Meet the site
Steep Point is a headland on the east coast, about 370 m south of Lily Beach and close to Low Point, according to gazetteer data.
As the name suggests, the headland is steep, and the island's shoreline in general drops quickly into deep water – the reef fringing the east coast is narrow and gives way to a steep slope and wall within a short distance of the cliffs. Expect hard coral on the reef top, sea fans and whips on the wall, reef fish such as butterflyfish, angelfish, triggerfish and groupers, and pelagics along the edge – trevally, reef sharks and, in the wet season, possibly whale sharks and mantas. The east side of the island receives far fewer dives than the north, so the reef is likely to be in excellent condition.
The east coast is exposed to the south-east trades for most of the year, when this point will be rough and surge-swept. The only realistic window is on calm days during the wet season, when the monsoon swell affects the north coast and the operators move east. A point like this also accelerates currents.
Steep Point is best described as an exploratory site for experienced divers joining a special east-coast trip. Confirm with the operators whether they dive it before planning around it. The shore is cliffs and rock platform, with no practical shore entry for divers.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Steep Point is recorded as Wall 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.
- 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 Steep 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 Steep 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
Hard corals, sea fans, whips, butterflyfish, angelfish, triggerfish, groupers, trevally, reef sharks; seasonal whale sharks and mantas possible
Location
Headland on the east coast just south of Lily Beach; steep reef edge and drop-off dived only by boat on calm days.
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
cx.geoview.infocx.geoview.infocx.geoview.infoRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.