Christmas Island - Facts
Christmas Island FAQs
Pre-Arrival Boat: Australian Border Force require an Advance Notice of Arrival, as well as the B333 Small Craft Arrival Form (see Clearance for details). The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) require a Pre-Arrival Report (see Biosecurity for details).
Pre-Arrival Crew: All nationalities, with the sole exception of New Zealanders, must obtain a visa in advance or be registered as an eVisitor. See Immigration for details.
Where can I enter? Flying Fish Cove is the only ABF First Point of Entry (FPOE) and Biosecurity First Point of Entry on Christmas Island.
Are fees high to enter by yacht? The Australian Border Force does not levy any charge for clearance. However, the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry operates on a full cost recovery basis. See Fees for more information.
What security and safety concerns should I know about? Christmas Island is a safe place to visit with little or no crime against visitors. There are currently no detainees at the Island’s Detention Centre. However, be cautious of the island’s remoteness, which could delay medical assistance.
Christmas Island Facts for Sailors:
- 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.
- A visit should be avoided during the monsoon season between November and April, however, in the Tradewinds season when the winds stay in the SE, the anchorage is generally very acceptable.
- 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.
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Here is some general info about Christmas Island after our visit in August 2022.
We arrived from Darwin (where we had to clear out) and contacted the C.I. Harbour Master, who told us which mooring we could use. Note that you are not allowed to arrive at night. Clearing in was friendly and easy.
Laundry: coin-operated machines opposite Golden Bosun pub.
Wifi: Free at Golden Bosun (limited), Bank and neighbouring water company (unlimited); paid at Tourist Office. Local SIM cards are not available.
Rent e-bike at Tourist Office or e-mountainbike at Recreation Centre (possibly via Tourist Office).
Car rental: Kiat Car Rentals (0439 215 388); Soong Car Hire (0439 215 889) – use public phone outside post office for free calls.
Mooring: AUD 10 per day (50 per week) to be paid in cash.
Cash: there are no ATMs. Cash inside the bank (with passport), or ask for cash-out at the supermarket when paying by card.
Provisioning: ask around for local fruit and vegetables. There is a farm on Murray Road where you might get some. The supermarket across from the Tourist Information sometimes has local food. Imported fruit & vegetables are available the evening or morning after the weekly flight arrives.
Smuggling operations in this area – it is the closest port for Asylum seekers entering from Indonesia / Malaysia