Creatures
This is where we brag about all the cool things you can see when diving on Christmas Island. With a diverse range of creatures from the very big to the very, very tiny, we like to think we can find something from everyone’s wish-list here. Here is just a sample:
Whalesharks
The biggest fish in the sea, the whaleshark, is also our biggest drawcard. Divers travel from all corners of the world to experience a close encounter with these gentle giants, without schools of other divers and snorkellers. While some whalesharks are seen underwater, during a dive, many of our sightings are on the surface - so snorkellers don’t miss out. Customers can enjoy their encounter without worrying about time; the decision is left up to the mood of the whaleshark: who frequently treat visitors to over 30mins of their time in a single sighting. See a cool flick of whalesharks in action. We rely on our local knowledge and keen eyesight (no spotter planes here) to find these majestic creatures, that visit our waters between November and April. We participate in ongoing research on these amazing creatures in order to help protect them. Find out how you can help…
Whales + Dolphins
Pilot and Beaked whales occasionally spotted on their way through while migrating – a very lucky sighting, you just have to be in the right place at the right time. However our Spinner dolphins, a quite small and playful species, are ever-present and quite friendly. Usually seen on the way to or from most dive sites, it is possible to swim with these friendly creatures in the open water in close proximity – of course when they’re in the mood!
Sharks
The sharks are very cruisy here, with no nasty statistics. It is possible to see Bronze Whalers, Silky Sharks, Grey Whalers, White + Black Tipped Reef Sharks, Tiger Sharks and Hammerheads.
Turtles
Sea turtles are in a vulnerable state across the planet. We are lucky to have two species of turtle here: Green and Hawksbill turtles. While it is suspected that the population we see originates elsewhere, there are still a number of very large Green turtles using our Eastern beaches as nesting grounds. Both species can be seen foraging among the reef around the island.
Rays
During the wet season when plankton levels are high we regularly see small groups of Mantas and mobulas. Whilst sting rays, eagle rays can be seen at any time of the year.
Pelagics
Tuna, wahoo, barracuda, jacks, snappers and trevally are found in large numbers on the exposed points of Christmas Island.
Reef Fish
The reefs are alive with an unbelievable rainbow of tropical fish. All main families are represented in large numbers and varieties: banner, damsels, wrasse, butterfly, angels, surgeons, fusiliers, triggers and many more.
Nudibranchs
Just when you think you’ve found them all another species is found lurking under a coral shelf. For those who love to play detective there are hours of fun exploring the microcosm of CI underwater.
Crabs
Known more for our land crabs, Christmas Island is host to numerous interesting species of marine crab.
Shrimps
Lots of shrimp: Squat lobsters, Cleaner shrimp, Glass shrimps, huge mantis shrimp, even the rare harlequin shrimp.
Eels
Eels, in great numbers hang about in their coral-bombie condiminiums, all along the Christmas Island coast. You may see the elusive Leopard Eel, Ribbon Eels, Starry morays, Zebra Morays, Guinea Fowl Morays, Giant Moray, Garden Eels in sandy patches and many more.