Scuba Diver Ocean Planet Issue 06/2016 | Page 95

INDONESIA PRACTICALITIES 40 WHEN Diving is good all year round. Being an island, there is always a lee shore somewhere. Most visitors come from November to April, when you are more likely to see whale sharks. HOW Weekly charter flights from Jakarta, Indonesia and a scheduled twice weekly service from Perth, Australia. Check out the details here: www.christmas.net.au/plan-your​​trip/​ flights.html. STAY/DIVE There is an excellent selection of inexpensive guest houses in the north of the island where most people live, within walking distance of the two dive centres: • Christmas Island Wet’n’Dry Adventures www.divingchristmas.com • ExtraDivers, Christmas Island www.extradivers-worldwide.com TOPSIDE Christmas Island is known as the Galápagos of the Indian Ocean, so there is as much to explore topside as underwater. Choose from caves and blow holes, waterfalls and rainforest trails complete with the millions of red crabs that Christmas Island is famous for, several endemic bird species including Christmas Island frigates, Abbott’s boobies and golden tropic birds, and possibly the world’s most scenic golf course. ENTRY Obtaining a visa from most countries is now as easy as buying your ticket – your travel agent can assist you. For Australian immigration information go to: www.immi.gov.au.