Discovery The Colossal Coconut Crab Scott Admin posted on 2 years ago — updated on 1 second ago 388 views These giant crabs, also known as robber crabs, live in huge numbers on islands in the South Pacific. But since they can't swim, we have to ask, how did they end up on these isolated islands in the first place? animals nature coconut crab BBC Earth South Pacific Scott Follow Author, educator, musician, dancer and all around creative type. Founder of "The Happy Now" website and the online jewelry store "Silver and Sage".