What is Tarantula Island in Animal Crossing Switch
Tarantula Island, a player-created nickname, is a special island that can be found in Animal Crossing New Horizons. The primary goal of visiting this island is to farm tarantulas, which can be sold for a significant profit. These creepy crawlies are worth a lot of Bells. It offers a unique opportunity to quickly amass wealth, making it a popular destination for players looking to expand their homes and collections. The island’s layout and the abundance of tarantulas make it an efficient place to catch a large number of these valuable insects.
How to Find Tarantula Island
Finding Tarantula Island is not a guaranteed event. It’s a rare occurrence among the mystery islands you can visit using Nook Miles Tickets. You will need to spend Nook Miles to obtain a Nook Miles Ticket from the Nook Stop terminal in Resident Services. Each ticket costs 2,000 Nook Miles. Once you have your ticket, head to the airport and talk to Orville to fly to a mystery island. The island you land on is completely random. However, with patience and persistence, you might be lucky enough to find Tarantula Island.
Understanding Nook Miles Tickets

Nook Miles Tickets are the key to accessing mystery islands. They’re a form of in-game currency used to travel to these islands, and are a must-have for players wanting to find Tarantula Island. Before setting off, ensure you have enough tickets, as the process involves a bit of luck, you may need multiple attempts. The more tickets you have, the better your chances of finding the coveted Tarantula Island.
Best Times to Visit Tarantula Island
The best time to visit Tarantula Island is at night, typically between 7 PM and 4 AM in-game time. This is when tarantulas are most active and abundant. During these hours, you’ll have the greatest chance of encountering them. Make sure to check the time on your Switch before heading out, so you can maximize your tarantula-catching efficiency. Daytime visits are less productive.
Why Visit Tarantula Island?
The main reason players visit Tarantula Island is to earn Bells quickly. Tarantulas sell for a high price at Nook’s Cranny. It’s an excellent way to pay off your home loans, buy new furniture, and expand your island. Beyond the monetary benefits, it also offers a unique gameplay experience, providing a thrilling and challenging activity for players who enjoy the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of a successful catch. Tarantula Island can also be a great place to gather resources.
Top 5 Tips for Tarantula Island Domination

Clear Your Island
Before you start your adventure, clear the island of anything that could potentially spawn other bugs, such as flowers, weeds, and rocks. This increases the spawn rate of tarantulas. Removing these elements ensures that tarantulas are the primary insect you encounter, making it easier to fill your inventory with them quickly. Make sure you have the tools required to clear the island before you set off, as this is the most important part of the trip.
Dig Defensive Holes
Digging strategically placed holes can be your best defense. Dig a series of holes in a pattern to create a barrier. When a tarantula approaches, jump over the holes to maintain distance while you prepare to catch it. This tactic gives you a safe space to maneuver and gives you time to react. Remember to dig holes that are at least two spaces deep so you can jump over them.
Walk Slowly and Strategically

Tarantulas are sensitive to movement. When you approach them, walk slowly and deliberately. Hold down the A button to have your net ready. If a tarantula senses you, it will stand on its hind legs in a defensive posture. Stop moving immediately when this happens. Wait for it to lower its legs before taking another step forward. Patience is key; don’t rush the process.
Catch and Release
Once you’re close enough, release your net by quickly pressing the A button. Aim for the tarantula’s center, and if successful, you will catch it. If you miss, be prepared to run or use your defensive holes. If you’re bitten, you will pass out and be transported back to your island, so keep your eyes peeled! Catching multiple tarantulas requires practice and precision, so don’t get discouraged by the occasional miss.
Craft Your Net
Always make sure you have a sturdy net before embarking on your trip. A flimsy net will break quickly, and you don’t want to be caught without one. Make sure your inventory has a good supply of nets. Consider carrying the materials to craft new nets on the fly, so you never run out. This preparation ensures you can maximize your time on Tarantula Island, gathering as many tarantulas as possible.
Maximizing Your Tarantula Island Trip

Selling Your Catch
Once your inventory is full, or you’re ready to leave, head back to your island. Sell your tarantulas to Timmy and Tommy at Nook’s Cranny for a generous price. Remember, you can only sell them once a day. The money you earn can be used to upgrade your home, purchase new items, or invest in your island’s development. Selling is a quick and effective way to boost your Bell count and advance in the game.
Avoiding Pitfalls
Be cautious of your surroundings, and always be prepared to react. Tarantulas are quick and can attack unexpectedly. If you get bitten, you will faint and be sent back to your island without any tarantulas. If you’re not careful, you can easily lose your progress. Stay alert, and always be ready to run or jump over your defensive holes to avoid getting bitten. Keep an eye on your stamina, too.
What to do if you get Bitten

If you get bitten by a tarantula, you’ll faint, and be transported back to your island, with your inventory intact, but without any tarantulas. The best thing to do is to learn from the experience. Pay attention to what went wrong, and adjust your strategy for your next attempt. It’s all part of the learning process of becoming a tarantula farming expert.
