Meet the site
North West Point is the corner of the island where the north coast meets the west, and the natural second dive after Perpendicular Wall. Extra Divers describe it as following on from Perpendicular Wall with sandy reef ledges, a slightly gentler dive in 4–14 m with sleeping reef sharks and vibrant schools of fish.
Where Perpendicular Wall is all vertical drama, North West Point is a terrace dive: tiers of reef and ledges broken by sand, with the edge of the drop-off never far away. Whitetip reef sharks rest on the sand under ledges, and the reef holds schools of fusiliers, snapper and surgeonfish, plus triggerfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish and groupers. Hard corals dominate, with sea fans and whips in the overhangs. Being a point, it catches currents that sweep around the island and brings pelagics – trevally, reef sharks and, in season, whale sharks and mantas. Dolphins are often around the north-west corner.
The point is shallow enough to serve as a second dive after the deeper wall, and the current usually makes it a gentle drift. It is exposed, however, and conditions here change quickly: swell refracting around the corner and current accelerating around the point are why it is graded intermediate to advanced by the operators.
It suits intermediate divers comfortable in current, and anyone who wants to see reef sharks at rest. The north-west corner is also home to the island's immigration detention centre on the plateau above – the name 'North West Point' is best known in Australia for that facility, but underwater it is simply one of the island's most enjoyable shallow drifts.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
North West Point is recorded as Reef 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 North West 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 North West 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
Whitetip reef sharks (resting under ledges), fusiliers, snapper, surgeonfish, triggerfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, groupers, trevally, spinner dolphins, whale sharks and mantas (seasonal)
Location
Reef ledges and sandy terraces at the island's north-western corner, adjoining Perpendicular Wall.
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.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.