Tarantula Island Overview
Tarantula Island is a unique island in Animal Crossing New Horizons known for its abundance of tarantulas, which can be a lucrative source of Bells and a thrilling experience for players. Visiting this island requires some preparation and understanding of tarantula behavior. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully navigate Tarantula Island during the daytime, maximizing your chances of catching these elusive creatures and making the most of your visit. The primary goal is to catch as many tarantulas as possible, but avoiding being bitten is also essential to a successful trip. The island’s layout and the behavior of the tarantulas themselves will dictate how you approach this challenge.
Why Daytime Matters
While Tarantula Island can be visited at any time, the daytime presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. During the daytime, the island’s ecosystem and the behavior of tarantulas differ significantly from nighttime. In the day, other bugs may appear that you have to get rid of. The time of day impacts the types of bugs that spawn, and the daytime is when other bugs like tiger beetles may spawn. The strategy for catching tarantulas changes, requiring you to adapt your approach to the new conditions. By understanding the daytime dynamics, you can optimize your strategy and increase your efficiency on the island. Furthermore, you have to be more careful when going into the island and be ready for other bugs that may appear.
Understanding Tarantula Behavior

Tarantulas in Animal Crossing New Horizons behave in a specific manner. They will chase you if they see you, and they are quick. They are active and tend to move quickly, increasing the difficulty of catching them. Observing their patterns, the way they react to your movements, and how they interact with their environment is key to a successful tarantula-catching session. The tarantulas may stop moving when you stop and start moving when you start. They are not predictable. They can easily spot you, even from a distance. They are also easily startled, making it necessary to move with caution and precision.
Preparing for Your Trip
Proper preparation is the key to a successful trip to Tarantula Island. This includes gathering essential items, preparing your island, and clearing inventory space. Preparing thoroughly will reduce the risk of being bitten and maximize the number of tarantulas you can catch. Planning your trip and gathering all your items ensures you have the necessary tools and resources to make the most of your time on the island. It is important to be prepared before going, so that you do not get caught off guard and waste time on the island. The better prepared you are, the more successful your trip will be.
Essential Items to Pack
The most important item to bring is your net. You need a sturdy net, as you’ll be using it constantly. You can craft a flimsy net, but a sturdier net is preferable for durability. You should bring a fishing rod for catching any fish that might be present, and an axe to cut trees. You will also want to bring an umbrella to protect from the rain. Consider bringing a ladder and a vaulting pole to get around. Finally, make sure to have empty inventory space to maximize your catch.
Tool Durability and Replacements

Tools in Animal Crossing New Horizons have limited durability. Nets, in particular, can break easily. It’s essential to have replacement nets ready, either in your inventory or readily craftable materials. Consider bringing enough materials to craft a few nets before you head to the island. This will help prevent you from getting stranded and missing out on valuable tarantulas. Another option is to buy a few nets at the Nook’s Cranny store before you leave.
Island Preparation Before Arrival
Before visiting Tarantula Island, clear your own island of any unnecessary items. This will give you more inventory space to store the tarantulas you catch. Chop down all the trees on your island, or dig them up. Also, get rid of all flowers. You want to change your island so that there is nothing but grass and dirt. This way the tarantulas will be the only bugs spawning. This makes it easier to catch the tarantulas. Preparing beforehand allows you to maximize your catch rate without being hindered by inventory limitations.
Clearing the Island of Clutter
Tarantula Island is designed with a specific layout. To maximize your catch, clear the island of anything that could spawn other bugs. This includes flowers, weeds, and any items lying on the ground. Clearing the island reduces the chances of other bugs spawning, increasing the likelihood that tarantulas will appear. It gives you a clearer playing field and helps you to focus on catching tarantulas. If other bugs are present, the tarantulas may not spawn.
Maximizing Your Inventory Space

