Crab Claw Island is a tidal island on the Cox Peninsula, 135 km southwest of Darwin, set within the vast Bynoe Harbour and surrounded by 2,500 km² of pristine Top End waterways. The island is best known for its artificial reef — created from the remnants of the former resort jetty destroyed by a cyclone — which has become a thriving underwater habitat. Snorkelers can explore this submerged structure now home to large Jewfish and other marine species, all within a remote, ruggedly beautiful setting of turquoise tidal flats, mangrove fringes, and sandy beaches.
Crab Claw Island
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Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 9.1 sWind Speed 0.8 knPrecipitation 11 mmTidal Phase ebb
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DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Crab Claw Island has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Saltwater Crocodiles danger
The Top End of Australia is saltwater crocodile habitat. Crocodiles may be present in Bynoe Harbour and surrounding tidal waterways year-round.
The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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High risk: Saltwater Crocodiles
The Top End of Australia is saltwater crocodile habitat. Crocodiles may be present in Bynoe Harbour and surrounding tidal waterways year-round.
Moderate risk: Extreme High Tides
Crab Claw Island is a tidal island that can become isolated on extreme high tides, cutting off road access and creating strong tidal flows through the surrounding channels.
Moderate risk: Tidal Currents
Strong tidal currents flow through Bynoe Harbour, especially around the artificial reef structure, which can be hazardous for snorkelers.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Located 135 km southwest of Darwin on the Cox Peninsula. Accessible by road (sealed and unsealed) via the Cox Peninsula Road, though the island can become cut off on extreme high tides. Also accessible by boat (about 2 hours) or scenic flight (15 minutes).
Parking & facilities
Parking available at the Crab Claw Island Resort for guests and day visitors.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports