If you ever get the chance to ask a diver that has been to Christmas Island to use one word to describe his or her diving experience, the most likely response will be: unforgettable. This one adjective has been used for decades to highlight the indigenous flora and fauna that separates the island’s natural gifts from those of other countries. Located in the Indian Ocean on Australia’s Western Coast, Christmas Island is one place where water, pelagics and coral reefs form such a natural union that divers have but to be stricken with pure admiration when they come into contact with all of the beautiful sites that are present. The inactive volcano that rises from a depth of 3000m from the sea floor and the impressive visibility of up to 50m below water are just few of the rewards that Christmas Island promises and proudly delivers in grand style to divers of all categories. No matter what your personal mission is on the island, there are a few dive spots that should be squeezed into your itinerary to make your whole visit to the island an unforgettable one. Some of the dive spots that hold true to their name are:
Pig Rock
This dive site is tucked away on the western coastline. However, with a boat ride that takes less than an hour it is possible to personally see why this water gem is a favorite among the locals and divers as a whole. One of the first things that you will notice is the shape of the rock that looks like a pig’s head. This fact has affectionately dubbed the area as Pig Rock. Once you are in the water, then you will be amazed with the coral formation and the gorgonian fans that sway from side to side adding life, color and movement to the whole underwater scene. The area is also rich in invertebrate growth making it a special interest to those that love underwater life.
The further you wander off, the deeper the waters become and the more challenging the currents as well. This simply means that at a certain depth and distance, this dive site is not recommended for novice divers, but only for those that have mastered the tricks of diving with strong currents. You will also have the chance to see sharks, barracudas, tunas and many other types of marine life littering the water with their remarkable and colorful presence.
Egeria Point
The lush pinnacle and towering reef perfectly combine to make this dive site an unforgettable challenge. It is located to the South westerly corner of Christmas Island and is noted for the rich underwater life that ignites adrenaline and great expectations into divers. There is always something happening at Egeria Point and divers that visit this dive site will not be disappointed with the results. Whether it is large white tip sharks silently resting or barracuda lazily swimming looking for food, all this and much more is guaranteed at Egeria Point.
Thundercliff Cave
This dive site is preferred by photographers that are looking to freeze an unforgettable underwater image. Many caves have burst into formation due to the erosive nature of the waves that have battered the limestone cliff for years. Lovely formations nicely decorate the caves and the presence of different types of fish let divers know that they are being watched by curious onlookers. With low tide it is possible to enter the tunnel like formation and explore even more of the cave. Visibility at Thundercliff Cave is guaranteed for up to 20m and it is perfect for all diving levels.
Ryan's Ravine
Ryan’s Ravine is perfect for those that want to wet their fins and enjoy the presence of soft corals all in one dive. It is located to the eastern side of Christmas Island and is home of lovely whips and turtles. Visibility at this dive site is guaranteed for up 30 meters which is basically the depth of the whole dive itself. This site is perfect for novice and experienced divers.
The Morgue
The name of this dive site will give an iffy feeling, but there is really nothing to fear. The pure thrill of seeing bommies in their highest glory and the different types of fish reward the curious diver with bountiful beauties. Ribbon eels can also be seen and their unusual presence in most underwater sites makes the whole trip a memorable one.