Kingdom of the crab Every year, Christmas Island’s red crab population begin their unstoppable march towards the ocean to spawn - but they’re not the only creatures which create a stir for visitors.
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hristmas Island is a natural paradise offering fascinating creatures and stunning plant life. With an accessible national park covering two thirds of the island, you’re surrounded by diversity on a grand scale. Find yourself among abundant flora and amazing land crabs. From endemic red and blue crabs, to huge robber crabs, see these extraordinary island inhabitants and witness a migration like no other. It’s nature as nature intended, and it’s waiting for you.
The march begins Be prepared for a breathtaking vision when the annual red crab
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migration begins. Marching enmasse from rainforest burrows to the ocean to breed, their journey is a wave of colour and a truly unique thrill to observe. You’re bound to encounter the Christmas Island red crab no matter where or when you venture out on the island. They provide great photographic opportunities, and are a vital part of the ecosystem. Visit for the migration and witness this unstoppable and dramatic sight. It’s possible to walk carefully among a moving sea of red crabs, allowing you to experience this incredible natural phenomenon. If you’re really lucky,
A Natural Wonder
you may even see female crabs releasing their eggs into the ocean in a unique dance in the early morning hours. Marvel at the ingenious methods, including purpose-built crab grids and bridges, that local rangers have installed on the island’s roads in order to protect the crabs from cars during the mass migration. It is important to note some roads may be closed to vehicles during peak migration time
Pincer movement The island’s gentle giants, robber crabs, are the biggest land crustaceans on earth. They can grow larger than a football and
