Meet the site
Pig Rock sits on the west coast next to Egeria Point, a long boat ride from Flying Fish Cove and one of the least-dived parts of the island. Extra Divers describe it as famous for its towering gorgonian fans and dramatic reef structures with deep drop-offs, and single it out as a site for underwater photographers.
The topography is rugged: buttresses, ridges and heads of reef rise from the slope, with gullies between them, before the edge falls away steeply. The gorgonians are the headline – big, fan-shaped sea fans growing out from the drop-off into the current, their size a reflection of the nutrient-rich water that sweeps along the exposed west coast. Around them the reef is covered in hard corals, sponges and whips, and the fish life includes large tropical species: groupers, snapper, sweetlips, trevally, Napoleon (Maori) wrasse and schools of fusiliers and surgeonfish. Reef sharks patrol the drop-off, and the proximity of Egeria Point – rated one of the island's best shark dives – means grey reef and silvertip sharks are possible.
Graded intermediate to advanced by Extra Divers, Pig Rock needs calm seas for the long run south and good buoyancy around the fragile fans. Currents on the west coast can be stronger and less predictable than on the north. The water here is often exceptionally clear, making it ideal for wide-angle photography of fans against the blue.
It suits experienced divers and photographers, and is usually paired with Egeria Point on the same trip. Few groups reach it in a season, so the reef shows almost no sign of diver damage.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Pig Rock 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.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
- 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 Pig Rock 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 Pig Rock 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
Giant gorgonian sea fans, hard corals, sponges, whips, groupers, snapper, sweetlips, trevally, Napoleon (Maori) wrasse, fusiliers, grey reef and whitetip sharks
Location
Dramatic reef structures and deep drop-offs with towering gorgonian fans on the west coast, next to Egeria Point.
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.aucx.geoview.infoRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.