Barry’s Pool - Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Corsair Reef sits just a short boat ride from Beau Vallon, a really easy skip out for a relaxed afternoon dive. We love that it’s reliably shallow, topping out around 15 metres, which means plenty of bottom time and lots of light penetration for those corals. You drop onto a mix of sand and reef, and immediately we’re looking for the big schools of fusiliers that seem to constantly patrol the place – they’re thick enough sometimes to feel like a wall of silver. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too; we often spot Pale-spotted Combtooth-Blenny peeking out from the coral heads, and there are always Bennett's Pufferfish wobbling around. The table and staghorn corals here are healthy, providing homes for Checkerboard wrasse and juvenile Blue Surgeonfish. While the currents are usually light, we’ve hit it when there's a gentle drift, making it an effortless cruise past the colourful reef. It’s a site that suits anyone looking for a chilled dive with consistent reef activity, without the need for deep or challenging conditions.

Location
Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-12.085300, 96.836600
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-15m

Nearby Dive Sites in Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Barry’s Pool

Marine Life in Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Home to 247 recorded species including 160 reef fish, 44 hard corals, 13 sea cucumbers, 9 sea snails & nudibranchs, 7 crabs & lobsters, 5 sharks & rays.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for scuba diving at Barry's Pool on Cocos (Keeling) Islands?
The typical maximum depth for diving at Barry's Pool is 26m. However, more experienced divers can drop over the wall to depths of 30 or 40m to explore the deeper reef. The dive can conclude in a 9m deep ocean pool on top of the reef, offering a varied depth profile.
What marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Barry's Pool?
Divers at Barry's Pool can expect to be amazed by the extensive coral cover, including beautiful sea fans and rose wall corals. While primarily a "coral" dive, keep an eye out for larger marine life such as sharks and tuna cruising past off the wall. The site offers a vibrant display of both macro and pelagic species.
What is the difficulty level of the Barry's Pool dive site, and is it suitable for beginners?
Barry's Pool is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. It is specifically recommended for more experienced divers due to the potential for deeper wall dives. Therefore, it is generally not suitable for beginners.
What is the best time of year to dive at Barry's Pool on Cocos (Keeling) Islands for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Barry's Pool for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Barry's Pool?
While no specific certification is explicitly stated, given that Barry's Pool is an intermediate difficulty site recommended for "more experienced divers," an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent would likely be beneficial. This would allow divers to safely explore the deeper sections of the wall.
What are the typical current and water conditions divers might encounter at Barry's Pool?
Divers at Barry's Pool can expect excellent visibility, averaging 29m. However, the provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current strength or water temperature. Always check local conditions with your dive operator before diving.