IKARI HOUSE,
CHRISTMAS ISLAND

Ikari House – Central KIRITIMATI LOCATION, Comfort & Fast BEACH Access

Ikari (meaning bonefish) House is a privately owned lodge, ably managed by a team of skilled local staff and some of the island’s best senior guides. Set on its own beach at the edge of the Kiritimati Lagoon entrance in Ronton, the lodge looks across to Cook Island and with quick access to our daily boat launching bay.

The property features 12 air-conditioned guest rooms with either twin or king beds, ensuite bathrooms, wash down areas and convenient tackle storage immediately outside each room. Importantly, the main outdoor rinse area for gear is complete with a well-stocked self-service beer/soft drink fridge.

Thanks to its exceptional location, willing service from staff, and the efficiency of daily logistics, Ikari House has become the preferred base for experienced anglers looking for both comfort and to maximize their time on the best flats.

At the heart of the lodge is a thatched maneaba (meeting house) overlooking the lagoon. This serves as our dining room and bar where anglers gather for meals, fresh sashimi, or guide-caught mantis shrimp (request one from your guide!).

Book Ikari House with Isolation Outfitters and you’ll enjoy a level of experience unmatched anywhere on the island – we include complimentary beer and wine with meals, ultra-fresh sashimi and mantis shrimp, customized dining options tailored to your tastes, and guaranteed access to the fastest boats and best guides.

Compare your week to those who booked elsewhere, and you’ll quickly see the difference we provide with additional small but important additions to the core Ikari House offering.

  • Exterior view of an outdoor seating area with chairs, tables, potted plants, and a tree, illuminated by warm sunset light.

    Outdoor Rinsing Area

  • southflyfisher poses with a giant trevally in Christmas Island ,Kiribati

    BLUEFIN TREVALLY

  • Empty indoor community hall or meeting space with a tiled floor, a water cooler, a table with chairs, and a water dispenser. There are lattice dividers, a map on the wall, and a door leading outside.

    Maneaba

  • saltwater angler and guide on the flats at Christmas Island as weather passes over

    Endless Flats

  • Beachside scene at dusk with sandy beach, trees, a thatched roof structure, and faint lights in the background.

    IKARI HOUSE

  • A round white table with four white chairs on a sandy beach, overlooking the ocean under a blue sky with some clouds. Some leaves cast shadows on the table.

    BEACHFRONT VIEWS

  • Several small white boats are on a sandy beach, with some people preparing to take them out on the water. The beach has white sand and a few rocks, with a backdrop of calm blue ocean and a cloudy sky.

    FAST BOATS

  • A man standing in shallow water holding a large fish with a pale body and silvery scales.

    TARGET SPECIES

  • A bedroom with a bed covered in a vibrant yellow and red floral blanket and a stuffed animal resembling a lion on top. There are two chairs with maroon cushions near the wall, a window with patterned curtains showing trees outside, and a door leading outside. A framed black and white photo of a person holding a large fish hangs on the wall.

    BEACHFRONT BEDROOM

  • A hotel room with two beds, a colorful bedspread, a towel animal on the bed, a painting of a beach scene, a small nightstand, and a black shelving unit.

    DOUBLE BEDROOM

  • A tropical beach with white sand, clear turquoise water, palm trees, and a boat near the shore, under a partly cloudy sky.

    WHITE SAND BEACHES

  • Two men on a boat holding a large fish, with blue ocean and sky in the background.

    GIANT TREVALLY

  • A man wearing sunglasses, a hat, and fishing gear standing in shallow ocean water holding a large fish with a light-colored body and dark markings near its face and tail.

    THOSE TRIGGERS!

  • Guide holds a solid Geet

  • Two people walking along a body of clear turquoise water near a sandy shoreline with a cloudy sky above.

