Cologne Gardens

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 - Cologne Gardens 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

Cologne Gardens is a Cocos classic, and for good reason. We love dropping in on the wall here, which really hits its stride around 15 metres. You’ll find some seriously impressive Montipora and Leaf corals, big healthy colonies that feel ancient. Our favourite part has to be the orange gorgonian sea fans that just pop against the blue, especially when you drift a little deeper. Keep an eye out for the Australian Squirrel-fish darting into crevices, and we’ve often spotted whitetip reef sharks cruising by. The visibility here is often fantastic, averaging around 28 metres, which really lets you appreciate the scale of the wall. If you’re lucky enough to be diving around the full moon, look out for the massive schools of blacktail snapper – it's an incredible, swirling spectacle. Summer brings the chance to see breeding bumphead parrotfish too, a truly impressive sight. While it’s good for all levels, we’d suggest that experienced divers get the most out of exploring the deeper sections and letting the current carry them along towards Rose Wall.