There are 27 coral islands in the group, with a total land area of approximately 14km2. Apart from North Keeling Island, which is approximately 24kms from the main group, the islands form a typical horseshoe-shaped atoll surrounded by a coral reef. 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 boobie birds, which are restricted to uninhabited islands, especially North Keeling.
Land crabs are common on all islands.
The climate is tropical with high humidity. The average rainfall is 2000mm per annum, falling mainly from January to August. The south-east trade winds blow most of the year, producing pleasant weather conditions. Add one hour for daylight saving. The next year Captain John Clunies-Ross, a Scottish seaman and former employee of Hare, settled on another of the islands of the atoll.