Meet the site
Broccoli Patch is the gentlest dive on Cocos: a shallow coral garden in the north-eastern lagoon where coral heads shaped like giant heads of broccoli rise from a clean sand floor. The official tourism listing gives a range of just 5–10 m, describes the 'breathtaking blooming coral' and an easy descent to the sandy floor, and recommends the site for buoyancy practice. The official snorkelling guide describes the 'Broccoli Patches' as hidden gems of the eastern atoll that visitors reach with a local skipper, and a snorkelling feature notes parrotfish and reef sharks among the coral. The coral heads are close-set and healthy, with clean sand channels between them, so divers can wander at will without a set route. Whitetip reef sharks rest on the sand, turtles feed and rest among the coral heads, and dolphins are often seen in the area – the official listing mentions them specifically. Parrotfish, wrasse, butterflyfish, damsels and anthias crowd the coral. Being inside the lagoon, the site is well protected from ocean swell, and it can be dived when the outer reefs are too rough, although strong trades still chop up the surface. The shallow depth means ample light and long, relaxed dives, and it is an ideal site for newly certified divers, returning divers and anyone wanting to practise buoyancy and photography in easy conditions. For snorkellers it is equally good: the tops of the coral heads come close to the surface and the whole site is visible from above in clear water. Because it is shallow, careful fin control is important to avoid damaging the coral heads and kicking up sand.
What you might see
Coral bommies ('broccoli' heads), whitetip reef sharks, green turtles, bottlenose dolphins, parrotfish, reef sharks, butterflyfish, wrasse, damsels
Location
Shallow coral garden in the north-eastern part of the lagoon, south-west of Direction Island, at -12.0948, 96.8803.
Facilities nearby
Departs West Island; no shops or fuel on the outer islands – Cocos Dive supplies lunch on day trips.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
cocoskeelingislands.com.aucocoskeelingislands.com.aucocoskeelingislands.com.auaustraliantraveller.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.