this spot real, accurate, still loved?
Nearby spots
No nearby spots yet.
Quick verify
One tap helps the community keep this spot honest.
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.