How to Get to Christmas Island & What to Expect
A trip to Christmas Island is an adventure to one of the most remote and rewarding angling destinations on Earth. This far-flung atoll, a key part of the Christmas Island in Kiribati nation, is a paradise for fly fishers. However, its remoteness means that getting there requires careful planning. Understanding the travel logistics is the first step toward a smooth and successful journey to this angler's heaven.
This guide is designed to demystify the travel process. We will walk you through everything from booking the correct flights to knowing what to pack and what to expect when you finally step onto the sands of Kiritimati Christmas Island. With a little preparation, the journey can be a seamless part of your incredible Kiribati fishing adventure, especially when you have a partner like Ikari House waiting to welcome you.
The Journey: How to Get to Christmas Island
Your journey to Kiritimati begins with understanding the unique flight path. There is only one commercial flight per week that services the island's Cassidy International Airport (CXI). This flight is the lifeline for all visiting anglers and is a crucial piece of your travel puzzle.
Step 1: Fly to Nadi, Fiji (NAN)
Nadi, Fiji, is the international gateway to Christmas Island. Your first task is to book a round-trip flight from your home airport to Nadi International Airport (NAN). Major airlines from North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia offer service to Nadi.
From North America: Fiji Airways offers direct flights from major hubs like Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO). Other airlines may offer connections through Australia or New Zealand.
From Australia/New Zealand: Several airlines, including Fiji Airways, Qantas, and Virgin Australia, provide regular, direct flights to Nadi.
Travel Tip: Book your flight to Nadi well in advance, especially if traveling during peak seasons. Use flight comparison tools to find the best prices, but be mindful of layover times to ensure a smooth connection for the next leg of your journey.
Step 2: Book the Connecting Flight to Christmas Island (CXI)
The second, and most critical, flight is the weekly Fiji Airways service from Nadi (NAN) to Christmas Island (CXI). This flight typically departs Nadi late on Tuesday night and arrives on Christmas Island early Wednesday morning (often crossing the International Date Line).
It is essential to book this flight directly through Fiji Airways as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. Because there is only one flight per week, seats are limited and can fill up quickly. Double-check the flight schedule, as times can occasionally change.
The Itinerary at a Glance:
Book your international flight to arrive in Nadi, Fiji (NAN) on Tuesday.
Allow for a comfortable layover in Nadi. Most anglers have several hours to relax, grab a meal, and prepare for the final leg.
Board the Fiji Airways flight from Nadi (NAN) to Christmas Island (CXI) on Tuesday night.
Arrive on Christmas Island on Wednesday morning, ready for your adventure.
What to Pack for Your Kiribati Fishing Adventure
Packing for a remote tropical destination requires a balance of bringing the essentials without overpacking. Your fishing gear is paramount, but your comfort on and off the water is just as important.
Essential Fishing Gear
Rods: An 8-weight rod is the standard for bonefish. A 10 or 12-weight is crucial if you plan to target Giant Trevally (GT). Bringing a backup rod is always a wise idea.
Reels: High-quality saltwater reels with a smooth, sealed drag are a must.
Lines: Bring weight-forward floating lines that match your rods. Tropical-specific lines perform best in the heat.
Leaders and Tippet: A range of tapered leaders (9-12 feet) and tippet spools from 12lb to 100lb test will cover all species.
Flies: A healthy selection of Christmas Island Specials, Gotchas, Chili Peppers, and other bonefish patterns is key. For GTs, bring large poppers and baitfish patterns.
Essential Clothing and Personal Items
Sun Protection: This is non-negotiable. Pack lightweight, long-sleeved fishing shirts, quick-dry pants or shorts, a wide-brimmed hat, and a buff or sun gaiter.
Polarized Sunglasses: High-quality sunglasses (with amber or copper lenses) are your most important fish-spotting tool. Bring a backup pair.
Wading Boots: Sturdy, comfortable wading boots will protect your feet from coral and allow you to walk the flats all day.
Rain Jacket: A lightweight, packable rain jacket is essential for sudden tropical downpours.
Casual Lodge Wear: For the evenings, casual and comfortable clothing is all you need.
Personal Items: Sunscreen, insect repellent, any personal medications, and a small first-aid kit are all good to have.
Packing Tip: Pack your most essential items—reels, a change of clothes, medications, and sunglasses—in your carry-on bag in case your checked luggage is delayed.
Arrival on Christmas Island: What to Expect
Landing on Kiritimati is like stepping into another world. The airport is small and the process is simple, but knowing what to expect will make it even smoother.
Immigration and Customs
Upon disembarking, you will proceed to a small terminal to clear immigration. You will need your passport and to fill out a simple arrival card. The process is straightforward and the local officials are friendly and welcoming.
The Ikari House Welcome
This is where an all-inclusive trip with Ikari House truly shines. As you exit the customs area, a representative from our lodge will be there waiting for you. This eliminates any confusion or stress about finding your way. We will greet you, help with your luggage, and escort you to our vehicle for the transfer to the lodge.
Local Fees to Remember
There are a couple of small fees you will need to pay in cash during your stay:
Kiribati Fishing License: A fee of $50 USD is required for a weekly fishing license. Your lodge manager will help you arrange this.
Departure Tax: When you leave, a $20 AUD (Australian Dollar) departure tax must be paid in cash at the airport. It is crucial to have this exact currency set aside.
Life at the Lodge and on the Water
Once you settle into Ikari House, your focus can shift entirely to the incredible Kiribati fishing experience. The routine is designed to maximize your time on the water.
Mornings: You’ll wake up to a hot breakfast and coffee. Your guide will meet you to discuss the day's plan based on tides and conditions.
The Fishing Day: You and your guide will head out via truck and skiff to the flats. Lunch is typically packed and eaten on the water to avoid losing valuable fishing time.
Evenings: After a full day of fishing, you'll return to the lodge to relax. It's a time to clean your gear, enjoy a refreshing drink, share stories with fellow anglers, and sit down to a delicious dinner.
The atmosphere at Ikari House is relaxed and collegial, built around a shared passion for angling. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring your comfort, from providing clean, air-conditioned rooms to preparing excellent meals that will refuel you for the next day's adventure.
Your Seamless Journey to Angling Paradise
Traveling to the remote Christmas Island in Kiribati is an integral part of the adventure. While it requires more planning than a typical vacation, the rewards are immeasurable. The pristine flats, diverse species, and the sheer beauty of this untouched paradise make every step of the journey worthwhile.
By booking with a trusted lodge like Ikari House, you remove the stress and uncertainty from the travel process. From the moment we greet you at the airport, we handle the logistics, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Our expert team ensures that your journey to Kiritimati Christmas Island is as smooth and enjoyable as the world-class fishing that awaits you.
Ready to plan your adventure? Contact Ikari House today, and let us help you navigate the path to the fishing trip of a lifetime.