Your inventory space is crucial. Before heading to Tarantula Island, ensure you have plenty of empty slots for tarantulas. You can sell off any unwanted items or store them at home. Prioritize empty slots to store caught tarantulas. Bring some tools in order to clear weeds and other items that may be on the island, thus giving you more space. Also, bring materials to craft new nets. You can easily run out of inventory space, so make sure you have enough space to hold all the tarantulas.
Navigating Tarantula Island
Successfully navigating Tarantula Island requires a careful blend of stealth, patience, and precise movements. Understanding how to approach, catch, and avoid tarantulas is vital. It can be the difference between a successful haul and a series of painful bites. You have to pay attention to your surroundings at all times. The tarantulas can be tricky and hard to see, so being aware of their location is crucial.
Walking and Running Techniques
The key is to walk slowly and deliberately. When you see a tarantula, stop moving completely. If the tarantula stops as well, you can slowly approach it. If it starts moving, stop again. This is a strategy to slowly get closer. If you need to run, run in a straight line away from the tarantulas. You should always be aware of where the tarantulas are. If you are not sure, then it is best to walk. The goal is to get close enough to catch the tarantulas, but far enough away so they don’t attack you.
Avoiding Tarantulas

Avoiding tarantulas is as important as catching them. They will chase you if they see you. To avoid them, pay attention to your surroundings. If a tarantula spots you, immediately stop moving. If the tarantula moves closer, back away slowly. If you are too close, you will be bitten. Make sure to move slowly and avoid sudden movements. Sudden movements can scare the tarantulas and make them attack.
Approaching Tarantulas
When approaching a tarantula, hold your net at the ready. Approach slowly, and stop whenever the tarantula raises its front legs. This is a sign that it is about to attack. Wait for the tarantula to lower its legs, then take a step forward. If the tarantula raises its legs again, stop and wait. Continue this process until you are close enough to catch it. When you are at the right distance, quickly swing your net to catch it.
Catching Tarantulas
Once you are close enough, quickly swing your net to catch the tarantula. If you miss, be prepared to run away. Tarantulas are fast, so you may have to evade them. If you get bitten, you will be knocked out. When you wake up, you will be back at your island. Always have your net equipped and be ready to swing at any moment. When the tarantula is close, swing your net quickly and accurately.
Dealing with Spider Bites

Getting bitten by a tarantula will cause you to faint. When you wake up, you will be back on your island. You will also lose any items you were carrying. If you get bitten, do not worry. Make sure to have enough Nook Miles Tickets to return to the island. When you wake up, you can fly back to Tarantula Island. Being bitten is a setback, but it’s not the end. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Maximizing your time on Tarantula Island involves optimizing your catching strategy and selling your catches efficiently. It’s about balancing risk with reward and making the most of your visit. This involves understanding the best times to catch tarantulas, how to sell them for profit, and how to return home safely. Making the most of your visit turns a challenging experience into a rewarding one.
Optimal Catching Times
While Tarantulas can appear during the day, the best time is usually at night. During the day, other bugs can spawn. It may be more challenging to catch tarantulas during the day. You can still catch them during the day. If other bugs are spawning, you should scare them off. It is possible to catch them, but it is better to go at night. The more you are prepared and the more you understand how the bugs act will help you get the most out of your visit.
Selling Your Catch

Once you have caught a significant number of tarantulas, sell them to Timmy and Tommy at Nook’s Cranny. Each tarantula sells for 8,000 Bells. Be sure to sell them before you run out of inventory space, as this is the most profitable way to make money in the game. You can also sell them to Flick, who will buy them for 12,000 Bells. This is a great way to earn money in the game and is a great way to get Bells. You should make sure to sell them when you are running out of space. Selling the tarantulas will also give you a great profit, allowing you to upgrade your house and buy items for your island.
Returning Home
When you are ready to leave, talk to Wilbur at the airport. He will take you back to your island. Before leaving, ensure you have all your tarantulas. Also, before leaving, make sure that you are satisfied with your haul. Make sure you have enough room in your inventory for everything. Be careful while catching them so that you are not bitten and knocked out. Returning home successfully is the final step. Enjoy the Bells you have earned and the satisfaction of a successful trip.