Red Crab Spawning Christmas Island

Red Crab Spawning Event

Please note that the exact date of the spawning tour as part of this package will be determined immediately prior to the spawning event. Participants will be contacted upon arrival if any changes are required to the date of operation of the spawning experience.

Details of the Migration

At the onset of Christmas Island's wet season (which can be early as mid November), the crabs are triggered to abandon their burrows on the top plateau and head down to the lower terraces for mating. Generally the males set off first, with the females following a few days or a week later.

This part of the migration is very unpredictable and dependent on the start and continuity of the seasonal rains. The migration may become sporadic or stop if the rain stops. If the conditions are right, the crabs can be viewed migrating in the mornings (before 10am) and in the later part of the afternoon (3.30pm onwards).

There are a few key locations close to the township where the crabs move and the Indian Ocean Experiences' team will advise you of these. There could be a window of 10-14 days of crabs on the move, again, dependent on the rains.

If you plan to travel for this part of the migration, we recommend a minimum 7 day stay to increase your chances of a successful viewing. Crabs may be viewed on a suite of Indian Ocean Experiences tours.

The Spawning

This element of the migration is predictable, as the female crabs need to drop their eggs into the sea using very specific tides, which can be predicted. There are generally two consecutive mornings in November and/or December. The dates change each year and where these tides fall in the month determines the greater likelihood of there being either a November or December spawning, or possibly both months.

The Red Crabs start dropping their eggs around 4am, and stop as the sun rises. Once they have delivered their spawn to the sea, they then head back up to the forest. Spawning tours can only be operated on the mornings of those specific dates. A shorter stay on the island is possible, depending on the flight options.

Key Details

Christmas Island Red Crab Spawning Tour includes drinks & nibbles on eve of spawning event (5.30 - 6.30pm) with briefing about the morning. Guest receive a 3.30am wake-up call to be in place to view red crabs spawning followed by a cooked bbq breakfast at the beach. Tour finishes at 7.00am.
Accommodation: VQ3 Lodge - 7 nights. Other accommodation options available on request.
Fitness Requirements: Good mobility and stability essential as walking is required. 
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.
Car Hire: This package includes 7 days car hire.