Christmas Island (Kiritimati), Kiribati
    Kiritimati

    Reef Patches

    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 Patches 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 Patches, off Christmas Island, is a site we return to whenever we can. It’s not about dramatic drop-offs or massive pelagics here. Instead, you're looking at a series of distinct coral heads, like small islands in a sandy sea, each one a universe of its own. We’ve spent whole dives just circling one patch, finding something new with every pass. We love seeing the Pavona coral formations, truly impressive, alongside huge numbers of spotted puffers and the bold Batavian parrotfish. Keep an eye out for boomerang triggerfish darting in and out, and the flash of a red squirrelfish in the shadows. We've often found Isabel's hermit crabs scuttling across the sand between the patches – a small detail, but always a delight. Our favourite time to dive here is mid-morning, just as the light starts to penetrate fully, really making the colours pop. The currents are generally mild, making it a relaxed dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to take their time and observe.

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

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Reef Patches

    Reef Patches Ocean Conditions

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

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    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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