The Morgue is a captivating offshore snorkel and dive site on Christmas Island's coastline, named for a small morgue building that once stood on the shore above. Unlike the island's steeper drop-offs, this site shelves gently at about 35°, making it accessible for snorkelers comfortable in deeper water. The seabed is adorned with giant Acropora corals — among the largest around Christmas Island — festooned with colourful feather stars. Emperor angelfish, raccoon butterflyfish, ringtail Maori wrasse, and gilded triggerfish are common sights. The clear tropical waters and dramatic coral formations create a surreal underwater garden that belies the morbid name.
The Morgue
IntermediateGO
GO
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 5.8 sWind Speed 6.1 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Low risk: Tidal currents
Moderate currents can develop around the reef structure, particularly during tidal changes. The site is a continuation of Submarine Rock where water movement can be unpredictable.
Low risk: Swell surge
Swell conditions from the north-west during the wet season (November to April) can make boat access and entry/exit challenging.
Low risk: Moderate depth and current
The site involves a gentle slope to depths of around 25 m with moderate currents possible. Snorkelers should be confident in deeper water.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
The Morgue is located off the coast of Christmas Island, accessed by boat from Flying Fish Cove or the main jetty. Local dive operators run trips to the site regularly.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at Flying Fish Cove near the boat launch area.
parkingtoilets
Access via dive tour operators; package prices vary (approx. AUD$150-200 per guided dive/snorkel trip).
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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