Plan your Trip to Fanning Island
Plan your Trip to Fanning Island
Plan your Trip to Fanning Island
In coordination with Air Kiribati and their local agents, we strongly recommend planning your travel well in advance to reduce the risk of missed connections.
While flight schedules can change and guarantees are not possible, both our team and Air Kiribati understand how important your trip is and will do everything possible to keep your travel aligned with the planned dates.
While flight schedules can change and guarantees are not possible, both our team and Air Kiribati understand how important your trip is and will do everything possible to keep your travel aligned with the planned dates.
Getting to Fanning Island & Fanning Huts
Getting to Fanning Island & Fanning Huts
Reaching one of the most untouched saltwater flats fisheries on the planet takes deliberate planning, but the route itself is straightforward once broken down.
Reaching one of the most untouched saltwater flats fisheries on the planet takes deliberate planning, but the route itself is straightforward once broken down.
Kiribati sits entirely west of the International Date Line. Even though local clocks on the Line Islands share the exact same hour as Hawaii, Kiribati is 24 hours ahead, meaning you gain a full calendar day the moment you cross the line.
Kiribati sits entirely west of the International Date Line. Even though local clocks on the Line Islands share the exact same hour as Hawaii, Kiribati is 24 hours ahead, meaning you gain a full calendar day the moment you cross the line.
Kiribati sits entirely west of the International Date Line. Even though local clocks on the Line Islands share the exact same hour as Hawaii, Kiribati is 24 hours ahead, meaning you gain a full calendar day the moment you cross the line.
From Continental North America
From Continental North America
The Honolulu Gateway
The Honolulu Gateway
Travelers originating in the United States must transit through Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu to catch the weekly Tuesday Fiji Airways departure to Cassidy International Airport (CXI) on Christmas Island (Kiritimati).
Travelers originating in the United States must transit through Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu to catch the weekly Tuesday Fiji Airways departure to Cassidy International Airport (CXI) on Christmas Island (Kiritimati).
Buffer Night in Oahu
Buffer Night in Oahu
Because this flight operates strictly once per week, book your Honolulu flight to arrive on Monday. An overnight stay near Waikiki eliminates the risk of missed connections, flight delays, or lost luggage that could otherwise compromise your entire week.
Because this flight operates strictly once per week, book your Honolulu flight to arrive on Monday. An overnight stay near Waikiki eliminates the risk of missed connections, flight delays, or lost luggage that could otherwise compromise your entire week.
The Flight to Kiritimati
The Flight to Kiritimati
You board in Honolulu around mid-day Tuesday for the roughly three-hour flight. Due to the Date Line crossing, you touch down at CXI on Wednesday afternoon. Your watch face remains unchanged, but you have traveled forward into tomorrow.
You board in Honolulu around mid-day Tuesday for the roughly three-hour flight. Due to the Date Line crossing, you touch down at CXI on Wednesday afternoon. Your watch face remains unchanged, but you have traveled forward into tomorrow.
Wednesday Layover
Wednesday Layover
You will spend Wednesday night resting and prepping your gear at accommodations on Christmas Island before the domestic leg to Tabuaeran.
You will spend Wednesday night resting and prepping your gear at accommodations on Christmas Island before the domestic leg to Tabuaeran.
From Australia and New Zealand
From Australia and New Zealand
Routing via Fiji
Routing via Fiji
Anglers departing from Auckland, Sydney, or Melbourne fly with Fiji Airways via Nadi International Airport (NAN) before boarding the onward service to Cassidy International Airport (CXI).
Anglers departing from Auckland, Sydney, or Melbourne fly with Fiji Airways via Nadi International Airport (NAN) before boarding the onward service to Cassidy International Airport (CXI).
Wednesday Dawn Arrival
Wednesday Dawn Arrival
The final leg departs Nadi around midnight and touches down at CXI early Wednesday morning (roughly 6:30 AM). Flights originating in Australia or New Zealand do not cross the Date Line.
The final leg departs Nadi around midnight and touches down at CXI early Wednesday morning (roughly 6:30 AM). Flights originating in Australia or New Zealand do not cross the Date Line.
Nadi Transit Tip
Nadi Transit Tip
If your layover in Nadi is under six hours, local transit protocols generally keep passengers within the departure terminal. Placing a pre-flight "Bula Bid" to upgrade this leg gives you direct access to the Fiji Airways lounge for showers, dining, and a quiet place to unwind during the connection.
If your layover in Nadi is under six hours, local transit protocols generally keep passengers within the departure terminal. Placing a pre-flight "Bula Bid" to upgrade this leg gives you direct access to the Fiji Airways lounge for showers, dining, and a quiet place to unwind during the connection.
