Cocos Keeling - Profile
Facts
- The Cocos Keeling Islands consist of two atolls, North Keeling and South Keeling, comprising 27 low coral islands, most of them clustered around South Keeling's lagoon. Most of the smaller islands are uninhabited. Cocos Keeling is an Australian territory.
- The islands are a convenient stop for westbound yachts in the South Indian Ocean.
- Direction Island is uninhabited and has almost no facilities. This is where the yacht anchorage is located.
- Home Island has about 500 inhabitants of Malaysian descent. Appropriate conservative dress should be worn when visiting Home Island in consideration of the residents' religon. Home Island has some shops and fuel and propane is available.
- West Island is the commercial centre with police & customs, airport, a dive shop, fuel, provisions and other tourist facilities.
- Getting work done: The island contractors are resourceful but not many are marine focused. There is a limited boat repair facility on Home Island, but for emergency work only.
- Provisions: Most products are shipped or flown in, so the prices reflect that. Avoid buying all but the necessities.
Weather
The islands are under the influence of the SE trade winds for most of the year. The winds are strongest in August. During the cyclone season, from December to March, the winds are lighter. The islands are rarely affected by tropical storms.
There is an Australian Bureau of Meteorology office on West Island. They can be contacted by telephone from Home Island and will assist with forecast information.
Cocos Keeling Weather Forecast
For links to free global weather information, forecast services and extreme weather information see the Noonsite Weather Page
Main Ports
Direction Island * , Home Island , West Island
* indicates port of entry
Posted on behalf of Paul Stephens aboard s/v Tin Tin:
Getting to West island to clear in/out was less easy especially as there was no consensus on the ferry timetable. I have since laminated one and attached to the notice board. There is a ferry from Direction to Home island on Saturday a.m. at 10:00 but the connections don't really work to get back again. So it's best to dinghy the 1.5nm to Home island giving the chance if the last ferry back from West island at 16:00. Ferry is AU $3.50 single or $5.00 return. The bus meets the ferry for $0.50... everything shuts at 15:00 on Saturday and there were no cafe or bar open. The community Centre was helpful with Wi-Fi, and the shop reasonably stocked.