Explore: Christmas Island
Facts
- COVID-19: Entry protocols for yachts have been affected by the pandemic. See the Biosecurity section for details.
- Christmas Island is an Australian territory in the Indian Ocean. It lies about 420 kms (260 miles) south of the Sunda Strait between the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Java and about 2600kms (1600 miles) north west of Perth on Australia’s west coast.
- It was named by Captain William Mynors from the East India Company vessel – the Royal Mary – on December 25, 1643.
- Christmas Island is a favourite port of call for yachts on passage to or from the Cocos Keeling Islands, another Australian dependency in the Indian Ocean.
- The island has a permanent population of about 1850 people who live on the north of the island around the main settlement of Flying Fish Cove.
- The currency is the Australian dollar (AUD).
- Christmas Island has one time zone and does not use Daylight Saving Time.
- The weather is generally pleasant and warm on the island with a tropical rainy season between November and April. See the weather section for more details.
- The island is the tip of an extinct volcano, with the highest point about 300 meters (985 ft) above sea level. It is a popular destination for eco-tourists, birdwatchers and divers because of the abundance of bird and marine life and the fact that most of the island and surrounding reefs are now a National Park.
- With cliffs around most of the coast, there is only one suitable anchorage on the northwest of the island, at Flying Fish Cove.
- There are limited services for visiting yachts. See Yachting Essentials for more information.
Security
Policing services are provided by the Australian Federal Police.
Overall Crime and Safety
Christmas Island has been reported as having a low crime rate.
Specific Areas of Concern:
Due to its location in the Indian Ocean, the island was a major destination for asylum seekers trying to get to Australia by boat. They were detained in the Christmas Island Immigration Reception and Processing Centre which closed on 30 September 2018. However, Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced in February 2019 that the centre would be re-opened.
In 2010, 50 asylum seekers drowned when their boat hit rocks off Flying Fish Cove and the island was beset by riots over the treatment of detainees.
Emergency Numbers:
Christmas Island Police (Australian Federal Police) – Dial 000
See General Info/Emergencies for more details
Last updated: October 2019
Weather
Christmas Island experiences a tropical equatorial climate. The general climate is pleasant and warm with a tropical rainy season between November and May and a dry season from June to October with occasional showers.
The best time to visit the island is during the south-east trade wind season from April to November, when temperatures and humidity are lower and there is less rain.
Strong and erratic currents are often experienced at Flying Fish Cove. Northerly and westerly winds that predominate during the north west monsoon season, from November through to May, make conditions very difficult for boats in the Cove. March is usually the wettest month on the island.
The island normally escapes the tropical storms which affect the seas towards north west Australia. However, heavy downpours are common during the rainy season and often accompanied by thunderstorms.
Weather forecasts including for the high seas and tropical cyclone information are available from Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology website.
Christmas Island Weather Forecast
For links to free global weather information, forecast services and extreme weather information see the Noonsite Weather Page.
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Buy Now On YachtFlags.comMain Ports
- Ports of Entry: Flying Fish Cove
- Other Ports: