We all know that time is precious, but that’s especially true when you’re visiting the Cocos Islands, a remote Australian territory in the Indian Ocean.

Perhaps your interest was piqued by pictures of the long, powdery beach and shimmering lagoon at Direction Island Cocos Keeling Islands. Or maybe you’ve already landed on West Island, and you’re trying to determine whether taking the ferry to Direction Island is really worth your time.

Either way, our complete guide to Direction Island Cocos Keeling Islands will cover everything you need to know, from how to get there, how to tackle the island’s popular drift snorkel, The Rip, and whether Direction Island is safe and suitable for families.

Overview — Why Direction Island Is a Must-Visit

As you’ll quickly tell from our Ultimate Cocos (Keeling) Islands travel guide, Direction Island is one of the most talked about places in the Cocos. But why? A brief look at the scenery gives you the answer: the remote island is dominated by a long strip of sand with dense coconut palms and a shallow, turquoise lagoon.

With no buildings to disrupt the views, Direction Island Cocos Keeling Islands feels a world away from civilisation. Not that getting there is impossible; in fact, there’s a cheap twice-weekly Direction Island ferry to whisk you there and back.

This island’s nothing like the Cocos’ West Island or Home Island, where there are restaurants, hotels and holiday apartments galore. Direction Island only has a few shelters (pondoks) for day use or camping with a permit.

And last but not least, it’s practically a paradise for snorkellers. One of the best things to do on Direction Island is The Rip, a powerful drift snorkel suitable for strong swimmers. Families should have a good time on the sand or paddling around shallow coral bommies in the lagoon. If you get at all bored – unlikely – there’s also a heritage trail.

Getting to Direction Island (Ferry Guide)

If you found working out how to get to the Cocos Islands a little taxing, good news. Getting to Direction Island Cocos Keeling Islands is far more straightforward.

Ferries to Direction Island depart from West Island and Home Island twice per week – and it’s incredibly cheap, with a return ticket costing just $5.

Ferry Days & Times

The ferry only operates on Thursdays and Saturdays, stopping first at West Island, then Home Island and finally at Direction Island. It’s all very straightforward, but you may want to download the up-to-date ferry timetable before your trip, and keep it handy.

Just remember, if you’re boarding the ferry on West Island – like most folks – you’ll stop at Home Island before reaching Direction Island. Don’t get off too early, or you’ll need to keep yourself occupied with our Home Island Guide instead! The journey takes up to one hour from West Island and half an hour from Home Island.

Here are some quick tips to get you on your way:

• The Direction Island ferry doesn’t run on public holidays, unless it’s a flight day.
• Buses costing $0.5 each way are available from the main West Island settlement to Rumah Baru ferry jetty.
• The bus departs Cocos Beach Motel 30 minutes before the ferry departure on Thursday and 45 minutes before on Saturday.

Direction Island ferry timetable: Thursday
West Island to Home Island	7:30 am
Home Island to Direction Island	8:00 am
Direction Island to Home Island	8:30 am
Home Island to Direction Island	1:30 pm
Direction Island to Home Island	2:00 pm
Home Island to West Island	2:30 pm

Direction Island ferry timetable: Saturday
Home Island to West Island	9:00 am
West Island to Direction Island	9:30 am
Home Island to Direction Island	3:00 pm
Direction Island to West Island	3:30 pm

What to Bring on the Ferry

Direction Island has very limited facilities, and that’s what makes it so special. However, that does mean that you need to arrive prepared for a full day on a tropical island.

Before you make your way to the Direction Island ferry, you’ll need to pack:

• Cash of at least $5 per person for the return ferry. More cash won’t go amiss, as you may need to pay for the bus or last-minute snacks.
• Snorkelling gear. There are no rental shops on Direction Island, so you’ll need to bring your own masks, snorkels and fins. They can be rented from the West Island visitor centre the day before, but it has limited stock and sizes.
• Reef shoes. The sea floor is scattered with coral, shells and other dangers, so it’s always a good idea to protect your feet.
• Food and water. There are no restaurants or shops on Direction Island, so you must bring enough food and water to cover your group. Remember, the climate at the Cocos is hot and humid, so at least 2 – 3 litres per person is advised.
• Shade. There’s limited shade on the island, so a beach umbrella, beach cabana or beach tent will come in handy.
• First-aid kit. It’s unlikely you’ll need it, but a first-aid kit is essential.

