Fanning Island Lodge
Rates and Resources

Mauri, mauri!

Here’s a repository of resources to help you get the most out of your coming trip to Fanning Island. We update this regularly but rates and air schedules are subject to change at any time.

Please ask us any questions that we haven’t covered in our comprehensive packing list emailed to every guest upon your trip confirmation.

FANNING ISLAND (TABUAERAN)

Fanning Island, also known by its local Gilbertese name, Tabuaeran (meaning ‘Heavenly Footprint’), is a remote coral atoll in the central Pacific Ocean belonging to the island nation of Kiribati. It features a distinct footprint shape and a large (43 square mile/110 sq km) turquoise lagoon.

The word Kiribati is pronounced ‘ki·ree·bas’, because in the local Gilbertese language, the letters ‘-ti’ make an ‘-s’ sound. Kiribati itself is the local Gilbertese spelling of the English name ‘Gilberts’ (from the Gilbert Islands). This is also why Kiritimati is pronounced as ‘Christmas’.

OUR RATES FOR 2026/2027

One Week: USD$5,100 per angler

Two Weeks: USD$8,700 per angler

Our Fanning Island Lodge tariff remains unchanged for 2027. Rates include a night and meals on Christmas Island after arriving into CXI, a final night on Christmas Island before your departure including meals, return airfares for your transfer from Christmas Island onto Fanning Island, all airport transfers, and your fishing license.

For full details on inclusions/exclusions and more detailed pricing information, please refer to our various Fanning Island trips.

A Week on CXI: We can also arrange your second week to be on Christmas Island at Ikari House and can provide a rate for both weeks on request.

As you’ll read below, flights are on Tuesdays and Thursdays so you are welcome to stay longer. Talk to us about possible itinerary options for you and your group.

Our rates are subject to change for new bookings, however if you have confirmed your booking with us, your rate will always remain unchanged. Our Terms and Conditions outline our booking terms and conditions of service.

FLYING BETWEEN CXI AND TABUAERAN

We use Air Kiribati to transfer our guests between Christmas Island and Fanning Island. The flight takes approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. As the atoll comes into view, the sight of the contrasting green foliage and vibrant blue lagoon against the vast expanse of ocean can be quite awe-inspiring.

Air Kiribati flies into Fanning Island on a twice-weekly schedule, arriving and departing (same day) on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week. It also flies to Washington Island within the route. The plane is a Twin Otter seating a maximum of 19 passengers.

These remote services can be disrupted by operational or engineering issues, pilot training, or circumstances outside of our control. We are in regular contact with airline officials via our lodge team and will advise as soon as we are made aware of any potential issues with the schedule.

AIRLINE RESTRICTIONS & FANNING DEPARTURE TAX

Air Kiribati asks that all passengers adhere to their weight restrictions of 15lbs (7kg) or 33lbs (15kg). Bags are weighed at the two airports and additional weight is charged for in AUD$. You and your carry-on luggage are also weighed before departure from Fanning Island.

The Fanning Island airstrip charges AUD$20 per passenger departure tax, subject to change. Please have suitable Australian currency on hand when you prepare to leave.

CURRENCY

Make sure you secure suitable AUD$ currency before departing your home town. The Honolulu Airport no longer has a foreign exchange kiosk. AUD$ is accepted on Fanning, however you can use USD$ on Christmas Island. Credit cards are not accepted anywhere on Fanning Island.

There is a small shop on Fanning Island a short walk from our location. It provides a basic range of supplies to the local community. You can pick up some treats, toiletries, soft drinks and miscellaneous items there.

In an emergency, there is an ANZ Cash Machine on Christmas Island (a long drive from our accommodation however). It does run out of cash so don’t rely on it!

GRATUITIES

You should budget for AUD$50–$100 per day for your guide and AUD$20-$40 for your boatman.
If you share a guide/boat with another angler, then split the tips between you.

As we rotate guides/boats and anglers during the week, we recommend tipping the guides and boatman at the end of your fishing day. Pack a couple of plastic bags to hold your daily currency requirements.

Please speak to us or your on-site host if you have any concerns about your guide, boatman or the fishing. We can make alternative arrangements to maximize your angling time with us.

For lodge staff, we suggest AUD$20 per day. Collect this up and give it to your on-site host at the end of the week. If you’re in a group, one group member can collect the group’s lodge tip.

EVACUATION INSURANCE

We require all anglers at Fanning Island Lodge to hold adequate medical evacuation insurance. Global Rescue has a trip policy (minimum of 14 days), or you can secure their annual membership at a reasonable rate.

Here’s a link to Global Rescue.

COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL INSURANCE

If, for any reason, you can’t make the trip, such as if airlines or world events disrupt your travel or for any other reason, we recommend you hold comprehensive CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) coverage. We can provide recommendations for insurance providers depending on your home country.