Meet the site
The Cemetery takes its name from the Chinese cemetery on the shore above – one of the reminders of the Chinese workers who came to the island with the phosphate industry from the late nineteenth century. Extra Divers describe it as an easy drift dive located near the cemetery, only metres from shore, with a depth range of 5–14 m, rated for beginners.
The reef here is shallow and colourful. Hard corals – branching, plate and massive forms – cover the shelf close to the cliff, with soft corals and anemones among them, and the current that runs along this part of the Settlement coast carries divers gently past it. Schooling fish are a feature: fusiliers, surgeonfish, goatfish and snapper move in clouds over the reef, and there are plenty of butterflyfish, angelfish (including the endemic Christmas Island angelfish), triggerfish, wrasse and parrotfish. Turtles are regular, and reef sharks and trevally patrol the outer edge. Despite the shallow depth, Extra Divers note it is a peaceful and colourful experience.
It is a good first drift dive: the current is usually mild, depth is easy to control and there is lots to see without going deep. It also works as a second dive after a deeper site, allowing a long bottom time on a shallow profile. Being close to Flying Fish Cove, it is one of the sites used when time or conditions keep the boats near home.
Like the rest of the Settlement coast it is sheltered from the south-east trades and exposed to northerly swell in the wet season, when the shallow reef can become surgy. Suited to beginners, snorkellers on calm days and photographers who like bright shallow reef.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
The Cemetery is recorded as Drift 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.
- 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 The Cemetery suitable for my certification?
The record lists 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 The Cemetery 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 and soft corals, anemones, fusiliers, surgeonfish, goatfish, snapper, butterflyfish, Christmas Island (Cocos) angelfish, triggerfish, wrasse, parrotfish, turtles, reef sharks, trevally
Location
Easy shallow drift a few metres offshore from the Chinese cemetery on the Settlement coast, between The Morgue and Coconut 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.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.