Christmas Island Visitor Information & Planning
- Extra Divers Staff
- Jan 30
- 13 min read
We update our Christmas Island Visitor information regularly to send to customers, however, we also want to share as much information with you also when you're doing some research. The information is accurate at the time of posting- but being a small island, things can change.
Christmas Island Visitor Information
GETTING TO THE ISLAND
Currently the only way to get to Christmas Island is via Perth, a scheduled twice weekly flight operates, as well as a once monthly Saturday flight.
Qantas, departs from the international terminal T1 Perth. Monday direct to CI, Friday via Cocos
Photo ID is required, and a passport ensures easy travel, as the backup airport is in Indonesia.,
An Australian photo drivers licence is also acceptable. (please check with your agent/airline acceptable id)
You will need to complete a customs declaration on arrival into the island.
Separate border, customs & quarantine measures exist, as Christmas Island is an external territory of Australia.
Baggage
Please pack your bags appropriately, ensuring your “must haves”, medication, prescription mask etc are in your hand luggage. Our visitors sometimes require 2 bags for sports equipment and you may need to confirm a priority bag in Perth. Our advice is to consider how you pack, should the non priority bag not arrive. (we do have full rental equipment available, so you’ll always be able to go diving!)
We suggest also that if you only have 1 bag- ensure it is marked with a priority label.
Travel Insurance
International travellers - insurance is mandatory.
Australian residents- insurance is strongly recommended.
As an Australian external territory, Australian residents will be assisted as if they are within Australia, however, things can and do go wrong- missed luggage, weather disruptions, additional costs etc, so we advise insurance is taken by all.
Immunisations
None required for Australian residents
ON ARRIVAL
There are two different arrival times on Christmas Island.
Monday & Saturday arrivals
Monday and Saturday's flight arrives at approximately 1400hrs/1500hrs, so you will have time to head to the shops, and settle into your accommodation.
We schedule your diver check in at 1700hrs/5pm on the day of arrival, as we begin diving the next morning at 0730hrs.
Friday arrivals
Friday’s flight is scheduled to arrive at approximately 1715. Based on experience, the flight is often delayed by around an hour. It typically takes about an hour to collect your bags and reach your accommodation, so you would likely arrive around 19:00. This doesn’t leave much time to arrange food or other essentials.
We recommend bringing some snacks to eat on arrival, in case the shops are closed or you miss the restaurant’s service cut-off time.
For your diver check-in, the easiest approach is to email us your diver certification in advance. We can then send you the necessary paperwork to complete before you arrive. This allows you to maximize your time on arrival, as only rental equipment will need to be arranged. We suggest this be done in the evening, but please contact us to arrange a suitable time, as we head out on the boat at 0730hrs the next morning (Saturday)
All arrivals
Please come to the dive centre, complete the paperwork and receive a briefing about the diving and ask any questions about the island. We will give you a brief about the diving procedures and boat to save you time the next day.
No need to bring your equipment, as we will give you a numbered mesh bag (or bring your own) to put things in later.
Bring your diving certification!
Please take a screenshot of any online certifications before arrival - internet is not always accessible and we may not be able to search for it online.
Feel free to email it to us before hand if you like
We will get you to complete our liability form and check what equipment you need.
We promise it won’t take long!
If the flight is delayed substantially- please come to the dive centre as soon as you arrive- we will wait for you.
DIVING SCHEDULE
Our normal diving schedule is :
0715 meet at the Jetty
0730 depart jetty
2 x 60 mins dives with 1 hour surface interval (snacks provided)
1200 approx. return to jetty
PM - afternoon to explore the island or additional afternoon dives if organised.
DIVING EQUIPMENT
We have full rental equipment available on the island- so its up to you what you bring. It’s all in good condition.
If you don’t want to rent equipment- please bring your own.
Water temperature ranges from 25 to 30 degrees, many divers use a skin suit, others 3mm and those that seem to get cold use a 5mm.
Equipment can be left on the boat overnight, so no need to carry it around each day. Cameras soaked at the centre.
Compulsory equipment
-DSMB (Delayed Surface Marker Buoy) - it’s worth practicing
-Dive Computer
Recommended
-Torch -Mesh dive bag (small) -Dry bag (small) -Water bottle
Tanks/Cylinders
Our dive cylinders are Catalina Ali80, 11.1 litre aluminium tanks. There are no larger sizes on the island available for use.
They generally have DIN valves, but we use inserts for those using Yoke/INT regulators. (we have lots of them)
Spares
We carry limited spares as many are manufacturer specific, however we have lots of o rings and dive tools to assist if you have any issues while on the island. If you’re not sure about the battery on your computer- bring a spare, as sometimes these can prove difficult to find when you need one.