Cossie’s Beach — One of Australia’s Best Beaches

There’s no doubt that Cossie’s Beach is one of, if not the, best beaches in Australia. How can you beat it? Cossies Beach (Cocos) is a narrow strip of sand with a powdery consistency. In the middle are coconut palms, and on the outside is a shallow, clear lagoon with coral bommies.

At the very south of Cossie’s Beach is The Rip, a powerful drift snorkel carrying creatures like turtles, rainbow fish and rays. However, if you’re not a strong swimmer, there are many more things to do on Direction Island Cocos Keeling Islands, including snorkelling in the calmer waters of the lagoon or tucking into a homemade feast at the dedicated barbecue and picnic areas.

Direction Island may feel completely cut off from the world, but it also has a heritage trail that traces the island’s history. It’s directly accessible from Cossie’s Beach, and takes in World War I battle sites and other key locations.

Snorkelling on Direction Island

Snorkelling is a top priority for most people who visit Direction Island Cocos Keeling Islands, but you may have questions. Is it safe? Is it suitable for families? How does The Rip work? We’re here to answer them all once and for all.

Lagoon Snorkelling (Beginner-Friendly)

If you’re a beginner snorkeller, you’ll want to stick close to the shore. The lagoon at Direction Island is protected by a large outer reef, so the conditions are much calmer.

Families and beginners prefer to zone in on the coral bommies scattered around the shallow lagoon, which are far away from the powerful current of The Rip Cocos Islands.

The bommies attract colourful fish like parrotfish, butterfly fish and angelfish, alongside the occasional turtle or barracudas.

Safety Considerations for Snorkellers

Even shallow areas can be dangerous if you’re not a strong swimmer. If you’re thinking of snorkelling in the lagoon at Cossies Beach (Cocos), you must, of course, know how to swim. A buddy system is always recommended for Direction Island snorkelling; that way, you can keep a close eye on your partner, and vice versa.

If the water’s choppy or the visibility is poor due to wind or rain, there’s no shame in staying on the safety of the sand. Low tides can also reveal shallow sandbars, so you should never, ever dive into the water headfirst.

The Rip — Drift Snorkel Step-by-Step Guide

What Is The Rip?

That brings us to The Rip. This popular and powerful drift snorkel runs over an underwater chasm at the south end of Direction Island. So many tourists want to snorkel The Rip to be in with the chance of spotting turtles, large trevally and rays. However, the current is strong, so it should only be attempted by strong, confident swimmers.

Step-by-Step: How to Snorkel The Rip Safely

1. Entry point

The entry point for The Rip Cocos Islands is at the very south end of Direction Island. Look for the jetty at the end of Cossie’s Beach; entry is along the foreshore.

2. When to enter (tides, conditions)

The drift snorkel is best attempted at low tide because the current is less powerful, and at lower speeds, there’s more time to take in the sea life around you.

Before entering the water, you must consider the 150-metre swim out of the rip at the end of the snorkel. If the water looks like it’s moving too fast for you to swim out confidently, then you may want to sit this one out.

The ideal conditions are dry, sunny and not windy. This ensuresgood visibility in and out of the water.

3. How the drift works

Drift snorkels are pretty unique. Rather than choosing your direction of travel, you need to surrender to the current and let it carry you. In this case, the rip will carry you from the south end of the island towards the lagoon at the southeast of Direction Island. The Rip passes over a deep underwater valley packed with sea life.

