Trannies Beach, short for 'Transmission Beach', sits at the northern end of West Island in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Its sheltered, crystal-clear lagoon waters are exceptionally calm, making it the islands' premier spot for beginner snorkellers and families. A shallow reef runs parallel to the shore, creating a natural breakwater that keeps conditions gentle. Snorkellers can drift over healthy coral gardens just metres from the sand, spotting colourful parrotfish, butterflyfish, and the occasional green turtle. The name dates back to the island's old transmission station, giving this laid-back paradise a quirky slice of local history.
Trannies (snorkel spot)
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 6.8 sWind Speed 2.0 knPrecipitation 6.5 mmTidal Phase ebb
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Shallow reef at low tide
At low tide the reef becomes very shallow and snorkellers may scrape against coral. Best snorkelled at mid-to-high tide.
Low risk: Gentle tidal current near reef edge
The calm lagoon provides little to no current, but the outer edge near the reef break can experience tidal flow on larger tides.
Low risk: Sharp coral/rock substrate
Sharp coral rubble and rocks at the beach entry point; reef shoes are strongly recommended.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Trannies Beach is located at the northern end of West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands. From the settlement on West Island, head north along the main road to the northern tip of the island where the beach is clearly signposted.
Parking & facilities
Limited informal parking available near the beach access point at the northern end of West Island road.
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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