Remote and wildly beautiful, Christmas Island rises from the Indian Ocean like a forested limestone fortress. Discovered on Christmas Day in 1643, it’s an Australian external territory famed for its annual red crab migration, teeming coral reefs, and a canopy patrolled by rare seabirds. About two-thirds of the island is protected as Christmas Island National Park, ensuring pristine rainforest, blowholes, caves, and turtle-nesting beaches.

Base yourself in Flying Fish Cove (known locally as “The Settlement”), where you can slip into clear water straight from the shore to meet reef fish, turtles, and—November to April—plankton-chasing whale sharks offshore. Inland trails lead to waterfalls and lookouts; the south coast roars with surf and wind-carved limestone; and the island’s Chinese and Malay heritage flavors everyday cooking.

Practical notes: Flights are limited—plan ahead and build in buffer time. Rent a car (ideally a 4WD) to reach trailheads and south-coast highlights. During the wet season and red crab migration (often Oct–Dec), road closures are common; heed Parks signage and avoid driving over crabs. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, sturdy walking shoes, and plenty of water for hikes.

Flying Fish Cove (The Settlement)

Christmas Island’s main village hugs a sapphire bay backed by jungle-clad cliffs. It’s your springboard to snorkel reefs, sunset swims off the jetty, and easy dining. Most operators, shops, and the small grocery are here; mornings start at the local bakery, evenings end with ocean views at the tavern.

• Top sights nearby: Flying Fish Cove snorkeling, Tai Jin House (Administrator’s House precinct), The Grotto swimming hole, The Dales and Hugh’s Dale waterfall, The Blowholes, Ethel & Lily Beaches, Dolly Beach (turtles), Greta Beach.
• Who it’s for: Snorkelers and divers (walls drop into the Java Trench), birders (Abbott’s booby, golden bosun), hikers, and slow-travelers who like one base and day trips.
• Where to stay: Search stays near the cove and Poon Saan to keep drives short: Hotels.com: Flying Fish Cove and VRBO: Flying Fish Cove.
• Getting there: From Perth, non-stop flights are typically ~3 h 45 m (fares often US$450–900 round-trip depending on season). Compare options on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. On-island, pre-book a rental car; there’s no rideshare.

Viator activities (thematically similar): Christmas Island has few third-party tour listings online; most guiding is booked direct with local operators. For an idea of guided formats you might enjoy (marine ecology and stargazing), see:

• Marine Trail — a guided look at corals and mangroves; book a comparable reef intro with local dive/snorkel shops on Christmas Island.

  

• Exploring the Skies with Newtonian Telescope — a stargazing-style session; on Christmas Island, bring binoculars or ask your host about local astronomy meetups under extraordinarily dark skies.

  

Day 1: Arrival, First Snorkel, and Sunset in the Cove

Afternoon: Land, pick up your rental car, and check in near Flying Fish Cove. Shake off the flight with an easy shore snorkel from the beach or jetty—look for green turtles, parrotfish, and healthy hard corals just meters from shore.

Evening: Watch the sky go gold to indigo from the seawall, then head to the Golden Bosun Tavern for a casual first dinner—think fish-and-chips, grilled catch, and cold drinks with ocean views. Stroll the jetty after dark; if the water is calm, you might spot squid and needlefish ghosting in the lights.

Day 2: East Coast Reefs, Ethel & Lily Beaches, and The Blowholes

Morning: Coffee and kaya toast at the local bakery in Poon Saan, then drive 20–30 minutes to Ethel Beach and neighboring Lily Beach. Snorkel the fringing reef on a rising tide (reef shoes recommended); keep an eye out for eagle rays cruising the drop-off.

Afternoon: Picnic at the shaded tables near Ethel, then continue to the Blowholes boardwalk. The south coast swells hammer the limestone; you’ll hear the boom and hiss before you see the spray. Stay behind barriers—surge can be powerful.

Evening: Dinner at Lucky Ho Restaurant back in The Settlement—locals come for wok-fried noodles, garlicky greens, and whole fish with ginger and soy. Nightcap by the cove, and do a quick spotlight walk (give way to any red or robber crabs on the path).

Day 3: The Dales, Hugh’s Dale Waterfall, and Greta Beach Turtles

Morning: Early start for The Dales (about 35–45 minutes’ drive). Walk the boardwalk to Hugh’s Dale Waterfall, where freshwater tumbles through pandanus and strangler figs. In migration season, the forest floor moves with red crabs—step carefully.

Afternoon: Drive to Greta Beach. It’s a deep cove with ocean-borne plastics; visit for the view and to scan for turtle tracks (nesting occurs seasonally). If seas allow, a quick swim can be lovely, but watch for surge and exit points.

Evening: Back in town, grab a casual dinner—try Malay-style curries or nasi goreng at a local canteen in the Kampong area (ask your host for the day’s best pick). Finish with gelato or a sweet bun from the bakery if it’s still open.

Day 4: Two-Tank Diving or Whale Shark Spotting, Museum at Tai Jin House

Morning: Divers: book a two-tank boat dive with a local operator (conditions permitting). The island’s walls plunge toward the Java Trench; visibility can exceed 30 m, with reef sharks, trevallies, and November–April chances of whale sharks during spawning events. Snorkelers can often join the boat or do a guided shore snorkel.

Afternoon: Light lunch (bakery sandwiches travel well), then tour Tai Jin House precinct above the cove for island history and sweeping views of the harbor and cliffs. Pop into town for souvenirs from local artists—crab motifs are a favorite.

Evening: Sunset swim at the cove, then back to the Golden Bosun Tavern for a reef-fish special or a hearty burger. If skies are clear, do some informal stargazing—the Milky Way shines here. For a sense of guided stargazing formats, see this sample session: Exploring the Skies with Newtonian Telescope.

Day 5: The Grotto, South Point Cliffs, and Birdwatching Lookouts

Morning: Drive to The Grotto, a partially enclosed limestone sinkhole where cool freshwater mixes with the sea—perfect for a refreshing dip. Continue toward South Point for dramatic cliff views and sea-breeze picnicking.

Afternoon: Head to Margaret Knoll Lookout to watch tropicbirds arc over the forest. Birders can arrange a local guide for targeted sightings of Abbott’s booby and the golden bosun (white-tailed tropicbird subspecies).

Evening: Dinner back in The Settlement—return to Lucky Ho or try another local spot for stir-fries and soups. If you want a structured marine ecology experience on another trip, here’s the style to look for locally: Marine Trail.

Day 6: Dolly Beach Walk, Turtle Country, and Coastal Sunset

Morning: Grab coffee and pastries, then set out for the Dolly Beach walking track. The boardwalk leads through pandanus and jungle to a wild, palm-fringed shore. Look for turtle tracks and hatchling signs in season; give wildlife space.

Afternoon: Laze in the shade, beachcomb, and—if conditions are calm—take a careful shoreline swim. Bring a picnic; there are no facilities here, which is part of its magic. Carry out everything you carry in.

Evening: Return to Flying Fish Cove for a celebratory last big dinner—the Golden Bosun Tavern is reliable for fresh fish and sunset drinks. Afterward, do a slow spotlight walk around the settlement roads to see robber crabs (coconut crabs) and geckos.

Day 7: Final Swim, Souvenirs, and Departure

Morning: Squeeze in a last snorkel at the cove—you know the entry and exit by now. Rinse, pack, and pick up edible souvenirs (island sauces, cookies) from the grocery or bakery.

Afternoon: Return the car and check in for your flight. If schedules are tight or weather changes, keep Trip.com and Kiwi.com handy for rebooking options.

Where to Eat and Drink (Quick Picks)

• Breakfast/Coffee: The island bakery in Poon Saan for kaya or pandan buns, egg sandwiches, and hot coffee to-go before day trips.
• Lunch: Picnic fare from the grocery or bakery (bring a cooler) for beaches and trailheads; light noodle or rice dishes at local Chinese/Malay eateries in The Settlement.
• Dinner: Golden Bosun Tavern for sunset pub fare and fresh fish; Lucky Ho Restaurant for classic Chinese plates, whole fish with ginger-soy, and greens.

Good-to-Know Logistics

• Car rental: Reserve in advance; expect ~US$60–100/day. A 4WD is useful for rough south-coast roads.
• Seasonality: Red crab migration typically starts with first wet-season rains (often Oct–Dec). Roads may close—obey signs and never crush crabs.
• Water safety: North coast (Flying Fish Cove) is usually calm; the south coast can be hazardous year-round. Check conditions locally.
• Wildlife etiquette: Keep distance from nesting turtles and seabirds; don’t touch or feed crabs; use red light at night if viewing hatchlings.
• Diving/snorkeling: Book locally for current sites and conditions; November–April brings whale shark possibilities. Non-divers can do guided snorkel trips.
• Connectivity: Mobile/data can be patchy outside town; download maps offline and carry cash for small eateries.

Seven days on Christmas Island lets you taste its essentials—reef and rainforest, blowholes and beaches, glowing sunsets and starlit nights. You’ll leave with sand in your shoes, a camera roll of curious crabs, and a promise to return when the island’s seasons shift again.