Bonus Day on CXI
Bonus Day on CXI
Arriving early Wednesday affords nearly a full bonus day on Christmas Island to settle in, adjust tackle, or book a local guide on the water before taking off for Fanning.
Arriving early Wednesday affords nearly a full bonus day on Christmas Island to settle in, adjust tackle, or book a local guide on the water before taking off for Fanning.
The Final Hop - Air Kiribati to Fanning Island (Tabuaeran)
Luggage Staging on Wednesday
Luggage Staging on Wednesday
Upon touching down at CXI, our ground team transports you to local accommodations. Here, you can pare down your kit, unpack your primary flats equipment, and leave heavy transit clothing or excess baggage in secure storage while on Fanning.
Upon touching down at CXI, our ground team transports you to local accommodations. Here, you can pare down your kit, unpack your primary flats equipment, and leave heavy transit clothing or excess baggage in secure storage while on Fanning.
Thursday Morning Departure
Thursday Morning Departure
Air Kiribati operates the domestic hop between Christmas Island and Tabuaeran's airstrip. Flight operations are run in close coordination with local island authorities to maintain reliable travel windows.
Air Kiribati operates the domestic hop between Christmas Island and Tabuaeran's airstrip. Flight operations are run in close coordination with local island authorities to maintain reliable travel windows.
Flight Time
Flight Time
The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Touchdown & First Cast
Touchdown & First Cast
Arriving Thursday morning gets you settled into Fanning Huts with ample daylight remaining for a full afternoon of fishing the home flats.
Arriving Thursday morning gets you settled into Fanning Huts with ample daylight remaining for a full afternoon of fishing the home flats.
Packing & Tackle Guide for Fanning Island
Packing & Tackle Guide for Fanning Island
Saltwater flats fishing on Tabuaeran demands complete self-sufficiency. Because there are no fly shops, tackle outfitters, or convenience stores once you arrive in Kiribati, your gear must cover every scenario while standing up to intense equatorial sun, corrosive salt, and hard-fighting fish.
Saltwater flats fishing on Tabuaeran demands complete self-sufficiency. Because there are no fly shops, tackle outfitters, or convenience stores once you arrive in Kiribati, your gear must cover every scenario while standing up to intense equatorial sun, corrosive salt, and hard-fighting fish.
A fully submersible, waterproof backpack is the most critical luggage piece you can bring. It protects your sensitive electronics during commercial flights, serves as your airline carry-on, and transitions seamlessly into your daily boat bag on the skiffs.
A fully submersible, waterproof backpack is the most critical luggage piece you can bring. It protects your sensitive electronics during commercial flights, serves as your airline carry-on, and transitions seamlessly into your daily boat bag on the skiffs.
Carry-On Pack (Waterproof Roll Top or Submersible Zipper)
Keep travel essentials, delicate electronics, and emergency fishing gear on your person so a delayed checked bag will not stop you from fishing upon arrival.
Keep travel essentials, delicate electronics, and emergency fishing gear on your person so a delayed checked bag will not stop you from fishing upon arrival.
Passport (with at least six months validity) and required Kiribati entry documents
Cash (foreign currency exchange), credit cards, and government ID
Printed flight tickets and travel itineraries (plus digital offline copies)
Smartphone, power bank, charging cables, and outlet adapters
Camera bodies, lenses, chargers, and high-speed memory cards
Travel comfort kit: eye mask, neck pillow, earplugs, and noise-canceling headphones
Routine personal medications and basic travel toiletries (liquids must follow TSA rules)
Polarized sunglasses with protective hard cases
Notepad and pen for customs forms
One complete spare fly reel spooled with tropical line, plus a compact box of essential flies
Rod tube containing your travel rods (verify cabin luggage length allowances with your carriers prior to departure)
Passport (with at least six months validity) and required Kiribati entry documents
Cash (foreign currency exchange), credit cards, and government ID
Printed flight tickets and travel itineraries (plus digital offline copies)
Smartphone, power bank, charging cables, and outlet adapters
Camera bodies, lenses, chargers, and high-speed memory cards
Travel comfort kit: eye mask, neck pillow, earplugs, and noise-canceling headphones
Routine personal medications and basic travel toiletries (liquids must follow TSA rules)
Polarized sunglasses with protective hard cases
Notepad and pen for customs forms
One complete spare fly reel spooled with tropical line, plus a compact box of essential flies
Rod tube containing your travel rods (verify cabin luggage length allowances with your carriers prior to departure)
Checked Expedition Duffel
Sturdy, water-resistant duffel bags work best for the bulk of your camp apparel, spares, and personal maintenance items.
