Broccoli Patch

Best months: Jul–Nov

Why dive here

With 231+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blacktip reef sharks, blue sharks, grey reef sharks and manta rays - Broccoli Patch offers some of Cocos (Keeling) Islands's richest reef diving. Water ranges 27-29°C, warmest January, February, March.

Best timeJul–Nov

WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit

Marine lifeBarracuda, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Blue Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks and Manta Rays · 231+ species recorded

Water27-29°C · warmest January, February, March

CharacterReef dive

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Broccoli Patch often gets pigeonholed as a beginner site, and yes, it’s a lovely, gentle introduction to Cocos diving. But we think that does it a disservice. It’s a perfect chill-out dive, a place where you can really slow down and appreciate the details without fighting current or depth. Dropping down to that 5m sandy bottom, the light filtering through the shallow water is just gorgeous. You’ll weave through fields of coral, particularly some huge formations of common mushroom coral and those intricate papyrus and honeycomb corals, all gently swaying. We love spotting the little blackfin squirrelfish tucked into the crevices and the vibrant Cocos angelfish darting about. Keep an eye out for bridled gobies perched on the coral heads. It’s a site for lingering, for macro photography, and for just enjoying the sheer peace of the reef. We’ve had some cracking encounters with whitetip reef sharks here, just cruising past, completely unbothered. It’s ideal for less experienced divers building confidence, but also for anyone who appreciates a relaxed, visually rich exploration.