Reef Patches
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.
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.
Reviews for Reef Patches
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)
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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