What is Tarantula Island in Animal Crossing?
Tarantula Island is a highly sought-after destination in Animal Crossing New Horizons, celebrated for its abundant tarantula population. This unique island provides an excellent opportunity for players eager to catch these valuable insects. The island’s distinctive design, featuring a central elevated area surrounded by a circular ring of land, is optimized for tarantula spawning. This layout, along with the high tarantula density, allows players to swiftly fill their pockets with these creatures, which can then be sold for considerable profit. Tarantula Island is a popular destination for those seeking to accumulate Bells, the in-game currency. It provides a thrilling experience for both newcomers and veteran players alike. The island is a fun experience for anyone who enjoys Animal Crossing.
How to Find Tarantula Island
Locating Tarantula Island isn’t a simple task. This island is one of many mystery islands accessible using Nook Miles Tickets. To begin your search, purchase a Nook Miles Ticket from the Nook Stop terminal in Resident Services. Each ticket costs 2,000 Nook Miles. Once you have the ticket, head to the airport and speak to Orville, the dodo at the front desk. Choose the option to use a Nook Miles Ticket. Orville will then transport you to a random mystery island. Since the islands are randomly generated, you might not find Tarantula Island on your first try. Persistence is the key, and many players visit several mystery islands before finally discovering Tarantula Island.
Understanding Dodo Codes

Dodo Codes are essential for navigating the multiplayer features in Animal Crossing. These codes act as unique entry keys, allowing players to open their island gates for visitors or to travel to other islands. To invite friends or other players to your island, you will generate a Dodo Code through Orville at the airport. Conversely, if you want to visit someone else’s island, they will provide their Dodo Code. These codes are a five-character mix of letters and numbers. Keep in mind that Dodo Codes expire once the current visiting session ends or the host closes their gates. This system provides island owners with control over access to their island.
Generating Dodo Codes
To generate a Dodo Code, go to the airport on your island and talk to Orville. Select the option to invite visitors. Choose whether to open your island to “Best Friends” or “Anyone.” The game will then generate a unique five-character Dodo Code. If you are the host, share this code with those you want to invite. It’s important to note that you’ll need an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription to open your island gates, as the game relies on online connectivity for multiplayer functionality. After sharing the code, visiting players can enter it at their airport and travel to your island.
Using Dodo Codes to Visit Tarantula Island
Direct access to Tarantula Island is not possible using a Dodo Code; these codes are mainly for inviting others to your island or visiting other players’ islands. To reach Tarantula Island, you’ll use a Nook Miles Ticket and fly to a random mystery island. While Dodo Codes are not directly applicable for reaching Tarantula Island, they can still be useful in related situations. For example, if a friend finds Tarantula Island, they can invite you using a Dodo Code once they are on their island. This allows you to share in the experience and take advantage of the plentiful tarantulas. Knowing how to generate and use Dodo Codes is important, even though the main route to the island is through Nook Miles Tickets and a bit of luck.
What to Do on Tarantula Island

The main activity on Tarantula Island revolves around catching tarantulas. The island’s layout is designed for this. Before starting, clear away any obstacles, such as rocks, weeds, and flowers. These objects can prevent tarantulas from spawning. Fill your pockets with as many tarantulas as possible. Then, sell them to Timmy and Tommy at Nook’s Cranny for a significant profit, or donate them to Blathers at the museum. Many players spend hours on the island, implementing strategic methods of catching and releasing tarantulas to maximize their earnings. It is also a great opportunity to collect additional resources such as iron nuggets, found on the rocks.
How to Catch Tarantulas
Catching tarantulas requires a careful approach to avoid bites. Equip your net. Slowly approach the tarantula; when it lifts its legs defensively, stop moving. Wait for the tarantula to lower its legs, then take another step closer. Repeat this process until you can swing your net. Patience is critical. Rushing will likely result in a bite, causing you to faint and respawn without your items. Also, keep an eye out for any holes or other obstacles. A tarantula’s bite can be dangerous. If you are successful, the tarantula will go into your net.
Avoiding Tarantula Attacks
To avoid tarantula attacks, pay close attention to their behavior. Tarantulas will raise their front legs when they detect your presence. This is a warning sign of an impending attack. When you see this, immediately stop moving. If you continue moving, the tarantula will charge at you and bite. By pausing, you allow the tarantula to lower its legs. Then you can slowly approach to catch it. It’s also wise to clear your inventory of any items. Also, make sure you have space in your pockets for the tarantulas. If bitten, you’ll faint and respawn. This can cause you to lose progress and items. A slow approach and awareness of tarantula behavior are key for a successful trip.
Maximizing Your Tarantula Island Trip

To maximize your visit to Tarantula Island, prepare ahead of time. Make sure you have enough space in your inventory for the tarantulas. Pack your net. Clear the island of anything that might obstruct the tarantulas, such as flowers or rocks. Also, consider planning your trip during the in-game tarantula season, which varies depending on your hemisphere. This way, you can catch the most tarantulas. By being efficient and focused, you can collect dozens of tarantulas during a single visit, which can result in a lot of Bells.