    PARIS FLATS

  • RELAX AFTER FISHING

  • Fast boat on the flats

  • Fly Fishing Heaven

SALTWATER FLY FISHING AT IKARI HOUSE, CHRISTMAS ISLAND

DESTINATION & LOCALITY

Ikari House sits on its own beach at the edge of the lagoon entrance in Ronton, Christmas Island, offering direct access to some of the Pacific’s most pristine flats. The surrounding lagoons and reef systems provide unmatched opportunities for bonefish, giant trevally (GTs), triggerfish, and milkfish, with offshore bluewater species like tuna and wahoo within easy reach.

With a limited number of guided boats operating each week, the fishery remains uncrowded and in prime condition, ensuring an intimate and high-quality angling experience for visiting anglers.

ACCOMMODATION AND DINING

Ikari House features 12 air-conditioned guest rooms with twin or king beds, en-suite bathrooms, wifi internet, and convenient tackle storage. Outdoor rinse areas let anglers (or your guides) wash down the rods and reels after a day on the flats.

At the heart of the lodge is a thatched maneaba (meeting house) overlooking the lagoon, serving as both dining room and bar. Meals are a highlight, with freshly prepared sashimi, guide-caught mantis shrimp, and locally sourced seafood. Book with Isolation Outfitters, and we provide wine and beer with your meals at no additional charge, while we ensure menus are adjusted throughout the week to suit your preferences.

Our team will check in with you on arrival and as the week progresses to ensure everything is to your satisfaction. We are in direct contact with lodge management and the owners to make sure your stay is the best it can be.

FISHING PROGRAM

Fishing is conducted aboard Ikari House’s pangas or fast boats with 2:1 angler-to-guide ratio (1:1 as an upgrade option ensuring maximum attention). Anglers typically head out each morning and return mid-to-late afternoon. We’ll provide a full list of tackle and flies to bring when you confirm your booking with Isolation Outfitters.

Target species include:

  • Bonefish: Large, unpressured schools across shallow flats.

  • Giant Trevally (GTs): Powerful fish patrolling reef edges and channels.

  • Triggerfish & Milkfish: Provide consistent (often frustrating!) action in the lagoon.

  • Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi-mahi: Optional offshore trips for pelagic game species.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • 7 nights accommodation at Ikari House – shared occupancy (single room upgrade available)

  • All meals and beverages when booked with Isolation Outfitters (wine, beer, specialty sashimi incl.)

  • Expert local guides 2:1 angler-to-guide ratio (1:1 upgrade option)

  • All your on-water transfers, with fast boat option (fast boats incur a small extra fuel charge)

  • Your 2026 Fishing License annual fee of US$250 is paid by the lodge

  • Daily laundry and room service, AC and mini-fridge in bedrooms.

  • Cold bottled water is available in in-room, at the maneaba, and on the boat

NOT INCLUDED

  • International airfare to/from Cassidy International Airport (CXI)

  • Gratuities for guides and lodge staff

  • Personal fly fishing tackle and gear

  • Optional private tours or charter transfers beyond standard lodge arrangements

  • Bluewater conventional tackle

TRIP DETAILS AT A GLANCE

Destination: Ronton, Christmas Island (Kiritimati), Republic of Kiribati
Best Times: Year-round; September–November offers especially stable weather and light angling pressure
Target Species: Bonefish, Giant Trevally (GTs), Triggerfish, Milkfish, plus bluewater pelagics
Difficulty: 5/10 (great for newcomers to saltwater fly fishing)
Group Size: 6–8 anglers max with single bookings welcome
Rate: US$4,450 for 2026 (2026 bookings include the new US$250 fishing license)

TRAVEL OPTIONS TO CHRISTMAS ISLAND

Arrival: Fly Fiji Airways via Honolulu (USA) or Nadi (NZ/Australia)

USA Anglers via Honolulu:

Depart Tuesday and connect through Honolulu to Cassidy International Airport, Kiritimati (CXI). Due to crossing the International Dateline, you arrive Wednesday afternoon local time.

