A little-visited gem, the Cocos (Keeling) islands offers some of the most unvisited dive spots in the world, with amazing marine life and a well-preserved WW1 wreck to explore.
Originally named after Captain William Keeling in 1609, the name Cocos was added as a reference to the plentiful coconut trees on the islands. Divers will love it here –get up close to the phenomenal coral reefs, teeming with life, including rare hawksbill turtles. If you get the chance, make sure to dive the atmospheric WWI wreck of SMS Emden, sunk by an Australian destroyer in 1914. The island has just under 600 residents, mostly Cocos Malay people, along with a small group of Europeans. Learn more about their culture at the Home Island Museum. The islands see few visitors, but you will be in good company – the Queen and Prince Philip visited the islands on their world tour in 1954.
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