Meet the site
Pulu Maraya is the best independent snorkel on West Island, the island where visitors stay, and needs nothing more than a bike and a mask. The official Cocos snorkelling guide describes a short reef walk from Scout Park across to Pulu Maraya at low to mid tide, where snorkellers find giant clams, rock cods, butterflyfish, angelfish and parrotfish, with turtles often seen. The tourism site's snorkelling feature describes a drift snorkel around the island, with puffers and a resident octopus. Juvenile blacktip reef sharks patrol the shallows of the West Island lagoon, and small schools of fish shelter in the coral around the island's edge. The island is small, covered in coconut palms, and surrounded by coral patches in shallow water; the channel between Scout Park and the island carries a tidal flow, so the usual technique is to enter up-current and let the water carry you around. It is a relaxed, family-friendly snorkel that can be done repeatedly across a stay, at different tides and times of day. Cocosday Tours also runs motorised canoe safaris to Pulu Maraya with snorkelling and paddle boards included, a good option for those who want company or a picnic. Because it is on the lagoon side, the water is warm and generally calm, but in strong trade winds the lagoon can be choppy. Reef shoes are essential for the walk across the reef flat, and care is needed not to trample coral: walk on sand and rubble channels wherever possible. The tidal timing is the main thing to get right – check the tide chart, go on a falling or low tide, and return before the flat floods.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Pulu Maraya is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The listed access is shore. 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.
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 Pulu Maraya suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. 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 Pulu Maraya 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 clams, rock cods, butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, puffers, octopus, green turtles, juvenile blacktip reef sharks
Location
Small island off Scout Park on the lagoon side of West Island, reached by a short reef walk or wade across the channel at low to mid tide.
Facilities nearby
Scout Park: parking and picnic area; no toilets confirmed. Snorkel hire at the West Island visitor centre; shops and cafes in the West Island settlement.
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.auwesternaustralia.comaustraliantraveller.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
