Spanish Eyes - Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Turtle Heaven on Gili Meno always puts a smile on our faces. We love how reliably you’ll find green turtles here, just chilling out on the sandy slope, often near the 9-metre mark. It’s a gentle spot, perfect for a relaxed dive where you can truly take your time observing these majestic creatures. The site itself is a coral-covered pinnacle that drops from around 9m to a maximum of 18m for recreational limits, though the pinnacle goes deeper. Visibility tends to be decent, around 20 metres on an average day, giving you plenty of space to watch the turtles glide past or even munch on some seagrass. Beyond the turtles, expect to see the usual suspects – schools of fusiliers flashing silver, busy sergeant majors, and surgeonfish darting around the coral. We'd suggest aiming for a morning dive to avoid some of the boat traffic, though the turtles don't seem to mind. It’s a great site for newer divers or those who just want a calm, easy experience with a high chance of turtle encounters.

Location
Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-12.122800, 96.907500
Type
reef

Nearby Dive Sites in Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Spanish Eyes

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 maximum depth for diving at the "Spanish Eyes" (Dos Ojos) dive site?
The maximum depth for diving at Spanish Eyes is 23 meters. This makes it a great site for various dive profiles, including a deep bounce dive for more experienced divers.
What kind of marine life and geological formations can divers expect to see at "Spanish Eyes" (Dos Ojos)?
Divers at Spanish Eyes can expect to explore a relatively shallow reef top adorned with great hard and soft corals. Keep an eye out for impressive marine life, including grey reef sharks and barracuda, often found off the wall. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving at "Spanish Eyes" (Dos Ojos), and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Spanish Eyes is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it offers a great deep bounce dive for more experienced divers, it may not be suitable for absolute beginners due to its characteristics. Divers should assess their skill level and comfort with intermediate conditions.
What are the recommended certifications required to dive at "Spanish Eyes" (Dos Ojos)?
The data provided does not explicitly state specific certification requirements for diving at Spanish Eyes. However, given its intermediate difficulty rating and suitability for "more experienced divers," an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience is generally recommended. Always consult with local dive operators for their specific requirements.
What are the typical water conditions and visibility like at "Spanish Eyes" (Dos Ojos)?
Divers at Spanish Eyes can typically enjoy excellent water conditions with an average visibility of 40 meters. This exceptional clarity provides fantastic opportunities to observe the vibrant reef and marine life.
Is there a particular best time of year to dive "Spanish Eyes" (Dos Ojos) for optimal conditions?
The optimal time to dive Spanish Eyes is during the summer months. Alternatively, it is also possible when the winter trade winds drop below 10 knots, offering a window of calmer conditions. For more details on seasonal diving, check our when to dive guide.