No need to pack screwdrivers, wrench, spanner, hammer, Nitrox analysers etc. we have a good selection.
Dive Buddy & Guiding
We understand that everyone has different experience levels.
Some like to stay next to a dive guide, others like to do their own thing.
We are happy to let you photograph a nudibranch for an hour in one location, as long as you stay with your buddy!
The dive guide will lead the dive, but will give you freedom to enjoy your dive with a buddy. As long as you head the same direction as the dive guide, stick to your certification level depth (30m max), monitor your air (50 bar on the surface) and put an SMB up at the end of the dive.
Those that wish to stay with the guide, nervous, need assistance with equipment, just completed their first course- we will happily help you relax and keep an eye on you!
All divers however should try and remember good buoyancy at all times- we don’t like divers touching things!
Dive Certifications/ Depth Limits
A certification from a recognised agency is required for all diving activities. (SSI, PADI, SDI, TDI, RAID etc)
Our maximum depth for certified Entry level/Open Water divers is 18m.
A certification from a recognised agency must be shown for any diving depth greater than 18m.
Ie (SSI Advanced Open Water,, PADI Advanced Open Water, CMAS 2*, Deep diver etc)
The maximum depth on our dive trips is 30 meters, regardless of holding a deeper certification.
No decompression diving is allowed- the closest chamber is in Perth, 2500 km away.
If you wish to dive Nitrox- you must be certified to do so. (A certification must be provided)
Maximum PPO2 setting to be used is 1.4 (we can run a course if you’re not certified - it’s very straight forward.)
Recent Diving & Experience.
Being a remote island, we have limited staff available to assist with refresh dives.
Many divers arrive having dived recently, and want to get straight into diving.
If you have not scuba dived within the last 12 months, please contact us prior to arrival to arrange a suitable refresh dive time slot. It is hard to set a hard and fast rule, so discussing this with us prior to arrival is the best option
Dive Medical Certificates
Christmas Island is a remote island, with limited health facilities, and many emergencies require medical evacuation.
On arrival you will need to confirm that you are fit to dive.
Please refer to the RSTC guidelines on the need for a medical certificate.
Important
If you are able to answer “NO” to all questions, then we do not require a certificate
If there is a “YES” requiring a doctor's signature- you will not be allowed to dive until the medical assessment form has been provided/carried out and you are certified as being fit to dive.
Please note that a qualified and experienced diver will be disqualified from diving immediately if a previously undisclosed medical condition becomes known to the diving supervisor or dive master while on board.
Please be aware that it is difficult to arrange a dive medical certificate on Christmas Island, therefore please take advice before departure on your trip.
Dive Boat
Our boat is 11.5m long x 4.5 m wide, and is able to take 20 persons onboard, including crew.
It has a roof to protect you from the sun, an onboard toilet, dive spares, all required AMSA safety equipment, first aid and oxygen kits. There is enough space for everyone, but try to bring only what you need.
Cameras
You’ll want to ensure you capture Christmas Island underwater. On board the boat, we keep all the cameras towards the stern of the boat, as there is more room there. There is also some space in the centre console area. There are no wash/dunk tanks on the boat, however we offer this back at the dive centre when you return. Our dive guides are experienced in handling camera equipment, but we ask that if possible the smaller GoPro/compact cameras are with you as you enter the water, as opposed to needing it passed down. The divers with larger professional cameras, with light/arms, should discuss their requirements with the dive guide on board. Remember your lanyard- as pickups are normally in very deep water.
Drones are able to launch from the stern of the boat in many areas. Please ensure you have the software updated to be able to fly in the area requiring authorisation and a national park permit if required.. The restricted no fly areas are limited to the IDC and Airport.
Dive Boat Accessibility
Our dive boat is moored in Flying Fish Cove, (a short 3 minute drive from the dive shop)
To access the boat, we bring the boat alongside the jetty whenever possible. Most of the time, it is an easy step from the boat to the jetty, however, Christmas Island has no safe harbour, and is subject to the prevailing weather conditions. This can cause swell alongside the jetty, where the boat can become more difficult for loading and unloading.
In some instances, for everyone's safety, there is a short snorkel involved to access the boat. - we try our best to use the jetty however.
