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, gives you that feeling of dropping into an aquarium that someone forgot to put a lid on. It's an easy dive, mostly shallow, which means long bottom times and plenty of light hitting the coral heads. We love how the reef here isn't just a wall; it's a series of distinct bommies, each a small city for fish. Drifting through, you'll spot schools of Blue-banded Pualu darting between the coral, and we've regularly seen the quirky Barred Blenny peeking out from its hole. Keep an eye out for the Chameleon Parrotfish, their colours shift as they graze – it’s really something to see. Our favourite encounters often involve the Enigmatic Moray, usually tucked deep, but sometimes, if you’re patient, you’ll catch a glimpse of its distinctive markings. It’s a site that rewards slow exploration, perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to soak it all in. We’d suggest going in the morning; the light is just better then, really brings out the blues and greens.
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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