Named for the six coral-encrusted cannons resting in two clusters on the sandy seabed, The Cannons is a unique wreck-and-reef site inside the sheltered lagoon of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. At around 12 metres depth, divers and snorkellers explore rocky outcrops, scattered wreckage, and vibrant coral bommies teeming with fish. The site is famous for resident reef sharks, turtles, manta rays, and the endemic Cocos Pygmy Angelfish. With its clear turquoise waters, intriguing history (the cannons likely served as ballast on 19th-century ships), and abundant marine life, it offers a consistently rewarding underwater experience.
The Cannons (dive site)
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Wave Height 0.2 mSwell Period 12 sWind Speed 2.5 knPrecipitation 14 mmTidal Phase slack
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Tidal currents in lagoon channel
The site is inside the lagoon, but tidal flows through the entrance to Port Refuge can create moderate currents, especially on outgoing tides.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Boat traffic from dive operators and local vessels transiting the lagoon channel.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
The Cannons is located inside the lagoon of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, accessible by boat from the main settlement on West Island or from Direction Island. Local dive operators (Cocos Dive) run regular trips to the site.
Parking & facilities
Parking is available at the jetty area on West Island near the boat launch point. Vehicles can be rented on the island but spaces are limited to resort and town parking areas.
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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