Meet the site
Coconut Point is the north-eastern corner of the island's Settlement coast and the most energetic of the dives close to Flying Fish Cove. Extra Divers call it 'a classic Christmas Island drift' of swirling currents and wild encounters, a high-energy site for adventurous divers, with a depth range of 6–16 m. Wet'n'Dry and the Tourism Association list it among the island's regular sites.
The reef here is a relatively shallow platform and slope swept by the current that wraps around the corner of the island. Sandy patches among the coral hold large garden eel colonies, the eels leaning into the flow, and the current feeds gorgonian fans growing from the reef. Schools of fusiliers, surgeonfish and snapper hang in the flow, and trevally hunt them. The site's reputation, though, is for hammerhead sharks, which Extra Divers list among its marine life – scalloped hammerheads are seen around Christmas Island, and a point like this, where current meets deep water, is where they come closest.
Below the reef, scientists surveying the island's submarine caves (Tan et al., 2014) recorded a cave system with a narrow mouth about 3 m across at 15 m, affected by strong surge during tide changes – see the separate Coconut Point Cave entry. It is not part of the normal drift dive.
The dive is run as a drift, with the boat following the group. Conditions vary with the tide from a pleasant glide to a fast ride, and the current can swirl and change direction near the point. It suits intermediate and advanced divers comfortable with drift diving, quick descents and DSMB deployment. Being only ten minutes from the jetty, it makes a lively short trip when the longer north-coast runs are not on.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Coconut Point is recorded as Drift in Christmas Island. The listed access is boat. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Coconut Point suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Coconut Point through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Garden eels, gorgonian fans, fusiliers, surgeonfish, snapper, trevally, scalloped hammerhead sharks (occasional), grey reef and whitetip sharks, turtles
Location
The north-eastern point beyond The Settlement, a classic Christmas Island drift with eel gardens and gorgonian fans.
Facilities nearby
Departs Flying Fish Cove jetty/ramp.
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
extradivers.com.audivingchristmas.comchristmas.net.aucuriouscampers.com.aulkcnhm.nus.edu.sgRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.