Cocos Islands Travel
Cocos Islands Overview
The islands of Cocos are in the middle of the Indian Ocean northwest of Perth, west southwest of Christmas Island. Cocos enjoy a tropical climate with two main seasons: the trade wind season and doldrum season. November through to April is the best time to visit these islands. These months enjoy most of the sun in the Cocos.
Cocos Islands Main Attractions
Cocos is one of the world's best diving spots, famous for its massive schools of white-tipped and hammerhead sharks, eerie manta rays, pilot whales, whale sharks, and sailfish. However, this is for experienced divers only as drop-offs are deep, currents are continually changing, and beginners would freak at the huge shark populations. In fact, converging ocean currents stir up such a wealth of nutrients that the sharks have a surfeit of fish to feed on, and taking a chunk out of divers is probably the last thing on their minds. Snorkelers swimming closer to the surface can revel in moray eels and colorful reef fish.
Aside for being known as the "nature and water paradise", Cocos Islands are known for and wonderful and colorful culture. During the year, as well as the traditional events such as Easter, New Year, Christmas, etc., Cocos hosts a number of unique events. These include the annual Lagoon swim, where competitors swim from Home Island across the lagoon to West Island. Individuals or teams may enter and whether you are a serious contender or wish to join in with the Hash House Harriers, everyone has a load of fun. It finishes in the evening with dinner and presentations to the winners and boat drivers.
Cocos Islands Activities
It is best to take a cultural tour around the island. Do some diving in the pristine and rich underwater of the island. Snorkel by the reefs and see the colorful reef fishes and amazing manta rays. Enjoy the great outdoors with your golf clubs. The islands also boast of a famous golf course that's surely not to be missed.
Cocos Islands Accommodation & Dining
Cocos Islands have wide range accommodations from comfortable and attractive lodges to more luxurious hotels and motels. Like other island paradise accommodations, Cocos' is situated near the waterfront. You can enjoy a wonderful view of the pristine Indian Ocean and the great outdoors. Dining in restaurants in Cocos is a superb experience. Malay food is prepared to be flavorsome and not particularly hot, unless requested. You can also find some western style meals with the selection of meats, veggies and salads.
Cocos Islands Shopping & Nightlife
As stated, Cocos Islands have colorful culture and the nightlife of the island is also as colorful as the islands' culture. Apart from some parties and having some booze, they have some amazing dinners offered every third Friday of the month. It is the "food night." Excellently priced meals are offered along with raffles and good natured fun. Shopping? Cocos is known for it. You can find dive and fishing shops, surf shops, duty free and lots of super markets.
Getting To & Around the Cocos Islands
Reaching Cocos is not a hard thing to do. There is one airport in the west of the island that takes flights from Perth. However, there are no harbors in the island.
