Background Coconut water is a relished beverage traditionally used as a remedy for childhood diarrhoea and gastroenteritis. It can be given to an individual who has hangover or suspected to have ingested a toxic substance. In this study, we evaluated the protective effect of coconut water against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced toxicity in rats. Results Administration of coconut water decreased significantly albumin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), urea, creatinine, bicarbonate (HCO3−), total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared to the non-pretreated group. Furthermore, high-density lipoprotein, glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) increased significantly (p < 0.05) in coconut water-pretreated groups compared to the negative control. There were no observed pathological changes in the coconut water-pretreated groups, but slight enlargement of the central veins and tubules was evident when compared to the negative control. Conclusions Therefore, intake of coconut water may be protective against toxicity induced by CCl4 as its pretreatment elevated antioxidant parameters (GSH, SOD and CAT) and did not alter biochemical parameters in rats.