Meet the site
Waterfall Bay lies on the eastern side of the island below the Christmas Island Resort, the former casino, and near the waterfall that gives the area its name. Extra Divers list it as Resort Lagoon / Waterfall Bay and describe ledges, boulders and an impressive drop-off, calling it one of the island's most scenic and approachable dive spots, rated beginner with a depth range of 6–20 m.
The site is a stepped reef: ledges and limestone boulders form overhangs and small swim-throughs in the shallows, with hard corals and sea fans on the rocks, before the reef reaches a drop-off that falls away into the blue. Turtles are common here, resting under ledges or feeding on the reef, and trevally cruise the edge. Extra Divers mention seasonal visitors, which on this side of the island can include mantas and whale sharks in the wet season. Reef fish include butterflyfish, angelfish, triggerfish, groupers and schools of surgeonfish.
Its value to the operators is its position. When the north-west monsoon swell closes the north coast between December and March, the east coast is often sheltered, and Waterfall Bay becomes one of the go-to dives. In the dry season, when the south-east trade winds blow onto this coast, it is dived only on calm days.
It suits beginners and mixed groups, and the varied terrain of ledges and boulders makes it interesting for photographers. The land around the resort, with its golf course and nearby Grotto swimming cave, is worth exploring by car.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Resort Lagoon / Waterfall Bay 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.
- 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 Resort Lagoon / Waterfall Bay 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 Resort Lagoon / Waterfall Bay 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
Turtles, trevally, sea fans, hard corals, butterflyfish, angelfish, triggerfish, groupers, surgeonfish, seasonal mantas and whale sharks
Location
Ledges, boulders and a drop-off in the bay below the Christmas Island Resort (former casino) at Waterfall on the north-east coast.
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 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.