COCOS ISLANDS (Pacific Islands)

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Ever since it was first discovered less than half a century after the New World itself, Cocos Islands, lying midway between Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands, has served as a siren to the adventuresome. Here you can answer that call yourself by exploring the island and its wildlife-rich waters, delving into its legendary history, and following an expedition to film the island's wonders. Also, fly over the island in an ultralight aircraft.

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are located in the Indian Ocean at latitude 12°10' south and longitude 96°52' east. They are 2,950 km north-west of Perth, 3,700 km west of Darwin, and 900 km south-west of Christmas Island. There are twenty-seven coral islands in the group, with a total land area of approximately 14 sq. km.

Each island has rough coral beaches to seaward and sandy beaches or mudflats on the lagoon side. The Islands are low lying and most are thickly covered with coconut palms.

Wildlife consists mainly of seabirds, such as Frigatebirds and Booby birds, which are restricted to uninhabited islands, especially North Keeling. Land crabs are common on all islands.

The climate is tropical with high humidity. Temperatures range from 23°C to 30°C. The average rainfall is 2,000 mm per annum, falling mainly from January to August. The south-east trade winds blow most of the year, producing pleasant weather conditions.