If you made a list of exotic islands that you wanted to visit, Christmas Island would probably be close to the bottom. That’s if you’d even heard of it to put it on your list in the first place. Christmas Island? It sounds made up—like the kind of magical land dreamed into existence just to host a Disney park. But that's far from the truth. In fact, Christmas Island is real.
But it's not exactly accessible. The territory of Australia is located about 1,600 miles north of Perth and 300 miles south of Java, Indonesia. Still, it's worth the trip—partly for its red crab migration. Come winter every year, about 120 million of the brightest red critters you’ve ever seen swarm the beaches to mate and spawn. They are everywhere. Crabs aside, there is a ton to see and do on the island. Here's what you need to know:
How to get there
- A few airlines fly here, including Virgin Australia
- Charter boat, generally from Indonesia
- Private yacht
- More info on all at Christmas Island Tourism Association
When to go
- May to November, during the dry season
- The red crab migration starts can occur at the beginning of the wet season, in November, December, depending on the whims of nature. This year, thanks to heavy rains, the spawning date has been estimated to be on the late side: January 6, 2013.
- December to April is the wet season and can be subject to monsoons.
What to do
- Witness the amazing red crab migration.
- Laze on deserted beaches like Dolly Beach, which is my favorite.
- Snorkel or dive in the Christmas Island Marine Park, which boasts unspoiled coral and abundant marine wildlife such as surgeon fish, butterfly fish, wrasse, and gobies.
- Go hiking: 63 percent of Christmas Island is a national park.
- Fish offshore for large wahoo, sailfish, and tuna.
- Tour the island on a scooter; it’s the best and most cost efficient way to see the island (for info, contact the visitors' center).
Play nine holes at the Christmas Island Golf Course for only $10.
What you need to know.
- English is the official language for the 1500-plus residents, but 70 percent of the residents are Chinese, followed by Australians, Europeans, and Malay.
- It’s very hot and humid so make sure to drink plenty of water.
- When hiking or taking a scooter tour, let someone know where you’re going in case of an accident.
- In the northwest of the island, there is a large detention center that takes in asylum seekers. It cannot be visited and has become a major political issue in Australia.
- Phosphate mining is the main source of revenue for the island. There is a large facility located in town where the phosphate is broken down, packaged and shipped to neighboring countries.
- Book flights ahead because Christmas Island will book up during school holidays in Australia.
Reserve accommodation in advance.
- There is a medical center and a post office.
Where to stay
- There are about 15 properties on the island.
- Most can be booked through the Christmas Island Tourism Association.
- For an individual or couple, I like the Captain's Last Resort—it's in a great location with an amazing view of the ocean.
