One of the world's rarest natural spectacles is officially underway! 100 million giant red crabs have begun their grand migration across Christmas Island, an Australian external territory 1,500 kilometres from the mainland. This year’s mass march has kicked off slightly earlier than previous years, with residents currently preparing for major road closures across the entire island.
If you’re not one to shiver at the sight of creepy crawlies, then you’ll want to check out the stellar scenes from what Sir David Attenborough described as “one of the top ten most memorable television moments from his life’s work.”
Where is the red crab migration?
This jaw-dropping crab migration happens on Christmas Island – a tiny, reef-fringed Australian Territory, located in the Indian Ocean, just a 3.5-hour flight from Perth. The island’s remote location, lush rainforests and balmy ocean temperatures provide the perfect habitat for red crabs, which live almost exclusively on Christmas Island.
Why do Christmas Island red crabs migrate?
Emerging from the rainforest floors of Christmas Island, a sea of red crabs embark on their annual journey to the ocean to breed and lay eggs. They follow the same migration route each year and take over the entire island, leading to traffic delays and road closures.
The male crabs migrate to the coast first, soaking up moisture before burrowing and waiting to attract a female. After mating, each female will release up to 100,000 eggs into the ocean during high tide.
When do red crabs migrate?
Mating season for the crabs kicks off after the first rainfall of the wet season, which is typically between October and November. However, it can sometimes be as late as December or January.
The 2025 crab migration has commenced slightly early, with spawning forecast for around November 15 and 16, followed by a second spawning in mid-December.
How to see the red crab migration on Christmas Island?
For those not squeamish about creepy crawlies, the red-hot crab migration is best witnessed on Christmas Island at Drumsite, Flying Fish Cove, Ethel Beach and Greta Beach. In certain areas, you might see up to 100 crabs per square metre of beach or rock. Eeek!
You’ll need to book early if you’re hoping to catch the crab migration in 2026, as accommodation, car hire and flights are likely already fully booked on Christmas Island for this November.