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Christmas Island, Kiribati - Things to Do in Christmas Island

Christmas Island

Christmas Island, Kiribati - Complete Travel Guide

Christmas Island, part of the Republic of Kiribati, is a remote coral atoll in the central Pacific Ocean that offers one of the world's most pristine and untouched tropical experiences. Known locally as Kiritimati, it's the largest coral atoll on Earth and sits just north of the equator in the Line Islands group. This isolated great destination is renowned for its exceptional saltwater fly fishing, particularly for bonefish, and its incredible bird watching opportunities with over 35 species including frigatebirds, boobies, and terns. The island's vast lagoons, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters make it a haven for anglers, nature enthusiasts, and travelers seeking complete solitude from the modern world. With a small local population of around 6,000 people, Christmas Island maintains an authentic Polynesian culture while offering visitors the chance to experience some of the Pacific's most untouched marine environments. The island's remote location means tourism infrastructure is limited but authentic, providing an genuine off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Top Christmas Island

World-Class Saltwater Fly Fishing

Christmas Island is globally recognized as one of the premier destinations for saltwater fly fishing, particularly for bonefish, trevally, and triggerfish. The island's extensive flats and lagoons provide ideal conditions for sight fishing in crystal-clear shallow waters. Professional guides are essential for navigating the best spots and understanding tidal patterns.

Booking Tip: Book fishing packages 6-12 months in advance through specialized fishing lodges, with costs ranging from $300-500 per day including guide and boat. Best fishing is during incoming tides, and operators should provide quality equipment and experienced local guides.

Bird Watching and Wildlife Photography

The island hosts an incredible diversity of seabirds including red-footed boobies, great frigatebirds, and red-tailed tropicbirds. The bird sanctuary areas offer excellent opportunities for close-up wildlife photography and observation. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best viewing conditions when birds are most active.

Booking Tip: Contact local guides through your accommodation for $50-100 per day. Best viewing is during nesting season (April-September). Bring telephoto lens and binoculars, and look for guides familiar with nesting sites and bird behavior patterns.

Lagoon Exploration and Snorkeling

The island's massive lagoon system offers exceptional snorkeling opportunities with pristine coral formations and diverse marine life. The protected waters provide calm conditions perfect for underwater exploration, with excellent visibility and minimal crowds. Various entry points around the lagoon offer different underwater landscapes to explore.

Booking Tip: Rent snorkeling gear locally for $15-25 per day or bring your own. Best conditions are during calm weather periods. Local operators charge $80-150 for guided snorkeling trips including equipment and transportation to prime spots.

Cultural Village Visits

Experience authentic I-Kiribati culture by visiting local villages and participating in traditional activities like weaving, cooking, and storytelling. Local families often welcome visitors to share meals and learn about traditional island life. These interactions provide insight into sustainable island living and Polynesian customs.

Booking Tip: Arrange through your accommodation or local contacts for $30-60 per person including meal. Always bring small gifts like school supplies or non-perishable foods. Best to visit during weekends when families are more available.

Beach Exploration and Beachcombing

Christmas Island features miles of pristine, often completely empty beaches with powdery white sand and turquoise waters. The remote location means beaches are littered with interesting flotsam from across the Pacific, making for excellent beachcombing. Many beaches are accessible only by 4WD vehicle, ensuring complete solitude.

Booking Tip: Rent a 4WD vehicle for $80-120 per day to access remote beaches, or join guided beach tours for $60-100 per person. Bring sun protection, water, and snacks as facilities are non-existent on remote beaches.

Getting There

Christmas Island is accessible only by air via Fiji Airways, which operates flights from Nadi, Fiji approximately twice per week. The flight takes about 3.5 hours and advance booking is essential as seats are limited and flights can be cancelled due to weather. Visitors must obtain a visa in advance from Kiribati diplomatic missions or online, and proof of onward travel and accommodation is required. The island's Cassidy International Airport is small but functional, and all international visitors are met by immigration and customs officials.

Getting Around

Transportation on Christmas Island is limited but functional, with most visitors relying on pre-arranged transfers through their accommodation. Rental vehicles are available but limited, typically 4WD trucks necessary for reaching remote areas and beaches. Many fishing lodges provide transportation to fishing spots and attractions as part of their packages. The island has few paved roads, and distances can be significant due to the atoll's large size. Bicycles are available for rent and work well for shorter distances around the main settlement areas.

Where to Stay

United Kingdom Village
Banana Village
Tabwakea Village
Saint Vincent Village
Poland Village
Captain Cook Hotel Area

Food & Dining

Dining options on Christmas Island are limited but authentic, with most meals centered around fresh fish, coconut crab, and local vegetables. The few local restaurants serve traditional I-Kiribati cuisine alongside basic international dishes, with coconut crab being a local delicacy when in season. Most fishing lodges include all meals in their packages, featuring fresh-caught fish prepared in various styles. Local markets offer fresh tropical fruits, and some guesthouses can arrange traditional feast experiences with local families. Alcohol is available but expensive due to import costs, and visitors should be prepared for simple, fresh cuisine rather than gourmet dining options.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Kiribati

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Bistro Maumu

4.7 /5
(726 reviews)
bar

restaurant muni

4.8 /5
(579 reviews)

Barista Kiribathgoda

4.5 /5
(446 reviews) 2
cafe store

Barista Nugegoda - Diner

4.5 /5
(430 reviews) 2
cafe

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Christmas Island is during the dry season from April to October, when rainfall is minimal and trade winds provide comfortable conditions. This period also coincides with optimal fishing conditions and bird nesting season. November to March brings higher temperatures, humidity, and occasional heavy rainfall, though fishing can still be excellent. The island's equatorial location means temperatures remain fairly constant year-round (75-85°F), but the dry season offers more predictable weather for outdoor activities and better flight reliability from Fiji.

Insider Tips

Bring all necessary medications and toiletries as local supplies are extremely limited and expensive - the nearest major supply source is Fiji, over 1,000 miles away
Pack reef-safe sunscreen and high-SPF protection as the equatorial sun is intense and shade is limited on the flats and beaches
Carry cash in Australian dollars as credit cards are rarely accepted and there are no ATMs - most transactions are cash-only including tips for guides

Activities in Christmas Island