Sturdy, water-resistant duffel bags work best for the bulk of your camp apparel, spares, and personal maintenance items.
Hard-copy backups of your passport, medical insurance, and itinerary
Two pairs of quality polarized sunglasses (copper or amber lenses for low light; gray, green, or blue mirror for bright flats)
Microfiber lens cloths and pre-moistened lens wipes
Lightweight, breathable UPF 50+ fishing shirts (at least 3 to 4)
Quick-dry flats pants (at least 3 pairs to protect your legs from coral and intense sun)
Wide-brim sun hat and low-profile flats caps (choose dark under-brims to cut glare)
Sun gloves (UPF 50+, bring two pairs) and protective neck gaiters
Packable, lightweight storm jacket for squalls on open skiff runs
Casual camp clothing and lightweight sleepwear
Boardshorts or swimwear
Headlamp with USB charging or extra batteries
High-SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen and water-resistant bug repellent
Compact repair kit: small roll of duct tape, zip ties, and superglue
Heavy-duty trash bags or dry sacks to isolate wet boots and damp gear on the return journey
Hard-copy backups of your passport, medical insurance, and itinerary
Two pairs of quality polarized sunglasses (copper or amber lenses for low light; gray, green, or blue mirror for bright flats)
Microfiber lens cloths and pre-moistened lens wipes
Lightweight, breathable UPF 50+ fishing shirts (at least 3 to 4)
Quick-dry flats pants (at least 3 pairs to protect your legs from coral and intense sun)
Wide-brim sun hat and low-profile flats caps (choose dark under-brims to cut glare)
Sun gloves (UPF 50+, bring two pairs) and protective neck gaiters
Packable, lightweight storm jacket for squalls on open skiff runs
Casual camp clothing and lightweight sleepwear
Boardshorts or swimwear
Headlamp with USB charging or extra batteries
High-SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen and water-resistant bug repellent
Compact repair kit: small roll of duct tape, zip ties, and superglue
Heavy-duty trash bags or dry sacks to isolate wet boots and damp gear on the return journey
Rods, Reels, and Rigging
Rigorous flats fishing calls for specialized fly gear built with tropical-rated fly lines that will not wilt in equatorial heat.
Rigorous flats fishing calls for specialized fly gear built with tropical-rated fly lines that will not wilt in equatorial heat.
Bonefish Outfit
Bonefish Outfit
7-weight or 8-weight fast-action rod paired with a sealed-drag reel, spooled with at least 200 yards of 20 lb to 30 lb backing and a floating tropical bonefish line.
7-weight or 8-weight fast-action rod paired with a sealed-drag reel, spooled with at least 200 yards of 20 lb to 30 lb backing and a floating tropical bonefish line.
Triggerfish and Mixed Reef
Triggerfish and Mixed Reef
9-weight or 10-weight setup with strong stopping power to steer fish away from coral heads, spooled with a tropical saltwater floating line.
9-weight or 10-weight setup with strong stopping power to steer fish away from coral heads, spooled with a tropical saltwater floating line.
Giant Trevally (GT)
Giant Trevally (GT)
11-weight or 12-weight rod backed by a heavy-duty, high-capacity saltwater reel with a robust drag system. Pack at least two dedicated tropical GT floating lines in case one gets cut on the reef.
11-weight or 12-weight rod backed by a heavy-duty, high-capacity saltwater reel with a robust drag system. Pack at least two dedicated tropical GT floating lines in case one gets cut on the reef.
Wading Boots
Wading Boots
Heavy-duty flats boots with rigid puncture-resistant soles to guard against sharp coral and urchins.
Heavy-duty flats boots with rigid puncture-resistant soles to guard against sharp coral and urchins.
Wading Socks
Wading Socks
Neoprene wading socks combined with thin synthetic liner socks to eliminate friction and blister points caused by fine coral sand.
Neoprene wading socks combined with thin synthetic liner socks to eliminate friction and blister points caused by fine coral sand.
Saltwater Leaders
Saltwater Leaders
Tapered fluorocarbon and nylon leaders in 10 lb, 12 lb, 16 lb, and 20 lb strengths (bring multiple packs of each).
Tapered fluorocarbon and nylon leaders in 10 lb, 12 lb, 16 lb, and 20 lb strengths (bring multiple packs of each).
Tippet Spools
Tippet Spools
Fluorocarbon tippet in 12 lb, 16 lb, 20 lb, and 40 lb tests.
