Christmas Island Travel Guide: Things to Do & Accommodation

Christmas Island is an extraordinary celebrated for its lush rainforests, vibrant marine life, and one-of-a-kind wildlife. Known for its red crab migration, diverse coral reefs, and peaceful atmosphere, Christmas Island offers a unique getaway for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to experience tranquility in an untouched setting. 

This Christmas Island travel guide provides everything you need to plan your perfect island escape, whether you're visiting for snorkeling, hiking, or simply unwinding by the beach.

Why Visit Christmas Island?

Christmas Island is far away, but people from all over visit it. It’s a paradise for nature lovers, famous for its amazing wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and unique sea life. Visitors come to see the incredible red crab migration, while divers and snorkelers enjoy the colorful coral reefs. Beyond its nature, Christmas Island is a quiet escape from busy tourist spots. 

How to get to Christmas Island

Christmas Island is about 2,600 kilometers northwest of Perth and 350 kilometers south of Indonesia. The main way to get there is by plane. Virgin Australia has flights from Perth, which take about three hours and 50 minutes. There are also some flights from Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Jakarta during school holidays. When you arrive at Christmas Island Airport, you can rent a 4WD vehicle to help you explore the island’s bumpy roads.

Best time to visit Christmas Island

To make the most of your trip, plan your visit based on what you’d like to experience on Christmas Island. Here’s a quick guide to the best times to visit:

• For Crab Migration (October - December): If you want to see the famous red crab migration, visit between October and December. During this time, millions of red crabs move from the forests to the ocean to breed—a truly amazing sight.
• For Diving and Snorkeling (April - October): From April to October, the seas are calm, making it perfect for underwater activities. The clear water and abundant sea life allow divers to see a wide variety of fish, corals, and sometimes even whale sharks.
• For Pleasant Weather (Year-Round): The island has a tropical climate with warm temperatures and humidity all year. November to April may bring some rain, but the weather stays enjoyable year-round.

Christmas Island is a paradise for nature lovers 

Things To Do on Christmas Island

Christmas Island is filled with unique and exciting experiences, making it a fantastic destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those wanting to unwind. Here’s your guide to the must-see things to do on Christmas Island.

1. Dive and Snorkel in Pristine Waters

The waters around Christmas Island have some of the most colorful marine life in the Indian Ocean, making it a fantastic destination for diving and Christmas Island snorkeling. The island features beautiful coral reefs, walls, and drop-offs, all filled with vibrant fish, turtles, dolphins, and sometimes even whale sharks. Some of the best dive and snorkeling sites include:

• Thundercliff Cave: An underwater cave with stunning rock formations.
• The Wall: A steep drop-off teeming with marine life.
• Perpendicular Wall: Known for its sheer cliffs, it’s a must-visit for divers.

2. Witness the Famous Red Crab Migration

The red crab migration on Christmas Island is a famous natural event. Every year, millions of red crabs travel from the forests to the sea to lay their eggs. This usually happens between October and December, depending on when the rainy season starts. During this time, the crabs cover the island’s roads and forests in bright red, creating a unique sight. Seeing the migration is one of the best reasons to visit Christmas Island, and it’s an experience you shouldn’t miss.

The red crab migration on Christmas Island is a famous natural event 

3. Explore Christmas Island National Park

Covering almost two-thirds of the island, Christmas Island National Park is a protected area full of unique animals and green rainforests. Walking trails in the park lead to amazing viewpoints, thick rainforests, and a rugged coastline. Here, you can spot rare animals like the Christmas Island frigatebird, the endangered Abbott’s booby, the Christmas Island flying fox, and thousands of land crabs. 

For a peaceful hike with great views, try The Dales, where clear streams run through the forest, or visit Hugh’s Dale Waterfall, one of the island’s few waterfalls and a beautiful place to cool off.

4. Relax on Beautiful Beaches

Christmas Island offers a handful of secluded beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. Each beach has its own unique charm.

