Named by English seafarer Captain William Mynors on Christmas Day in 1643, Christmas Island is an Australian territory located in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The tiny island sits roughly 225 miles south of Central Java, and a whopping 1,615 miles from Perth, the nearest Australian city. It may take a bit of effort to get to, but the island rewards determined travelers.

Christmas Island is ringed by cliffs, broken intermittently by small beaches, coves, and enticing limestone grottos. A few hundred feet offshore, the Indian Ocean floor plummets three miles deep to the bottom. This geological quality is what makes the island a great destination for swimming with whale sharks, but it's even more famous for the incredible crab migration that takes place back on land.

Culturally, much of the island's population is descended from Chinese, Malay, and Sikh laborers who were brought there by the British in the late 19th century to work the local phosphate mines. The history of the harsh conditions, which led to hundreds of deaths, is remembered at the Tai Jin House Museum. Today, a vast swath of the island and its surrounding waters are protected by Christmas Island National Park.

Keep reading for everything you need to know to start planning a trip to Christmas Island.

Best Hotels & Lodging

With only 2,000 permanent residents on the island, lodgings are limited. In the Settlement, the most populated area of the island, you'll have a few hotels and lodges to choose from, such as Mango Tree Lodge. Camping is a possibility within the national park, but a permit is required. Wherever you stay, it's necessary to have a few nights booked since flights only run a few times a week.

Swell Lodge

For the most luxurious visit, book Swell Lodge, the only hotel within the national park. This eco-lodge offers a secluded stay and the rate includes airport transfers, daily excursions, and private chef-prepared meals. The oceanfront suites feature a limitless bar, yoga mats to use on your private sundeck, and an in-room library about the area. You'll also find everything you need to spot local wildlife, such as binoculars, snorkel gear, and a pocket guide.

Villas

Because accommodations are in short supply and tend to be basic, renting a villa is another option to consider. For an extensive list of reputable stays, Christmas Island's official tourism board has collected the top villas available to guests. Extra Divers, a local tour company, also has two villas guests can book. All of these modern bookings are clean and comfortable, and many also feature a full kitchen.

Best Things to Do

Hike in the jungle.

Christmas Island is home to all sorts of wildlife thanks to warm temperatures and plentiful rainfall. Nearly two-thirds of the island is designated as a national park, featuring well-marked trails that are highly popular with bird-watchers. The island is home to three types of boobies, including the world's rarest: the Abbott’s booby.

No matter where you end up in the jungle, you won't be short on sightseeing spots. Hughs Dale waterfall is a stunner, and can only be reached by hiking through the rain forest. Not only is the water clean enough to drink, but it's held sacred by local Buddhists, who believe it's the center of the island's "water universe."

Along the way, you'll pass Tahitian chestnut trees with hulking buttress roots. You'll have to watch where you step, as the floor is littered with small crabs (this is their home, after all).

Watch the red crab migration.

Not only does Christmas Island boast the highest diversity — and density — of land crabs of any island in the world, but it's also home to a staggering natural phenomenon. Between October and January, right after the start of the wet season, 120 million red crabs begin their sideways-tiptoeing journey from the depths of the forest out to sea.

As a result, huge tracts of the island appear to come alive with roving, bright-red shell-covered bodies. Even certain roads are shut down to allow safe passage for the crabs while others feature over-road bridges for the crabs to climb. The sheer volume of crabs makes this a must-see event that many refer to as one of the world's natural wonders.

Swim with whale sharks.

Since the island is so small and has remained in its natural state for so long, its narrow tropical reef teems with colorful fish. You'll likely encounter all sorts of marine life: dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, and 88 species of coral.

Whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, are typically found in the waters around Christmas Island from November to March. These docile creatures gravitate to the island during the wet seasons to feed on the red crab larvae after they migrate to the ocean to mate and spawn. So, the chances of spotting and swimming with whale sharks are remarkably good in the right season.

Best Restaurants

The Golden Bosun Tavern & Restaurant

Nestled between the jungle and a stunning oceanfront view, The Golden Bosun is an excellent option for pub grub. Dishes range from steak and pizza to locally caught fish and chips, with a plate of local fruit for dessert. Specials often include seasonal vegetarian options. The relaxed pub is closed on Mondays but opens at 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Smash Espresso Bar

Smash Espresso Bar is a popular breakfast haunt that offers a wide range of coffees, fresh juices (like watermelon or passionfruit), and smoothies with optional protein add-ins. Open Monday through Saturday, the café offers a full breakfast menu that's served all day. Lunch options include wraps, burgers, and more.

Idah Kitchen at the Malay Club

For a taste of the island's Malaysian culture and cuisine, head to Idah Kitchen, another local favorite. This no-frills restaurant overlooking Flying Fish Cove is only open on Saturdays and Sundays for breakfast and lunch. Try fresh flatbread (roti canai), flavorful curries, and coconut milk rice topped with hot chili sauce, anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, and hard-boiled egg (nasi lemak).

Best Time to Visit Christmas Island

While the weather and water temperature tend to remain comfortably warm throughout the year, the best time to visit Christmas Island depends on what you hope to do. The dry season, May through September, is ideal for lounging on the beach thanks to sunny skies. It's also a great time to dive since fewer storms result in calmer seas.

If you hope to see the crab migration or to swim with the whale sharks, it's important to schedule your trip around these natural phenomena. Both occur during the wet season, which typically runs from late October or November through April.

How to Get to Christmas Island

You can fly to Christmas Island Airport (XCH) from Perth, Western Australia's capital city. Virgin Australia offers direct flights twice a week, with a flight time of around four hours.

If you prefer to arrive by water, you can charter a sailboat or yacht. Moorings can be arranged (for a fee) at Flying Fish Cove.

How to Get Around Christmas Island

The primary means of transportation on the island is by car, so it's important to book your rental in advance. Consider choosing a four-wheel drive vehicle if you plan to venture off-road. Because the island is so small, many car rentals are available through small local businesses. You can find and compare options by travel date on the island's tourism website.