Claires Corner - Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Green Island, or "The Graveyard" as some call it, might sound a bit spooky, but trust us, it’s a site we genuinely enjoy in the Goat Island Marine Reserve. The name comes from all those rocky outcrops that peek above the surface, looking a bit like crooked headstones. Down below, it’s a fascinating maze of boulders, creating loads of cracks and crevices for critters to hide in. We love poking around the boulder fields here, especially on a sunny day when the light dances through the water, illuminating patches of swaying weed. Keep an eye out for the big snapper cruising by; they’re often pretty curious. It’s also a good spot for finding red rock lobster tucked away and those surprisingly bold New Zealand sentinel crabs scuttling across the rocks. Visibility averages around 13 metres, which gives you plenty of scope to appreciate the rocky topography. This site is perfect for divers who enjoy slow, methodical explorations, peering into every nook and cranny for the smaller, often overlooked, marine life.

Location
Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-12.088400, 96.861400

Nearby Dive Sites in Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Claires Corner

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 Claires Corner (Shark Reef)?
Claires Corner offers dives with a maximum depth of 23m, though depths can extend to 25m or more, making it suitable for experienced divers. This reef dive site is known for its impressive visibility, averaging 40m.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Claires Corner dive site?
Divers at Claires Corner can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life, including a resident school of big eye trevally. Keep an eye out for barracuda in the blue, and you might spot grey reef sharks patrolling the deeper sections of this dynamic reef. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Claires Corner dive site, and is it suitable for Open Water divers?
Claires Corner is considered an advanced dive due to depths that can reach 25m or more and potentially strong currents. Therefore, it is generally not suitable for Open Water divers who are typically limited to 18m and may lack experience with advanced conditions. Divers should possess appropriate certification and experience for this challenging site.
When is the best time of year to dive at Claires Corner for optimal conditions and marine life?
The provided data does not specify a particular best time of year to dive at Claires Corner for optimal conditions or marine life. However, it is noted as a great dive site on an incoming tide or when the current flushes with clean ocean water. For general information on dive seasons, you can consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Claires Corner?
Given that Claires Corner is an advanced dive where depths can reach 25m or more, divers should hold certifications beyond Open Water, such as Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent. This ensures divers have the necessary training and experience to safely navigate the deeper sections and potential currents.
What are the typical current conditions at Claires Corner, given it's a drift dive?
Claires Corner is noted as a great dive site on an incoming tide or when the current flushes with clean ocean water, indicating the presence of currents. While not explicitly stated as a drift dive, these conditions suggest that divers should be prepared for varying current strengths. This dynamic environment contributes to the excellent average visibility of 40m at this Cocos (Keeling) Islands site.