Are Christmas Island and Kiribati the same?

Are Christmas Island and Kiribati the same?

Kiritimati (also known as Christmas Island) is a Pacific Ocean atoll in the northern Line Islands. It is part of the Republic of Kiribati. The name is derived from the English word “Christmas” written in Gilbertese according to its phonology, in which the combination ti is pronounced s, giving [kiˈrɪsmæs].

Can you snorkel on Christmas Island?

Snorkelling is a must-do activity on Christmas Island – the biodiversity of our waters is simply breathtaking. Many beaches have a reef close to shore, so you can simply put on a mask and fins to start exploring the underwater environment.

Where is the best place to dive in December?

Our favourites for Where to Dive in December

• Indian Ocean > Maldives. Maldives.
• Far East > Philippines. Philippines.
• Africa > Mozambique. Mozambique.
• Australasia & Pacific Islands > Australia > Lord Howe Island.
• Australasia & Pacific Islands > Palau.
• Australasia & Pacific Islands > Micronesia.
• Caribbean > Grenada.
• Mexico.

Is Christmas Island in Hawaii?

CHRISTMAS ISLAND or KIRITIMATI (pronounced Kiri-si-mass) Christmas Island is the world’s largest coral atoll and part of the Republic of Kiribati. This sparsely populated island of 5000 lies 1200 miles south of Hawaii and 110 miles north of the equator in the center of the Pacific Ocean.

When can you dive on Christmas Island?

Diving in the Wet Season – November – March. Whale sharks frequent the island generally between November – March, though they are most likely viewed on the NW side of the island. Some seasons are better than others for whale shark activity. Flying Fish Cove is spectacular for shore diving.

Where can you dive with sharks in December?

Among the best countries for scuba diving in December are Belize, the Galapagos, and the Maldives. In each of these destinations, December seas are calm- take your pick from Belize’s Barrier Reef, the Galapagos’ crowds of sharks and turtles, or the Maldives’ marine megafauna.

Where can I dive at Christmas?

The Top 5 Scuba Diving Destinations in December

• Norway. Although it’s part of the Northern Hemisphere, which is freezing over in December, Norway offers noteworthy winter experiences to divers.
• Deep South of the Maldives.
• Chuuk Lagoon, Federated States of Micronesia.
• Red Sea, Egypt.
• Myanmar.

Can you live on Christmas Island?

Christmas Island had a population of 1,843 residents as of 2016, the majority living in settlements on the northern edge of the island. The main settlement is Flying Fish Cove.

Can I visit Christmas Island?

ALL travellers to Christmas Island and the Cocos Keeling Islands must be FULLY VACCINATED against Covid-19. ALL travellers to the IOTs are required to apply for entry into the islands by completing the IOT Traveller Request Form. Travellers must also complete a pre-arrival and post-arrival Rapid Antigen Test.

Are there sharks around Christmas Island?

Endangered whale sharks congregate at Christmas Island during the wet season (November to March). The whale shark is the world’s largest fish, measuring up to 12 metres in length with a mouth that is more than a metre wide.

Can you go scuba diving in December?

With tons of shark action, December is the best month for diving in the far southern atolls of the Maldives. Found at these remote islands, you’ll see pelagic species making their way through channels and around pinnacles. Drift dive to see silkies, hammerheads and tiger sharks.

How much does it cost to go cage diving with sharks?

Shark Cage Dives Our cage fits two divers at a time. Divers can enter and exit the cage as many times as they like throughout the day. *The cost is $250 per person for a full or half day. If the charter is 3 people or less the cost is $800 for a full or half day adventure.

Do you need passport for Christmas Island?

Christmas Island is currently closed to travelers from QLD, ACT, NSW & VIC. Valid passport. Valid national passport with at least 6 month remaining validity after the date of departure. Valid visa.

Are there 2 Christmas islands?

Two islands have, at one time or another, carried the name Christmas Island. The Christmas Island in the Pacific Ocean is today better known as Kiritimati and is part of the nation of Kiribati. It was documented by Captain James Cook on Christmas Eve in 1777.

What to do in Kiritimati?

Today Kiritimati Island is a popular international tourism destination for world class salt water fly fishing. Birdwatching, diving, surfing and lagoon tours are also popular recreational activities for travellers visiting the atoll.

Where is Kiritimati Island located?

The island is generally low-lying and flat, seldom rising to more than 3 or 4 meters over sea level. Kiritimati Island is on a time zone of UTC+14 that is 20 hours ahead of Honolulu on the other side of the International Date Line and 2 hours ahead of the capital Tarawa the administrative center in the Gilbert Islands Group.

Who first discovered Kiritimati?

The atoll was discovered by Captain James Cook on the eve of the 24th December 1777 during his third Pacific voyage who named it “Christmas Island” Being the greatest land area of any coral atoll in the world, Kiritimati has land area is of 388 square kilometers (150 square miles); its lagoon is roughly the same size.