Dirty Rock

Dirty Rock is a prominent offshore rocky pinnacle in the Cocos Island marine reserve with steep, rugged faces and a narrow underwater canyon. The site is best known for large schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks and frequent large pelagics, including giant manta rays and occasional whale sharks at cleaning stations; divers also commonly encounter horse-eye jacks, snappers, green sea turtles, and spotted eagle rays. Dives are boat entries only, typically descending alongside the rock face into adjacent drop-offs with a usual depth range of about 10 to 35 m. Visibility is generally very good (often 30 m or more) but currents can be strong, so divers typically follow the rock contour or drift with the current; the site is recommended for experienced/advanced divers and dive profiles should be planned carefully. There are no man-made hazards or wrecks, and diving is subject to Cocos National Park rules, including guided dives by licensed operators.