4. Exit point

At the end of the channel, The Rip starts to angle towards the calmer lagoon water; it’s a 150-metre swim. A safety rope is installed at the end of The Rip, where you can grab hold and pull yourself back to the shore if needed.

What to do if conditions change

If the conditions change while you’re snorkelling The Rip, don’t panic. Look out for the safety rope at the end of The Rip and use it to find your way back to shore. There’s no point in trying to backpedal because the current is too strong.

The Rip Safety Tips

• Only attempt The Rip (Cocos Islands) if you’re a strong swimmer and experienced snorkeller.
• Life jackets can be worn as a flotation device, but fins are recommended because they can feel ‘heavy’ and limit your swimming power.
• Skip The Rip if you’re tired or the visibility is poor. If the current looks like it’s moving too fast, it’s better to stay on shore.
• Children can snorkel The Rip, but only if they’re experienced snorkellers and accompanied by a responsible adult.

Direction Island Heritage Trail

If you’re a history fan, there are plenty of things to do on Direction Island Cocos Keeling. The World War I Battle of Cocos happened here on the 9th November, 1914, and the heritage trail will walk you through every key piece of action, from the first warning sign and the raid on the cable station by the German ship to their defeat by the Australian light cruiser, Sydney.

The heritage trail takes most people one to two hours, and it’s an interesting insight into the history of the Cocos, including how Cocos Malay workers once planted gardens on the island before underground telegraphic cables were added in 1901.

Is Direction Island Suitable for Families?

Direction Island is suitable for families. The best areas are next to the pondoks, sheltered barbecue areas, and families can also attempt snorkelling around the coral bommies in the shallow lagoon.

Of course, babies or young children (under the age of three) may be less tolerant of the sun, sea and sand. You’ll want to avoid staying in direct sunlight for too long if you’re visiting with children.

Here’s a quick family packing checklist for Direction Island:

• Cash
• 2 – 3 litres of water per person and child
• Food (ideally in a cooler box)
• Snorkelling gear (mask, snorkel and fins)
• Source of shade
• Bug repellent
• Medication and first-aid
• Reef shoes
• Towels
• Sun protection

How Long to Spend on Direction Island

How long you stay at Direction Island Cocos Keeling Islands, very much depends on the ferry timetable. On Thursdays and Saturdays, the timetable allows you six hours on the island.

This is enough time to:

• Tackle The Rip (if you’re a strong swimmer).
• Snorkel around the Coral bommies in the Cossie’s Beach lagoon.
• Have a picnic lunch or barbecue.
• Complete the heritage trail in 1 – 2 hours.

Most tourists underestimate just how much energy snorkelling uses up, so you’ll need plenty of time to rest and refuel. The heat is also strong on the exposed beach, so staying well-hydrated and protected from the sun is key.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• When you decide how long to stay in the Cocos, don’t forget that the Direction Island ferry only runs on Thursdays and Saturdays.
• Remember, the best time to visit Direction Island is the dry season from August to February.
• Don’t miss the return ferry; download the Direction Island ferry times in advance.
• Always check the conditions before entering The Rip at Cossies Beach Cocos.
• Pack the right footwear: sturdy sandals and reef shoes.
• Don’t underestimate sun exposure; apply and reapply strong SPF (30+).

FAQs About Direction Island

Do you need to book the ferry in advance?

The Direction Island ferry doesn’t need to be booked in advance. It can be paid for upon arrival.

Can you camp on Direction Island?

You can camp on Direction Island with a permit, according to the Shire of Cocos Keeling Islands. Permits can be purchased at the Shire’s administration office on Home Island. There are five shelters for camping on Direction Island, each suitable for up to six people. They have basic facilities, including eco toilets, wood-fired barbecues and picnic tables.

Are there toilets or shops?

There are waterless eco toilets on Direction Island. However, there are no shops or restaurants, so visitors must come prepared with their own food and drink.

Is it safe to snorkel alone?

You should always snorkel The Rip at Direction Island with a buddy or a snorkelling tour, as it’s a powerful, fast-moving drift snorkel.