Robinson Crusoe desires to explore the rest of the island, so he packs some supplies and sets out with his dog. They travel past the valley where his bower lays. He is not exactly sure of where the island is located, but he knows it is near the Spanish possessions in the Americas. He knows some areas were inhabited by cannibals and feels he is thankful that his island is deserted, despite his loneliness. On the way, Crusoe finds a parrot, which he eventually teaches to say the name Crusoe. He finds some hares and foxes, which provide fur but very little good eating. He finds a young kid that he decides to domesticate in preparation for the day when his shot and powder are gone.

When Crusoe reaches the other side of the island, he realizes that he has set up his dwelling on the worst side. However, he is well established there, and he will not relocate. On the way back, he finds a deep valley covered with trees, in which he wanders for three days because the haze covers the sun. He finds his way to the ocean and thus makes his way to his bower, where he pens the kid. After resting at his home in the cave for a week, Crusoe goes back to get the kid. He finds it almost starving and feeds it, then he leads it back. It becomes more of a pet than stock.

On the 30th of September, Crusoe celebrates two years on the island. He struggles with depression and loneliness, but he begins to thank God for leading him to a place where he is separated from the temptations civilization brings. However, he realizes he is still praying to be delivered. He changes his prayers and begins thanking God for opening his eyes and making him a new man.

Now that he has a variety of food available, Crusoe feels the need for clay pots with which to cook. He finds clay and begins to fashion different types of containers, but none survives heat without cracking or collapsing. He devises a kiln in which to cook the clay pots, and he learns to adjust the temperature so they will be adequately fired. He feels pleased with his success in making pottery and with the production of his fields, which are now growing enough grain to more than satisfy his needs both for food and for seed.

He next builds a canoe so he can travel more easily around the island. When he is finished, however, he realizes that the canoe is too far from the water and too heavy to move. He reflects on the necessity of planning before building.