The Jewels of the Indian Ocean - Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Islands are external territories of Australia. Both islands are nestled in the clear warm waters of the Indian Ocean and are unique to each other. They offer travellers two entirely different destinations to visit and enjoy. For the photographer, it is heaven on earth, be it on dry land or underwater. For the visitor who just wants to escape, there is no better place. The unbelievable kaleidoscope of colours and textures will remain etched in your memory forever.

I am one of the fortunate few who live on Cocos (Keeling) Islands and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this tiny horseshoe-shaped coral atoll on a daily basis, with its glorious white sandy beaches, coconut-lined roads and azure blue waters of the inner lagoon and surrounding reef. Christmas Island, some 900 km to the north east, is our "home-away-from-home". It is where our family goes for a holiday when we feel the need to escape the "Sandbar" and visit our friends on the "Rock".

Since moving to Cocos from the Australian mainland in 1999, I have learnt to dive, which apart from my family, is my greatest passion. I never thought I'd experience the delights of the underwater world. I love the marine life, be it small and delicate like the colourful nudibranchs and beautiful gorgonian fans; or majestic like the graceful manta rays and the grey reef sharks that often cruise along the steep drop-offs. For the past 18 months I have been dabbling in digital photography in an effort to capture the beauty of this underwater paradise.

I hope everyone who visits Ikan Images enjoys it as much as I have in creating it. Albums will be added and changed as more images are taken. If you have any questions regarding Cocos (Keeling) Islands or Christmas Island, please email me or visit the links page.

I am happy to assist with any queries after all; I'm the lucky one living here!

Ikan Images: 26th June, 2004
Fuji F810 Images: 21st April, 2005
All images are © Copyright Karen Willshaw 2005.
Please contact me should you wish to use any of the images.