If the conditions in Flying Fish Cove, and the northern coast are not suitable for diving, we move the boat to a safer mooring on the eastern coast, Ethel Beach Boat ramp, a 20 min drive from the centre. There is no jetty at Ethel Beach, and again a short snorkel is required. (This is more likely in the wet season- January- April)
Red crab migration
The red crab migration takes place every year, and is truly highlight for all our visitors. The timing can vary as it relies on the weather (rain), tides and moon. More information can be found at https://parksaustralia.gov.au/christmas/
The migration starts with the first rainfall of the wet season. This is usually in October or November, but can sometimes be as late as December or January. During this time, many roads close and access to the jetty and boat ramps may become more difficult due to crabs crossing the roads.
We have rakes and leaf blowers, but rely on permission from National Parks to access some areas.
Walking further than normal may be required, however we are well prepared for this amazing event, and adapt to the requirements as needed to protect the crabs.
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
Please have a look at the visitor information centre website and visit them when on the island.
Christmas Island Visitor Centre 🚶15min Mon-Fri 0800-1600 Sat 0900-1200
Telephone : +61(0)8 9164 8382
PHONE/INTERNET
There is only a Telstra 4G network; it came into operation in November 2024.
Vodafone/ Optus will NOT work.
Internet is available via Wifi in most accommodations.
MONEY
Bring some cash with you, as there is no ATM not the island.
Cash Machine There is no ATM machine on the island, you must go to the Westpac Bank
The bank is behind the post office near the round about
Westpac Bank Bank will let you withdraw money, but takes 45 mins, passport/id required
Monday,Tuesday,Thursday, Friday 0900- 1500
Wednesday 0900-1630
Lunchtime closed
Post Office Withdrawals can be made from some Australian banks. (Not ANZ)
Credit Card Almost all business accept contactless credit/debit cards, please check before purchase
There is a minimum spend on all transactions
It is possible to get “Cash Out” by asking
The Internet is limited at some locations due to weather, so having some cash is handy.
Foreign Exchange It is not possible to exchange money on the island. Australian Dollars only.
Crime is very low on the island, and many people leave their house unlocked and car keys in the ignition.
If something goes missing, it's normally where you left it. Please enjoy this wonderful tradition.
EATING
Collect the weekly guide at the airport arrival desk from the visitor information.
(They keep it up to date)
Breakfast
There are a few places that provide breakfast, but these tend to open too late for the diving day.
Much is Malay/Chinese type cuisine. (Malay Club, Poon Saan Coffee shop, CI Bakery, Flying Fish Cafe,The Local)
We suggest self catered, and heading to the supermarkets to buy cereals, milk and bread the day of arrival to ensure you have something to eat before diving on your first day.
Lunch
We are normally back from diving by 12.
You will need to be quick, as many places will close by 1300 for lunch
There are some great lunch specials available from these cafes. The main places- CI bakery,, Flying Fish Cafe (food van), The Local, Kookaiz, Tracks Tavern & Lucky Ho
Dinner
There are 3 main sit down restaurants for an evening meal, The Golden Bosun (currently closed), CLA (currently closed), Lucky Ho & Rumah Tinggi (not every night)
Tracks Tavern, Fish & Chip shop and the Flying Fish Cafe are also options.
We recommend large groups prebook, the first evening, but many are walk in.
Business Hours and openings change constantly, and the most up to date openings and times can be found at the Visitor Information Centre. Please check with them.
Certain Dietary requirements can prove difficult, for travellers. (GF, Vegan etc)
Tap water on the island is drinkable and of a high Australian standard.
SUPERMARKET & SHOPS
You are able to buy most items you need on the island during your stay. Much of what is seen in mainland supermarkets is available, however, we also have many imports from Malaysia.
If you have specific dietary requirements, it’s worth bringing some items.
Freight to the island can become limited sometimes, with fresh vegetables arriving only once every 2 weeks via air. The price is reflected.
Alcohol is duty free on the island, and generally cheaper than the airport duty free.
Christmas Island Supermarket 🚶 15min Mon - Fri 0900- 1700 / Sat 0900-1200
Metro supermarket 🚶 25min Mon - Sat 0900- 1230 & 1600-1900 / Sun 0900- 1230 & 1600-1800
Al Barakah 🚶 25min Mon - Sun 0830- 1200 & 1530-1730 & 1830-2000
Meng Chong Trading 🚗 Mon - Sun 0900- 1200 & 1600-1900
Shorefire - Fresh Fish when avail 🚶 5min Mon- Fri 0900-1700 / Sat 0900-1300
Pharmacy 🚶 5min Mon- Fri 0900-1700 /Sat 0900-1200
BBQ
Free public BBQ are available for use at the Cove & Tea Gardens/Police Padang
Please respect the Halal BBQ in the Kampong area and keep them clean after use
It's a great place to meet locals.
SOUVENIRS
Christmas Island Visitor Centre Island souvenirs, stamps gifts
Wild Papaya Hand crafted souvenirs, unique gift ideas, Art, Jewellery
Lucky Lukes Jewellery, Clothing, Gifts
Red Crab Surf Beach and Streetwear
Post Office Island souvenirs and gifts, stamps, postcards
CAR RENTAL
Recommended for all travellers to get out and about on the island. There is no Public Transport.
Ensure your rental car has a “rental registration” insurance sticker on the windscreen. (New 2024)
Please ensure you have pre-booked a car at the time of booking your holiday- supply is limited.
Petrol must be full on return, or additional charged
Some roads are in very poor condition, please be careful.
Please try and drive slowly with crabs around, and drive around the “coconut crab” some are as old as you!
Be aware of any alcohol consumption - random breath testing takes place regularly, WA laws apply.
PETROL STATION
Mon- Thu 0800-1700 /Fri- 0900-1700/ Sat 0900-1300 / Sun and Public Holiday - Closed
$3.00 per litre approx.
TAXI
There is no longer a Taxi operating on the island.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
There is no public transport
BIKE HIRE
There is no bike hire or scooter hire
OUTDOOR CINEMA
Every Saturday (weather dependent) 🚗 $5 cash only
GOLF
9 hole course - Hire some clubs at the Visitor Centre 🚗
NATIONAL PARK
Bird Feeding - Tuesday 1500hrs 🚗
One of the highlights on the island are our endemic birds.
See the rescued birds been fed by the national park staff
Pre-booking is required at visitor centre cita@christmas.net.au and worth booking before arrival
Free of charge (gold coin donation)
Skink & Gecko information tour- Wednesday 1300hrs-1400hrs 🚗 30mins drive
1 hour tour of the rehabilitation centre for the endangered and near extinct Christmas Island Blue Tailed skink and Listers Gecko at Pink House, deep within the National Park
Pre-booking required at visitor centre- cita@christmas.net.au
Free of charge (gold coin donation)
ISLAND TOUR
The island is easy to get around via car, many visitors find they can self navigate.
Locator beacons (PLB) are available from the police station, and recommended as mobile networks are not available.
It's worth downloading google maps offline. Most rental cars can get to most places on the island- but worth checking at the visitor information centre on road conditions (crabs, closure, potholes)
Self drive tour information is available from Christmas Island Tourism website (www.christmas.net.au) and downloadable for free.
Using a bike is possible in the township area, but to visit the main attractions, a vehicle is required. Mountain bikes/ Scooters are unavailable to rent however.
Bring some comfortable walking boots.
Indian Ocean Experiences, runs specialist tours around the island for those who don’t wish to hire a car and drive around. www.indianoceanexperiences.com.au
Costs vary approx. $100 per person (4 hours)
These tours give you excellent historical and wildlife (birds/crabs etc) information.
BEACHES
There are a number of beaches, but please remember they are unpatrolled and in a remote area. Should you get into difficulty, there may not be anyone around. There are strong currents, surf, deep drop offs, sharp rocks and coral.
The main swimming location for all is Flying Fish Cove from the jetty. It is a great snorkel and dive site also!
WILDLIFE
Unlike the mainland, there are no dangerous spiders or snakes.
Mosquitos exist- it’s the tropics, but they do not carry any disease (malaria etc)
Crabs are protected, so please drive around them at all times. Large coconut crabs may be as old as you, so please take extra caution near these amazing animals. Many islanders will stop and get out of their vehicle to move them off the road. During the migration, a rake is necessary.
HISTORY
Visit Tai Jin house a permanent installation to celebrate the history of Christmas Island
Monday- Friday 0900-1200 Free entry 🚶 35min
IDC
The Immigration Detention Centre is well known on Christmas Island. It is currently operational.
You will be able to see after a 30min drive from town, the entrance to this high security building. You may also meet many of the workers during your stay. Visitors sometimes share concerns, but there is nothing to worry about.
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
The Christmas Island has a small hospital that is staffed 24 hours, however, serious conditions normally require medical evacuation to Perth. This could take 12+ hours to facilitate and is sometimes dependent on weather conditions.
We carry Oxygen on board the vessel and have it available at the dive shop, should it be needed.
Should a medical dive evacuation be required, the closest recompression chamber is in Perth.
Please ensure your dive planning and procedures include an extra safety margin.
EMERGENCY
Dial “000”
Police Station - +61(0) 8 9164 8444
Hospital - +61(0) 8 9164 8333
Extra Divers- +61(0) 475 247 789