Southern Hemisphere Anglers via Nadi:

Arrive into Nadi and connect via Fiji Airways to CXI. For those flying out of Auckland, transit in Nadi is typically just under 6 hours. This means that, from early 2025 onwards, passengers cannot exit customs at Nadi. Lounge access is recommended, as is the ‘Bula Bid’ upgrade option for the second night leg to ensure you enjoy premium lounge access.

Early arrival (6am) means those flying in from New Zealand or Australia via Fiji can enjoy a full day flats session – before the USA-based anglers land in the afternoon.

Departure:

USA Anglers: Depart Wednesday early morning for your flight back to Honolulu (arriving Tuesday local time due to Dateline).

NZ/Australia Anglers: Option for one final morning on the flats and a quick lagoon swim before your 4pm flight to Nadi, then onward travel. Fiji Gateway Hotel (a short stroll from the airport) is recommended.

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Travel Day (Tuesday): Depart for Christmas Island via Honolulu (US Anglers land Wednesday due to crossing the International Dateline between Honolulu and the Republic of Kiribati). You’ll meet lodge staff and private transfer to Ikari House; welcome briefing and gear setup.

Fishing Days (6 days): Guided fishing aboard Ikari House’s fast boats if this option is selected (strongly recommended). Mornings and afternoons focus on bonefish and GTs in the lagoon, with an optional trip for a fresh tuna, wahoo or some powerful GTs just outside the lagoon, if you bring a strong bluewater setup.

Evenings: Communal dining in the thatched maneaba. Enjoy freshly prepared sashimi, guide-caught mantis shrimp (if you remind us to ask them or you can ask them yourself!), locally sourced seafood, and complimentary beer and wine during your meal when booked with Isolation Outfitters. Evening recap and strategy sessions prepare you for the next day’s fishing.

Departure Day: Wednesday early morning to the airport for those heading to Honolulu. Afternoon departure for those transiting through Fiji. This gives southern anglers an extra optional morning on the flats if you choose. Private transfer from the lodge to Cassidy International Airport (CXI) for all onward flights is supplied. We can’t do much about the potholes in the road though!

CONCIERGE/TRAVEL SERVICE

Isolation Outfitters offers a full itinerary planning service for anglers and non-fishing companions. We can work with your group to plan, price and advise on all your group travel from departure from your door to your arrival back home, tackle requirements, fly selections, and even recommend guides and shops in the small Kiritimati village where you’ll be based.

NEW: HOSTED WEEK AT CHRISTMAS ISLAND OCTOBER 2026

We’re running a hosted trip, based from Ikari House on Christmas Island. Find out more about this chance to spend a week wading endless flats with Isolation Outfitters.

CHRISTMAS ISLAND TACKLE & GEAR

RODS:

  • 9’ 7-8 weight fly rod for bonefish

  • 9’ 9wt rod for triggerfish/bluefin (optional)

  • 8’6” or 9’ 11 or 12 weight rod for giant trevally

REELS: Smooth ‘sealed drag’ reels matching rods, and bring a backup

LINES: Floating lines (bring a backup 10-12wt line), plus optional intermediate or sink-tip lines if fishing deeper channels.

LEADERS & TIPPET: A 9-12 ft tapered leader of nylon monofilament (we use FC) in the 16-20 lb range with 12-16lb tippet and 60-100lb fluorocarbon nylon for giant trevally.

Bluewater: Pack your medium-heavy to heavy spinning rod (popper or stickbait), stout line and reel to enjoy an afternoon catching yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo and giant trevally with your guide and boatman just outside the lagoons.

Other Gear:

  • Breathable flats pants and good quality wading boots

  • Polarized sunglasses, cap & a wide-brimmed hat, suncream

  • Waterproof bum bag, and a day bag for the boat

  • Fly boxes, robust nippers/pliers, forceps, leader material

A full packing list is provided on booking confirmation.

A fishing rod resting on a pebbled beach with a body of water and a distant shoreline with palm trees in the background.