• Dolly Beach: Known for its beautiful white sand, tall coconut trees, and nesting turtles. It’s a peaceful paradise, but you need to hike a bit to get there. The effort is worth it because of the beach's stunning beauty.
• Ethel Beach: A peaceful spot known for its small tide pools and rocky shoreline, Ethel Beach is ideal for those looking to enjoy a quiet afternoon by the sea.
• Flying Fish Cove: The island’s main harbor, Flying Fish Cove, has clear blue waters perfect for snorkeling, and you’ll often find tropical fish and coral reefs just off the shore.

Christmas Island offers a handful of secluded beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day 

5. Discover The Dales and Hugh’s Dale Waterfall

The Dales is a series of freshwater streams that flow through the rainforest, creating a cool, peaceful spot that’s great for hiking. In this area, you’ll find Hugh’s Dale Waterfall, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by green plants—a perfect place to cool down on a hot day. The trail through The Dales leads you into thick rainforest, where you can see some of the island’s wildlife, like red crabs, blue crabs, and unique birds. Exploring The Dales is one of the top things to do on Christmas Island, offering both adventure and a chance to connect with nature.

6. Go Birdwatching

The island is an important home for seabirds and has special species like the Christmas Island frigatebird, golden bosun, and Abbott’s booby. You can take birdwatching tours if you want a guide to help you find these rare birds. Be sure to visit great birdwatching spots like Territory Day Park and the island’s cliffs, where seabirds nest and often fly along the coast.

7. Take a Dip in The Grotto

The Grotto is a hidden treasure on Christmas Island with a natural pool inside a small cave. This beautiful spot has clear, cool water shaded by rocks, making it a peaceful escape from the tropical heat. It’s a perfect place for a swim, and the calm, blue water feels like a private oasis. With its quiet atmosphere and stunning surroundings, the Grotto is a favorite for both locals and visitors.

The Grotto is a hidden treasure on Christmas Island with a natural pool inside a small cave 

Explore The Best Christmas Island Accommodation for Every Traveler

Christmas Island offers a range of accommodations suited to different travel styles, from cozy lodges to ocean-view resorts. While the island may be small, its lodging options provide comfort, local charm, and easy access to the island’s key attractions. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to stay on Christmas Island.

Swim with the Fishes at The Sunset

The Sunset is one of Christmas Island’s most popular accommodations, offering comfortable rooms with ocean views and a relaxing atmosphere. Located at Flying Fish Cove, this hotel is ideal for those seeking Christmas Island luxury accommodation to dive, snorkel, or simply unwind by the water. With a laid-back vibe and a short walk to local eateries, The Sunset provides all the essentials for a cozy stay. Rooms are modern and well-kept, and guests can enjoy a saltwater pool overlooking the ocean for a touch of luxury.

Amenities:

• Ocean-view rooms and balconies
• Saltwater pool
• Free Wi-Fi
• Easy access to snorkeling and diving spots

Explore Nature from VQ3 Lodge

VQ3 Lodge offers convenient Christmas Island accommodation in the heart of Settlement, close to the island’s trails, beaches, and restaurants. It’s a great choice for travelers who want to explore natural attractions like the red crab migration and hiking paths. The rooms are spacious and come with basic amenities, and there’s a shared kitchen where guests can prepare meals, making it ideal for longer stays.

Amenities:

• Comfortable, air-conditioned rooms
• Kitchen facilities
• Walking distance to restaurants
• Affordable pricing

Captain’s Last Resort: A Budget-Friendly Choice

For budget-conscious travelers, Captain’s Last Resort provides an affordable and cozy stay with all the basics. Located near local markets and food spots, it offers rooms with private bathrooms, making it convenient and functional for those who plan to spend most of their time exploring. Captain’s Last Resort emphasizes simplicity, and its friendly staff are always happy to recommend local activities and dining options.

Amenities:

• Affordable rooms with private bathrooms
• Access to local shops and markets
• Tour booking assistance

Christmas Island is a special place for travel, offering amazing experiences like seeing natural wonders, exploring colorful underwater life, and relaxing on peaceful beaches. It’s a destination where you can connect with nature, enjoy different cultures, and find adventure everywhere. This Christmas Island travel guide will help you pack your bags, plan your trip, and get ready for an unforgettable visit to Christmas Island, where beauty and adventure are around every corner.