Fluorocarbon tippet in 12 lb, 16 lb, 20 lb, and 40 lb tests.
Shock Tippet for GT & Offshore
Shock Tippet for GT & Offshore
Heavy mono or fluorocarbon leader material in 60 lb, 80 lb, and 100 lb strengths for targeting apex predators or teasing off the reef edge.
Heavy mono or fluorocarbon leader material in 60 lb, 80 lb, and 100 lb strengths for targeting apex predators or teasing off the reef edge.
Fly Selection
Tie or purchase your flies on premium, heavy-wire saltwater hooks to withstand violent strikes and abrasive structure.
Tie or purchase your flies on premium, heavy-wire saltwater hooks to withstand violent strikes and abrasive structure.
Bonefish Patterns
(Sizes 2, 4, 6, and a few size 8s for shallow water)
Bonefish Patterns
(Sizes 2, 4, 6, and a few size 8s for shallow water)
Christmas Island Specials (pearl, tan, pink, and orange bodies with bead chain and lead eyes)
Mantis Shrimp variations in natural tan and sand tones
Crazy Charlies in standard pink, white, and chartreuse
Spawning Shrimp and Gotchas tied with subtle flash and varying weight configurations
Christmas Island Specials (pearl, tan, pink, and orange bodies with bead chain and lead eyes)
Mantis Shrimp variations in natural tan and sand tones
Crazy Charlies in standard pink, white, and chartreuse
Spawning Shrimp and Gotchas tied with subtle flash and varying weight configurations
Giant Trevally Patterns
Giant Trevally Patterns
GT Brush Flies and baitfish streamers (tan, gray, olive, and black/purple) tied on 5/0 or 6/0 heavy hooks
Hard-foam poppers and floating slider patterns
GT Brush Flies and baitfish streamers (tan, gray, olive, and black/purple) tied on 5/0 or 6/0 heavy hooks
Hard-foam poppers and floating slider patterns
Specialty Species
Specialty Species
Compact crab patterns (tan, olive, mottled) tied with heavy dumbbell eyes for triggerfish and parrotfish
Filamentous green algae flies for milkfish
Large baitfish streamers (red/white, blue/white) if you choose to troll along reef edges
Compact crab patterns (tan, olive, mottled) tied with heavy dumbbell eyes for triggerfish and parrotfish
Filamentous green algae flies for milkfish
Large baitfish streamers (red/white, blue/white) if you choose to troll along reef edges
Daily Skiff Pack Checklist
Every morning before boarding the outrigger or panga, verify your waterproof daypack holds:
Every morning before boarding the outrigger or panga, verify your waterproof daypack holds:
Anodized aluminum or stainless steel saltwater pliers with line cutters
Hemostats and precision line nippers on secure lanyards
Spools of tippet material (12 lb through 100 lb) and spare leaders
High-SPF sunscreen and zinc stick for facial protection
Sports tape or waterproof bandages to treat blisters, line burns, and small cuts
Compact folding knife
Lightweight rain shell
Polarized sunglasses and cleaning cloth
Insulated water bottle with electrolyte mix packets
Energy bars and mid-day snacks
Waterproof camera or phone housing
Anodized aluminum or stainless steel saltwater pliers with line cutters
Hemostats and precision line nippers on secure lanyards
Spools of tippet material (12 lb through 100 lb) and spare leaders
High-SPF sunscreen and zinc stick for facial protection
Sports tape or waterproof bandages to treat blisters, line burns, and small cuts
Compact folding knife
Lightweight rain shell
Polarized sunglasses and cleaning cloth
Insulated water bottle with electrolyte mix packets
Energy bars and mid-day snacks
Waterproof camera or phone housing
Island Self-Sufficiency & Community Support
Medical facilities on outer atolls are basic, and resupply shipments are infrequent. Arrive fully stocked with your own basic first aid gear, blister treatments, hydration tablets, and any necessary over-the-counter medicine.
Medical facilities on outer atolls are basic, and resupply shipments are infrequent. Arrive fully stocked with your own basic first aid gear, blister treatments, hydration tablets, and any necessary over-the-counter medicine.
At the conclusion of your stay, consider leaving behind unused medical supplies, first-aid basics, or extra clothing for the island dispensary. Bringing along school materials, reading books, or sports gear for the children in the local villages is a wonderful way to give back to the community that hosts us on Tabuaeran.
At the conclusion of your stay, consider leaving behind unused medical supplies, first-aid basics, or extra clothing for the island dispensary. Bringing along school materials, reading books, or sports gear for the children in the local villages is a wonderful way to give back to the community that hosts us on Tabuaeran.