Christmas Island’s world-famous red crabs have begun their spectacular annual migration from the island’s lush rainforest to the ocean. The first heavy rains of the season have signalled the start of this extraordinary natural event, as millions of bright red crabs embark on their journey to the lower terraces to mate and spawn.
The sight of the island’s roads and forest floors turning crimson with crabs is one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles. This mass migration plays a vital role in maintaining the island’s delicate ecosystem, the crabs’ foraging helps nurture the rainforest, while their spawning attracts an array of marine life, including whale sharks, which gather to feed on the newly hatched larvae.
After reaching the coast, male and female crabs mate before the females retreat to burrows to incubate their eggs. Spawning is expected to occur during a receding neap tide in the last quarter of the moon, forecast this year for around November 15–16, followed by a second spawning in mid-December. Baby crabs usually returned to the shores three to four weeks after spawning with further returns possible into January depending on the sea conditions.
(This forecast is based on current climatic indicators. The exact timing of the migration spawning and returnevents depends on weather tides and phases of the moon).
As the crabs make their way across the island, they often traverse roads and walking trails, creating temporary disruptions. To help protect them, local authorities implement special measures, including road closures and crab crossings, ensuring the crabs’ safe passage.
Renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough has described the red crab migration as one of the greatest wildlife moments of his career. The phenomenon is featured in his acclaimed series Our Planet II, which showcases the Christmas Island red crab (Gecarcoidea natalis), a species found nowhere else on Earth.
“It’s always an exciting time of year for locals and visitors on the island,” said David Watchorn, Chair of the Christmas Island Tourism Association. “There’s a real sense of anticipation as we watch nature put on one of its most extraordinary parades through our natural reserves and town streets.”
Tucked away in the heart of the Indian Ocean, Christmas Island is a paradise for nature lovers. With its pristine rainforests, vibrant wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and world-class diving, the island offers an unmatched adventure for those who seek something different. Witnessing the red crab migration in person is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that captures the very essence of this remarkable destination.
For travellers looking to trade the traditional festive season for something truly unforgettable, Christmas Island offers a Christmas like no other.
