The Sandpatch is a sandy-bottomed snorkel and dive site off Christmas Island known for its gentle conditions and abundant garden eels, making it a favourite for beginners and night snorkels. The shallow, clear waters over a flat sandy seabed are punctuated by flashes of tropical colour from reef fish and invertebrates. Located just offshore from the island's main settlement area, it offers a calm, protected experience away from strong currents — ideal for those new to open-water snorkelling or wanting a relaxed drift in warm Indian Ocean waters.
The Sandpatch
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Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 5.8 sWind Speed 6.1 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
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Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Ocean Swell
The site is exposed to the open Indian Ocean and can experience moderate ocean swells, especially during the wet season (December–March).
Low risk: Tidal Current
Strong tidal flows can occur around the sandy bottom, particularly during spring tides.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
The Sandpatch is a dive & snorkel site off Christmas Island, accessible by boat from Flying Fish Cove. Local operators such as Extra Divers Christmas Island and Wet'n'Dry Adventures run guided trips to the site.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at Flying Fish Cove boat ramp area.
Guided snorkel/dive tours are available through local operators; prices vary.
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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