South of Indonesia, North West of Australia lays this small tropical paradise, home to two full endemic seabirds and at least four full endemic landbird species. We visited the island in April 2005 and a full illustrated trip report is available on our website or from us. Seabirds are always in view, anywhere over the island, hence the local’s nickname for them, the Christmas Island Air Force.  Abbott’s Booby is the first of the two endemic seabirds, the largest and rarest member of its family, they nest on tall trees in the island’s forests and prefer to roost in trees even outside the breeding season, about 3000 pairs. They have an almost albatross-like look to them in flight with long straight wings. The second is the Christmas Island Frigatebird, also the rarest member of its family with about 2000-2500 pairs, especially common around the settlement.

 

The island also boasts the stunning golden-apricot coloured race of White-tailed Tropicbird (known locally as the Golden Bosun) plus  breeding Red-tailed Tropicbirds too (Silver Bosuns).  Add Brown and Red-footed Boobies (yellow-headed white form), Great and Lesser Frigatebirds and finally nesting Brown Noddies. At least four full land endemics  also occur, Christmas Island Imperial Pigeon, Christmas Island White-eye, Christmas Island Brown Goshawk and the hard to see Christmas Island Hawk Owl, plus at least four distinct island races of other birds. Some of these may yet be split into full species over time.In addition to the birding (and photo opportunities are excellent) superb snorkelling is also on offer including with Whale Sharks at certain times of year.  A resident group of Spinner Dolphins can often be seen offshore. If you see any black buzzard type ‘birds’ flying around they will be the island’s endemic fruit bat! The island is also world famous for its ‘crab-based’ ecosystem, Red, Blue and Robber Crabs are abundant. The famed endemic red crab migration occurs in the latter part of the year . Reached by frequent  flights from Perth, Western Australia and a weekly flight from Kuala Lumpur & Singapore, our packages can be customised to suit your needs. A choice of accommodation is available on the island, most are simple lodges and there is some self-catering. Our prices below are for standard rooms at VQ3 Lodge. 4 x4 vehicle hire is essential for getting around. You could see most of the birds in just a few days but we suggest at least five nights to fully absorb the magic of this special place.

 

If you are serious about your seabirds, this is a place you just have to add to your list of travelling destinations.

 

 

Holiday information (year round)

 

From Kuala Lumpur/Singapore.

Prices: 7 nights  from £615 per person sharing a twin room.

Single supplement: on request

Or from £725 per person including 7 days 4 x 4 rental.

 

Price includes: Return economy class charter flights from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore including taxes, 7 nights accommodation in rooms with private facilities, return transfers, island orientation tour, 1/2 day birding tour, pre-trip information including an island bird booklet.

 

Price excludes: Transfers if taking the car inclusive package (car hire is from the airport), meals, visa fees and travel insurance.

 

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From Perth,WA.

Prices: 7 nights from £825 per person sharing a twin room.

Single supplement: on request

Or from £929 per person including 7 days 4 x 4 rental.

 

Price includes: Return economy class flights from Perth including taxes, return transfers, 7 nights accommodation in rooms with private facilities, island orientation tour, 1/2 day birding tour, pre-trip information including an island bird booklet.

Price excludes: Transfers if taking the car inclusive package (car hire is from the airport), meals, visa fees and travel insurance.

 

Deposit: £200 per person.

 

Contact us for any other duration.

 

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Christmas Island Bird and Nature Week 4^th – 11^th (ex Perth) and/or 5^th – 12^th (ex Kuala Lumpur/Singapore) September 2009. TBA 2010.

 

A unique opportunity to get behind the scenes which will particularly appeal to seabird buffs, photographers and artists. In conjunction with the Parks Australia staff, there are some very special events planned. These include assisting the ringing of the endemic Abbott's Booby in their rain forest canopy nests, also colour-ringing of Brown Boobies, Christmas Island Goshawks, CI Frigatebirds and Red-tailed Tropicbirds. CI Hawk Owl survey work may be on offer too. Nightly seminars will include such topics as seabird research, endemic landbird status, rarities and the marine and terrestrial ecology of the island.  This will be the fourth year and places are strictly limited. Flights are available from both Kuala Lumpur/Singapore and from Perth, WA.

 

2009 Prices from £1035 per person sharing a twin room (single supplement from £139 per person) from Kuala Lumpur and from £1279pp twin share from Perth (single supplement from £129).

 

Includes: return economy class flights from Kuala Lumpur/Singapore or Perth to Christmas Island including taxes, seven nights accommodation in rooms with private facilities, transfers and transportation throughout, all meals and five full days guided birding events.

 

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NEW for 2010

Pelagic voyage from Broome, Australia to Christmas Island

We can offer places on a pelagic yacht voyage from Australia to Christmas Island, to be led by Phil Hansboro, departing from Perth on September 6^th (a flight to Broome is included). The voyage is already currently full but do contact us if you wish to go on the waitlist. The cost will be approx £2000 per person.

 

Day 1 Fly from Perth to Broome, board vessel and sail. We expect to see Australian Snubfin Dolphin, Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin, Brown Booby, Lesser Frigate & Bridled Tern.

Day 2 At sea, crossing the shelf edge. Expected species include Wilson's Storm-Petrel, Bulwer's and Tahiti Petrel, Wedge-tailed and Streaked Shearwaters plus more cetaceans. Days 3-5 At sea, over deep water. On these days we expect Matsudaira's & Swinhoe’s Storm-Petrels plus a 90% chance of Jouanin's Petrel and more cetaceans.

Day 6 At sea towards Christmas Island, we should see our first Abbott's Boobies and Christmas Island Frigatebirds, Greater Frigatebirds plus Golden Bosuns (White-Tailed Tropicbird) etc

Day 7 Arrive Christmas Island and disembark.