This unusual tropical destination in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, some 1300 miles south of Hawaii, is part of the Line Island Group, Republic of Kiribati, known previously as the Gilbert Islands. Christmas Island has the largest land area of any coral atoll in the world (140 square miles) and is only 119 miles north of the equator. The highest elevation is about 12 feet, and the airport is at 5-feet elevation. With its large colonies of sea birds, vast reefs, endless flats, lagoons, and surrounding ocean, it offers excellent opportunities for observing bird and marine life as well as outstanding fishing.

The island remains largely unspoiled with virtually no commercialism. A copra plantation and a number of other government operations, including salt extraction and fish export, provide employment for the local population. A good paved road goes to many parts of the island; elsewhere, the roads are of packed coral. There are few vehicles, and visitors find themselves traveling many miles without meeting another car.

Christmas Island was discovered by Capt. James Cook on Christmas Eve 1777. Between 1954 and 1965, British and American forces occupied the island. No fighting occurred on Christmas Island during World War II; however, it was a staging area for the Pacific theater, and the roads and airfield created for these purposes are quite extensive. A Japanese downrange satellite tracking station is located on the island, and from time to time, technicians associated with this station will also be at the Captain Cook Hotel, along with advisors from Australia and England. Kiribati gained independence from Great Britain in 1979. There is strong Australian influence throughout the island.

The island is located almost due south of Hawaii and is only 119 miles north of the equator. All year round, daytime highs are in the mid-80's with moderate humidity, while evening lows are typically 72 degrees with a light breeze. Bonefishing, offshore fishing and diving is available year-round on Christmas Island due to the remarkably stable weather.

We have had many fishermen ask about a combination dive package, and we can now offer three days of diving in combination with the outstanding fishing program for those wishing to explore the island both above and below water. The birdlife on Christmas Island is prolific with the seabird populations nesting on the island including some of the largest and most impressive colonies in the Pacific. A total of 18 species regularly breed there (including shearwaters, petrels, boobies, frigatebirds, tropicbirds, terns and noddies). By contrast, there is only one resident species of land bird: the Christmas Island warbler. Several migrant and visitor wading birds regularly winter over on the island, and other species use the island as a staging post for their continuing trip south.

For information and reservations please contact:

Dive Kiribati
P.O. Box 1583
Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744

Phone: 011-881-631-442-811
Phone: 011-686-81-139

Please Tell Them Dive Guide Sent You!!!

Email For Availability And Reservations

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