Famous red crab on Christmas Island – Image: Christmas Island Tourism
Every year, the highlight of the season on Christmas Island is not the arrival of Santa Claus, but the spectacular migration of the island’s bright red crabs. For travellers looking to escape the conventional holiday festivities and experience a truly extraordinary Christmas, the remote Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean promises an unforgettable and unique adventure. Christmas Island is located about 350 kilometers South of Indonesia, about 1500 kilometers west of the Australian mainland and is an Australian territory.
Christmas Island’s famous red crabs have begun their annual migration from the rainforest to the ocean. The first heavy rainfall of the season has kicked off the migration, which sees millions of red crabs journeying to the lower terraces to mate and spawn.
The running of the crabs – Image: Christmas Island Tourism
The running of the crabs
The spectacle of millions of these bright red crabs moving in unison is a striking visual. Their journey plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, contributing to the health of the island’s flora by managing the vegetation. The spawning brings a flurry of activity from marine life, including whale sharks, that make their way to Christmas Island to feast on the crab larvae.
As they travel, the crabs navigate across roads and trails, often causing traffic disruptions. Local authorities implement measures to protect them, such as closing roads and creating crab crossings.
Crab season on Christmas Island – Image: Christmas Island Tourism
“Top moment” for naturalist David Attenborough
Renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough has cited the Christmas Island red crab migration as one of the “top moments” in his illustrious television career. His documentary series ‘Our Planet II’, features Christmas Island’s Red Crab (Gecarcoidea natalis). Christmas Island is the only place on the planet where this species exists.
Christmas Island: A remote but beautiful destination – Image: Christmas Island Tourism
Christmas Island Tourism Association chair David Watchorn described the event as an “Exciting time of the year for everyone”. Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, Christmas Island is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Its lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes and incredible underwater experiences make it a dream destination for visitors who seek the path less travelled. Visitors can explore the island’s unique ecosystems, dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, and witness firsthand the Red Crab migration that has enchanted even the most seasoned naturalists.
Christmas is not widely celebrated on Christmas Island – Image: Christmas Island Tourism
Christmas celebrations?
As Christmas Island is around 30% Malay and 30% Chinese Malay, Christmas is not a day that is widely celebrated on the island. Some of the other cultures do celebrate Christmas, the same as others in mainland Australia. Mainly by enjoying time with family and friends. The big celebrations are Chinese New Year, Eid al -Fitr, which is the three day celebration after breaking the month long fasting of Ramadan. The British Captain William Mynors named the island because he visited there on Christmas Day 1643. (NAN – 23-12-24)
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