Meet the site
Submarine Rock is named for the shape of its central reef, which resembles a submarine lying on the slope. Extra Divers describe a gradual slope from 10 m to 20 m, often dived as a current-assisted drift that combines relaxation with excitement; Diveplanit and Divernet describe the outer wall, where the drop-off reaches 50 m, with big healthy boulder corals, fans along the wall, and crevices and overhangs to explore.
The dive has two personalities. The upper section is a sloping reef of boulder and plate corals that makes for easy cruising, with butterflyfish, angelfish, triggerfish, surgeonfish and anthias, while the drop-off gives the feeling of hanging over deep water. Fans and whips grow along the wall and in the overhangs, and crevices shelter groupers, squirrelfish and moray eels. The current that often runs along this part of the coast brings in pelagics: manta rays, eagle rays and grey reef sharks cruising by, according to the Diveplanit write-up, and the chance of whale sharks during the wet season.
Operators frequently run Submarine Rock and Leanne's Leap as one continuous drift, starting on the rock and letting the current carry the group west along the drop-off until it gives way to the coral garden at Leanne's Leap. The boat follows the divers' bubbles and picks them up at the end.
It suits intermediate divers comfortable with a moderate drift, depth control on a wall and deploying a DSMB. Less experienced divers can enjoy it by staying on the upper slope with the guide.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Submarine Rock 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.
- 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.
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 Submarine 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 Submarine 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
Manta rays, eagle rays, grey reef sharks, boulder corals, sea fans and whips, groupers, squirrelfish, moray eels, butterflyfish, angelfish, anthias, whale sharks (seasonal)
Location
A submarine-shaped reef on the north-west coast west of Thundercliff, sloping gently to a drop-off that falls to 50 m and beyond.
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.audiveplanit.comdivernet.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.