Christmas Island (Kiritimati), Kiribati
    Kiritimati

    Reef Patch

    Best months: Nov–Mar

    Protected Area

    Kiritimati

    Why dive here

    With 190+ marine species recorded in the area - including blacktip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, sperm whales, thresher sharks and lionfish - Reef Patch offers some of Christmas Island (Kiritimati)'s richest reef diving. Water ranges 27-29°C, warmest June, July, August.

    Best timeNov–Mar
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBlacktip Reef Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, Sperm Whales, Thresher Sharks and Lionfish · 190+ species recorded
    Water27-29°C · warmest June, July, August
    CharacterReef dive
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    Reef Patch is one of those sites that just feels… different. We’re talking about a proper coral labyrinth here, a maze of overhangs and swim-throughs carved into the reef itself. Dropping down, you immediately notice the sheer density of fish, particularly those big schools of Blue Parrotfish grazing away, their crunching audible even over your own breathing. It’s not about huge pelagics here, though we’ve seen the occasional reef shark cruise by. This site is for getting up close and personal with the smaller stuff, peering into every nook. Our favourite time to dive Reef Patch is late morning, after the initial rush, when the sun is high enough to really illuminate the deeper sections. Look out for the Undulated Morays peeking from crevices – they’re surprisingly common here. We especially love trying to spot the Decorated Butterflyfish, their patterns are just so intricate against the coral backdrop. It’s a relatively easy dive, no strong currents to speak of, making it a brilliant spot for photographers or anyone who just wants to take their time and explore. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve been let in on a secret.

    Today06:1518:2012h 5m daylightGolden hour 17:52

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Reef Patch

    Reef Patch Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Reef Patch, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (1.92, -157.44) (1km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    28°C

    82°F · Range: 26.1–29.8°C

    Air Temperature

    26°C

    79°F

    Wind Speed

    8.38 m/s

    16.3 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1010.8 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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