Lynnies Leap - Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Palmetto Keyhole, over on Roatán's north side, is one of those dives that feels a bit like cheating, in the best possible way. The topography here is simply excellent, a channel carved into the reef that starts around 9m and drops to a manageable 22m. We always start by following the reef wall down, letting it funnel us into the keyhole itself. It’s not a huge site, but the way the light plays through the overhangs makes it feel much larger, casting these cool, dappled patterns on the coral. What we love about Palmetto is its consistent character. You’ll drift past big star corals, plumes and rods of soft coral, and we almost always spot some yellowtail snapper schooling in the bluer water just outside the channel. Keep an eye out for blennies and gobies in the sandy patches, and if you're lucky, a saddle stargazer peeking out. It’s a pretty relaxed dive, perfect for photographers wanting to capture those moody light rays or anyone who enjoys a bit of dramatic reef structure without a raging current. We’d suggest going in the morning before any afternoon chop picks up.

Location

Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia, Australasia

Coordinates

-12.075400, 96.826900

Type

reef