Cable Bommie - Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Cable Bommie is one of our favourites in the Cocos, and it’s not just for the rusty bits. Yes, there are actual cables running from Direction Island, plus a couple of hefty winches that look like they’ve been slowly melting into the seafloor for a century. It's a surreal backdrop, like an underwater museum exhibit nobody curated. But the real magic happens around the bommie itself, a dense coral pinnacle pushing up from the sand. We love drifting along here, keeping an eye out for the Black-lined Blennies darting into their coral homes. Look closely, and you might spot a well-camouflaged Common Lionfish tucked under a ledge, fanning its venomous fins. The visibility here is often spectacular, sometimes pushing 30 metres, giving you a clear view of cruising Gray Reef Sharks patrolling the nearby ridge, especially when the current picks up. We’ve had some cracking encounters with mantas gliding through, too, though they tend to make their own schedule. It’s a gentle dive, generally, but that ridge current can be lively, so it suits divers who are comfortable with a bit of movement.

Location
Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-12.085500, 96.874800
Type
reef

Nearby Dive Sites in Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Cable Bommie

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 diving at Cable Bommie?
The maximum depth for diving at Cable Bommie is 22m. Divers can explore a variety of historic equipment and marine life within this depth range.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Cable Bommie?
Divers at Cable Bommie can expect to see plenty of vibrant coral and diverse fish species. Keep an eye out for lionfish, often found under the bommie that gives the site its name. Additionally, the current at the nearby ridge attracts cruising grey reef sharks and frequently sighted mantas.
How challenging is the diving at Cable Bommie, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Cable Bommie is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it offers fascinating sights, it may not be ideal for absolute beginner divers due to potential currents or other factors implied by its intermediate rating. Divers should have appropriate experience and equipment for intermediate conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive Cable Bommie for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Cable Bommie for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general information on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive Cable Bommie?
While specific certifications are not explicitly stated in the provided data for Cable Bommie, its intermediate difficulty rating suggests that divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. Always check with local dive operators in Cocos (Keeling) Islands for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Cable Bommie?
Cable Bommie boasts excellent average visibility, typically around 27m. While the main site might be calmer, there is a notable current at the nearby ridge, which is known to attract cruising grey reef sharks and mantas. Divers should be prepared for varying current conditions, especially near the ridge.