UNDERWATER-WHAT LIES BELOW?
The fact that the island rises dramatically from the ocean floor contributes to the endless kilometres of "drop-off" walls. Divers and snorkellers alike can enjoy a variety of locations and there are sites to suit every level of experience.
Snorkellers can enjoy the shallow waters where the boat is anchored while just metres away divers can experience some spectacular wall diving. Many varieties of fish can be observed including pelagics, the occasional shark plus between October and April the chance is there to swim with and view the majestic whale shark which is thought to feed on the red crab larvae and other plankton in the water. The underwater plateaus on top of the walls are laced with many unspoiled corals and abundant species of tropical fish life. This means there is no holding onto an anchor line to do a safety stop-instead time can be enjoyed observing the many colours & personalities of the reefs inhabitants
Whale sharks visit the island generally from October to April but have been seen outside these months. They can be seen in Flying Fish Cove as well as the dive sites near crab migration sites, mostly along the north coast. There are large schools of spinner dolphins seen year-round and sometimes pilot whales in August-September and manta rays that seem to appear around the same time as the whale sharks, presumably to feed on the red crab larvae.
Christmas Island has a narrow fringing reef with a steep, spectacular drop-off 50 - 200m from the cliff-bound shore. There are two distinct seasons: the dry or "trades" from April to November with winds coming from the south and south east; and the wet or "swell" season from November to April with winds coming from the north west. This affects access to dive sites, with the north and west coasts more accessible during the dry season and sites on the east only accessible in the wet. Launching facilities are restricted during the wet, when swells are at their highest, so diving is less reliable. But this is also the doldrums season and can offer some of the best diving of the year.
When the water is cooler from August to September, there are upwellings from the Java Trench that bring nutrients and lower visibility (~15 m). Generally speaking, visibility is around 20 - 25m but can increase to around 50 - 60 m during the doldrums and just before the wet in October to December.
Please note that depth relates to the reef depth for each dive site. All dive sites include the drop-off, which is virtually bottomless.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME?
Generally April to November is the safest time to rely on sea conditions being suitable for boat diving and snorkelling. The "monsoon season" occurs sometime between December and March and can make loading access at the jetty in Flying Fish Cove very difficult. However, during this time the conditions come from the North West so diving is usually possible on the East coast. We can also offer other activities such as 4WD Tours if weather is unsuitable for diving. Doldrums can occur in between the swells with excellent conditions being experienced. However for those wanting to see whale sharks, generally between November and April is their most common time to visit.
For those visiting between April & December this is usually the safest time in regards to avoiding the swell season. The water temperature averages between 25-30 degrees with it dropping around August as low as 23 degrees. This is due to the currents rising from the Java Trench. 3mm suits are worn for most of the year however, some prefer to just don a lycra for the warmer months of December to April.
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