Kiritimati or Christmas Island is a coral atoll in the Pacific Ocean, part of the northern Line Islands, and part of the Republic of Kiribati. Christmas island is the largest coral atoll in the world: 388 square km; with the lagoon being roughly the same area. Christmas island is almost 150 km around, and the lagoon shoreline extends for over 48 km.
The name “Kiritimati” is a rather straightforward respelling of the English word “Christmas” in Gilbertese, in which the combination tiis pronounced s, and the name is thus pronounced [kəˈrɪsməs].
Christmas Island sits 232 km north of the Equator, and 2150 km south of Honolulu, Hawaii. Christmas Island is the farthest forward time zone in the world, UTC+14, and is one of the first inhabited places on the planet to experience the New Year.
Nuclear tests were conducted in the region around Christmas Island by the United Kingdom in the late 1950s, and by the United States in 1962. During these tests islanders were not evacuated. Subsequently British, New Zealand, and Fijian servicemen as well as local islanders have claimed to have suffered from exposure to the radiation from these blasts.
Main Species to Target: Bonefish, Giant Trevally (GT’s), Bluefin Trevally, Golden Trevally, Barred Trevally, Titan (muostachio) triggerfish, Peachface Triggerfish, Yellow Margin Triggerfish, Picasso Triggerfish, Emperor Fish, Milkfish, Queenfish, Snapper, Grouper, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Barracuda and more.
Many tourists and visitors to Kiritimati come for our fishing, which is among the world’s best and most unspoiled. Ikari House caters to this group, along with any of the non-fishing family and friends that may come along. Based on your experience and desires, the guide will suggest either fishing from shore or in the sea by boat.
The convenient location of Ikari House is within 500 yards of the boat harbor, making early morning departures easy. No time is wasted driving to and from the boat, maximizing the time you are able to spend on the water and ensuring you still have some energy to enjoy your catch after a long day of fishing.
Our boats are modern and well equipped with features like a roof for sun protection, and we can also contract with local 30-foot vessels with experienced captains. These boats can take you out for bonefish of course, but we can also customize a trip for tuna, wahoo, sailfish, and other pelagics. Typical pricing includes one guide for every two fishermen on board, but private guides can be made available for an additional fee.
The fishing on Christmas Island can be divided into 2 main areas:
1) Outside the reef- Chase GT’s, milkfish, Tuna, Sailfish, wahoo, giant pacific barracuda and other pelagics
2) Inside the Lagoon- Inside the Lagoon you’ll find an incredible variety of terrain to fish. There are deeper pancake flats that are frequented by large GT’s, Bluefin trevally, queenfish, and triggers. Further into the lagoon you’ll find massive sand flats that hold the bonefish CXI is so well known for. The staghorn coral edges of the flats are teaming with life and frequented by GT’s, bluefin trevally, titan peachface and yellow margin triggerfish which will tail and behave very similar to permit. The backcountry holds giant bonefish, GT’s trevally, triggers and the elusive golden trevally.
Bonefish and Giant Trevally have certainly received the lion share of the press at
Located in the hear of Ronton, Ikari House lies at the edge of the lagoon entrance with its own private beach and a perfect view of Cook Island across the lagoon.
The lodge has 14 comfortable guest rooms, each equipped with two twin beds or one king size bed equipped with air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms with hot and cold water, storage racks for fishing tackle, table and chairs and an area outside each room to rinse rods and reels after the days fishing. A thatched maneaba facing the lagoon serves as both dining room and bar, where guests enjoy communal dining and a few cold beers after a great days fishing.
Ikari Lodge is fast becoming the accommodation of choice for fishermen and independent travelers visiting Christmas Island, Kiribati, because of its central location, excellent service and facilities and its close proximity and access to all the fishing action.
– Internet/wireless
– Mobile phone reception
– Laundry facilities
– Non-smoking rooms
– Safe at reception
– Back-up power generator
– First aid kit
– Daily housekeeping
– Room service
– Laundry/ironing service
– Orientation
– 24-hour security
– Doctor/nurse on call
Guests need to first fly to Honolulu HI (or Fiji) and then overnight in Honolulu. With only 1 flight per week to Christmas Island guests should not risk flying into Honolulu the same day as the Fiji Airlines Cassidy International Airport (CXI) is located on the north eastern part of the atoll. Fiji Airways has resumed services from Honolulu to Kiritimati with only one Boeing 737 service per week. The guides and staff at Ikari House will meet our guests at the airport and transfer them and luggage to the lodge.
What’s included:
-7 nights accommodations
-All meals, snacks and non alcoholic drinks
-6 days guiding
-Daily Laundry Service
Not Included in the Price:
-Return air transportation to Honolulu (HI)
-Return air transportation from Honolulu (HI) to Kiribati (CXI)
-Hotel in Honolulu and any fishing in Honolulu (we can help you line guides up in Hawaii if desired)
-Guide & hotel staff Gratuities
-CXI Fishing License
-Alcoholic beverages
-Fly Fishing equipment
Please contact us for more details about this incredible trip email: travel@CalgarysFlyShop.com
