Christmas Island Ultimate Wildlife

Christmas Island Ultimate Wildlife is a 7 night inclusive package that features a range of tours designed to immerse you in the island’s incredible landscapes, history, culture and of course wildlife! The order of the tours below can be adjusted according to your needs.

Orientation Tour

You will discover the rich history, multicultural community and the diverse range of activities available on the island with a two hour orientation guided experience. Aside from covering the places of interest, suitable shopping and eating places, you will learn about the layout of the island, history of settlement, subsequent developments and discussion of activity options according to your passions or interests.

Nature Tour

Venturing through Jurassic rainforests, spotting a myriad of bird species and learning about the island's most famous clawed residents are the focus of this tour. Your first stop is The Dales, a highlight on the western side of the island which has been designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

This network of seven watercourses is characterised by incredible forests, gorges and streams that are sourced from underwater caves that flow into the ocean. Natural springs weave through to a mystical rainforest, canopied by gigantic Tahitian Chestnut trees. This is a terrific opportunity to spot Christmas Island's endemic blue crabs, the Brown Gudgeon (the island's only native freshwater fish) and three species of Booby.

The next stop is the The Blowholes. Nowhere else on the island are the forces of nature so evident. You will feel the rhythmic waves, forcing water through the myriad of eroded cliffs that provide a theatrical experience. You will then head to the peace and tranquility of Margaret Knoll to view the rugged coastline from above, giving stunning views across the Eastern Coast of the island.

Departures 9:00am or 2:00pm

Panoramic Bird Tour

Being recognised as one of Australia’s greatest birdwatching sights, the focus of this tour is to connect with the incredible range of species, many of which are endemic or not seen regularly on the mainland. The island has 23 breeding or resident species and 86 migratory species.

The day starts at the Golf Course lookout with stunning views across part of the eastern side of the island. You will be mesmerised by the eye-to-eye experience with many of the islands bird species whilst learning from your guide about their unique biology, behaviour and why they call Christmas Island home. A visit to Lily Beach follows for a tea break whilst viewing juveniles and nesting birds and then onto Ethel Beach. A highlight is a walk to the top terrace to view the Abbott’s Booby in their nesting habitat – one of the rarest seabirds in the world! Other species you will look out for include the incredibly beautiful Golden Bosun, Abbott’s Booby, Red-footed Booby, Christmas Island Frigatebird and Red-tailed Tropicbird.

Departures 9:00am or 2:00pm

Dolly Beach Tour

Today you will venture to the lower terraces of the Eastern side of the island. A 40 minute ramble on foot through the jungle delivers us to our sandy, coconut-lined castaway beach, Dolly Beach. After resting here for a swim (subject to ocean conditions), you will stop for delicious refreshments, although you may have to share the beach with the friendly Robber crabs that frequent the area! Surrounded by beautiful coconut palms, this remote beach is also an important nesting area for marine turtles.

You will then head back along the same track to Greta Beach, grab a bag and search for unusual treasures the tide has bought in. We’ll also remove some of the unwanted flotsam that is carried by ocean currents from lands far away.

Departures 8:30am to 9am

Snorkelling Tour

Snorkelling opportunities are plentiful and spectacular around Christmas Island, with this tour providing you the chance to see the incredible drop offs, a war wreck and countless marine species. You will be mesmerised by the fringing reefs, with 90 coral species and 650 species, including parrotfish, surgeonfish, wrasse, butterflyfish, groupers, angelfish and reef sharks.  Dolphins, turtle, Manta Rays and Whale Sharks can also be seen on an opportunistic basis.

Departures Thursday 2pm

Tour details

Accommodation: The Sunset Hotel, Oceanview Room. Single premium available on application. Other accommodation options available on request.
Fitness Requirements: Good mobility and stability essential as walking is required. Swimming experience essential for snorkelling tour. All staff are certified snorkel instructors and guides.
Flights: Virgin Australia operates flights to Christmas Island and the Cocos Keeling Islands twice per week ex Perth. Return flights are included as part of this package.

How you'll be making a positive impact

Citizen Science with Indian Ocean Experiences

Guests are able to contribute to a reptile census and hands-on conservation activities for the endemic Blue-tailed Skink and Lister’s Gecko during Citizen Science Week. During Bird & Nature Week, guests work alongside scientists banding birds, collecting data on various endemic species and participating in nightly presentations about restoring the ecology of the island.

 

Cleaning Up and Making Art from Christmas Island Debris

Due to surrounding currents and winds, the beaches of Christmas Island are often awash with masses of marine debris. Unfortunately, across locations such as Greta Beach, it is not uncommon to see turtle nesting habitat covered in marine debris. As part of Indian Ocean Experiences’ Dolly Beach Tour, guests are encouraged to grab a bag and search for unusual treasures that the tide has bought in including flotsam carried by ocean currents from regions far away.

Once educated on the type of marine debris deposited and harmful effect on marine species, almost 100% of guests are eager and keen to pick up bags of rubbish.

Indian Ocean Experiences’ staff often volunteer during community organised beach clean-ups, with the organisation providing equipment such as bags, gloves and vehicles to ferry volunteers. The team works closely with Tangaroa Blue when on island for Christmas Island Marine Debris Week, promoting the event alongside the Christmas Island Tourism Association. It is estimated that Indian Ocean Experiences removes over one tonne of marine debris every year.

Guests are actively encouraged to purchase local art made by organisations such as Eco-Crab Industries, which turns plastic and debris into things such as building blocks, bowls, coasters, and other artisan items.

Developing Partnerships To Meet Sustainability Goals

Indian Ocean Experiences have developed a number of partnerships with key environmental organisations on Christmas Island, including Christmas Island National Park, Tangaroa Blue and Clean Up Australia. Activites include the removal of marine debris from beaches and tree planting as part of Christmas Island Citizen Science Week.