Planning Your Tarantula Island Trip
Embarking on a quest to Tarantula Island in Animal Crossing is a thrilling endeavor for any aspiring island resident, offering a unique opportunity to amass a fortune in Bells. This guide provides you with all the necessary information, from planning your trip to safely returning home with your hard-earned catch. Before you even think about setting foot on the island, thorough preparation is key. Failing to plan can quickly turn your bell-making venture into a stressful and potentially dangerous situation, so take your time and gather all the information you need before you go.
Gathering Essential Supplies
The success of your Tarantula Island expedition hinges on the supplies you bring. Being ill-equipped can lead to a frustrating and unproductive experience. You’ll need a combination of tools and protective gear to ensure a smooth and safe trip. Prioritizing these items will increase your chances of a successful venture and minimize potential setbacks, allowing you to focus on the task at hand harvesting those valuable creatures. Make sure you’ve got space in your inventory for the items you will acquire too, since you will need them to bring them back to your island.
Tool Checklist

- A sturdy net A must-have for catching tarantulas. Consider a few spares, as it can break.
- An axe for clearing trees. This will create more open space, maximizing tarantula spawn rates.
- A shovel. This will be useful for digging up any holes that you may need to.
- A ladder is optional. If you need to access higher terrain, then this will come in handy.
- An empty inventory slots. Make sure you have enough space to carry your catches.
Clothing and Protection
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Consider bringing extra clothes, in case your current clothing gets dirty or damaged.
- Bring a protective item, such as a medical kit, in case you get bit.
Preparing for the Journey
With your gear assembled, it’s time to prepare for your journey. The timing of your trip and knowledge of the island layout are crucial. By preparing thoroughly, you can maximize your catching efficiency and minimize potential risks. Proper preparation includes understanding the window of opportunity and how to make the most of it while you’re there. Make sure you’re ready to make the most of your time when you get to the island.
Checking Island Availability

Not every island will be a Tarantula Island. Therefore, it is essential to know when they spawn. The island appears in the Southern Hemisphere between November and April, and in the Northern Hemisphere between May and October. During this period, you will have to travel to mystery islands using Nook Miles Tickets to find a Tarantula Island.
Understanding the Time of Day
Tarantulas only spawn during specific hours. They appear between 7 PM and 4 AM in Animal Crossing. Plan your trip accordingly. Make sure you have enough time to spend on the island. This will make it more likely that you find tarantulas and that you are able to catch them.
Navigating to Tarantula Island
Reaching Tarantula Island is a straightforward process, but requires a bit of luck and some Nook Miles Tickets. This section details how to identify the island and approach it safely, setting the stage for a successful tarantula-catching expedition. Following these steps will ensure that you’re well-prepared to navigate the unique challenges of this mysterious locale. Remember, a successful trip starts with a well-planned approach and an understanding of the island’s environment.
Identifying the Island

The first step is to purchase a Nook Miles Ticket from the Nook Stop terminal in Resident Services. Travel to the airport and use the ticket to visit a Mystery Island. When you arrive, look around to see if it’s a tarantula island. The main indicator is a flat island with a body of water near the center. Other indicators include many rocks, and the absence of other insects or creatures.
Approaching Safely
Once you’ve found a Tarantula Island, proceed with caution. Tarantulas can be aggressive, and a single bite can cause you to faint and reset your progress. Approach slowly, always keeping your net ready. Observe their movements, and avoid running, as this will agitate them. Try to keep a safe distance, and always be prepared to react. Make sure that you always approach them with caution.
Tarantula Behavior and Safety
Understanding tarantula behavior is paramount to a successful and safe catching experience. This section offers insights into recognizing different types of behaviors and how to react to them. By being aware of these behaviors, you can minimize risks and maximize your Bell earnings. Being aware of how these creatures behave is key for a successful catching experience. Taking the time to learn will greatly increase your chance of success.
Recognizing Tarantula Types

Animal Crossing only features one type of tarantula, but the way they behave and how they spawn is crucial to your strategy. They tend to spawn more frequently in cleared areas. Tarantulas are generally solitary creatures, but they can appear in groups. Recognizing these patterns will allow you to make quick decisions and adjust your strategy as needed. By understanding their behavior, you can make the most of your time on the island and reduce your risk of being bitten.
Dealing with Aggressive Behavior
Tarantulas become aggressive when they sense a threat. If a tarantula raises its front legs, it is preparing to attack. At this point, you should immediately stop moving. Wait for it to lower its legs and then slowly approach. If multiple tarantulas become aggressive, consider moving to a new area or resetting the island. Always be mindful of their behavior and prioritize your safety. Remember, a calm approach and understanding their behavior is the key to successfully harvesting tarantulas.
Harvesting Tarantulas
The core of your Tarantula Island adventure involves the actual catching of these valuable creatures. This section provides practical tips for maximizing your catch, focusing on efficient techniques and strategies. Mastering these methods will lead to an increase in your earnings. Remember, consistency and patience are your best assets when catching tarantulas.
Maximizing Your Catch

To increase your catch rate, clear the island of anything that might distract or deter the tarantulas. This includes removing all flowers, rocks, weeds, and trees, as these can prevent tarantulas from spawning. By clearing the island, you can maximize the number of tarantulas that appear. Remember, the more tarantulas, the more Bells you earn.
Efficient Catching Techniques
Once you have identified a tarantula, slowly approach it with your net raised. Get close enough to where the tarantula will raise its legs, stop moving, and wait for it to lower them. After this, you can move closer. Repeat this until you are close enough to catch it. Make sure you have enough room to swing your net and make the catch. A single misstep can ruin your efforts, so take your time and focus on each catch.
Returning Home Safely
After a successful trip, safely returning home with your valuable cargo is the final step. This section provides guidance on storing and transporting your tarantulas, along with tips to avoid common mishaps. Your careful planning and execution will be rewarded when you arrive back at your island. By paying attention to these details, you ensure that you get to keep your haul.
Storage and Transportation
Before returning to your island, make sure you have room for your catches. This is usually done by selling off any other bugs or fish you have caught. When you’re ready, return to the airport and head home. You can sell your tarantulas at Nook’s Cranny for a profit. Your goal is to maximize your earnings and have a good time.
Avoiding Mishaps
While traveling to and from Tarantula Island, there are a few risks to be aware of. Avoid running at any point, as this will cause tarantulas to attack. By being cautious, you can prevent any mishaps, and secure your journey back home with your catch.
