 Christmas Island/Kiritimati : Profile
The pass into the lagoon is difficult to locate, so the recommended anchorage (GPS 1°59.08'N 157°28.83'W) is west of London, the main settlement, just off the tennis and basketball court, which is occasionally lit at night. It is relatively easy to land on the beach here and walk to the government offices to clear in. The customs, immigration and quarantine offices are all close together and each officer will come to inspect the boat. There is a small anchorage fee. It is better to transport them in one's own dinghy as a high price will be demanded for the launch service. Firearms are taken ashore and locked up at the police station until departure.
A large wharf has been recently constructed a mile or two down the coast from London. One may be able to obtain permission from the port captain to land the dinghy at the wharf (his office is in a trailer near the wharf), if anchoring near the wharf, and then take a bus or hitch-hike into the town. The customs office is at the container yard by the new wharf. The Customs office is not always open; one may be able to arrange with immigration in London to telephone customs and arrange an appointment.
It has been recommended that between November and April yachts anchoring offshore of Christmas Island should anchor in at least 30 feet of water. The anchorage is open to winter swells from the North and West and swells may arrive without any warning. In January 2004 surf with face heights in excess of 30 feet was reported in the anchorage by a local yacht.
|
Related ReportsHawaii, Honolulu to Brisbane, Australia (22 May 2008) Tide Information In South Pacific (17 Oct 2007) Question About Fanning Island Slack Water (16 Oct 2006) A Visit To Christmas/Kirimati Island (09 Mar 2005) 25th Anniversary of Moon Handbooks South Pacific (24 Jun 2004) Christmas Island Still A Good Destination (15 Dec 2003) Fanning Island (27 Jan 2001) Christmas Island (Kirimati) (27 Jan 2001) Related NewsDispute As To Facts Of Kiribati Yacht Arrest (31 May 2008) Brunei Bay Radio Services (06 Jan 2002)
|