GENERAL INFORMATION

TRIP ENQUIRIES

Please contact us by sending us a message via our Contact Form, or calling us to discuss availability.

We will share more trip information with you via email and phone to discuss this adventure, answer your questions and understand more about what you’re looking for from this trip.

SKILL LEVEL

You do NOT need to be an expert saltwater fly angler to enjoy this trip. We, together with your guide, will assist you every step of the way to improve your technique and help you connect with fish. However, you should be proficient at casting – able to confidently cast heavy flies in variable wind conditions using 7/8 weight rods for bonefish, and 10-12 weight rods for GTs.

WEATHER

Christmas Island enjoys a tropical Pacific climate with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. Daytime highs generally range from 82–90°F (28–32°C), with slightly cooler mornings and evenings. Short, brief rain showers can occur any time of year, often in the afternoons, and trade winds occasionally pick up across the flats or offshore. Anglers should pack a light rain jacket, sun-protective clothing, and a thin long-sleeve layer for cooler early mornings or breezy boat rides.

Sun protection is essential: bring high-quality sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, a Buff® or similar neckwear, gloves, a wide-brimmed hat (plus a backup), and chapstick to protect your lips. We’ll supply plenty of cold water to keep you hydrated throughout your day.

CONNECTIVITY

There is WiFi connectivity at Ikari House and you can purchase Vodafone prepay traveler SIM cards if you require a cellular connection. You may wish to pack your Garmin InReach Mini 2 or satphone if messaging or global emergency connectivity is important to you.

In the event of a medical emergency, the lodge will have direct contact with Global Rescue (or whomever you are insured with) for urgent evacuation to the nearest medical centre.

FARE PAYMENT

The fare for this expedition is outlined on this page in US Dollars (USD$) and will not change after final confirmation of your booking (confirmed by receipt of your deposit payment to Isolation Outfitters), regardless of any fluctuations in international currency, fuel or travel costs. A detailed list of what is included is provided with your booking confirmation. Individual anglers are invoiced separately or together as you wish.

Currency: Payment can be made in US Dollars (USD$) into our Montana USA deposit account or our New Zealand bank account as you choose. If you wish to pay in NZ Dollars (NZD$), we will agree a suitable foreign exchange rate into NZD$ from your preferred currency at the time of booking.

Credit Cards: Alternatively you may wish to pay by credit card. We accept most major international credit cards and can provide a link for online payments.

Deposit: A deposit of 50% of the fare is payable to confirm your booking. Payment of deposit is deemed acceptance of our Terms and Conditions.

Remaining Fare: We require settlement of your full account 90 days before the trip proceeds. All anglers will need to show proof of comprehensive travel insurance and any required medical insurance at this time.

Additional Travel or Tackle: We can arrange additional road transfers if you need to fly in earlier or later, or air transfers into Punta Herrero if preferable, and we can also ship in fishing gear for you to retain after the trip is completed. Any costs for these will be invoiced directly to you and are payable before the trip commences. Any additional trip preferences, changes to the expedition travel, or specialist gear obtained on your behalf at your request will be payable on invoice.

SINGLE ANGLER EXPEDITIONS

Ikari House is priced for two anglers sharing a room (double occupancy). If you are a single angler, we can provide single rooms on request at the quoted rate for single occupany, or we will need to accommodate you another willing single angler. Please contact us to discuss any aspect of your adventure.

Timing Your Fly Fishing on Christmas Island

Year-Round Conditions

  • Air temperatures stay in the low-to-upper 80s°F (27°C).

  • Lagoon water ranges from high 60s to ~80°F (16–27°C).

  • Christmas Island (Kiritimati/CXI) delivers productive bonefish and GT fishing any week of the year.

Bonefish

  • Most active around 78°F lagoon temperature.

  • Feed best on incoming tides, especially mid-morning a few days after the quarter moon.

  • Neap tides allow all-day flats fishing; spring tides offer short peak feeding windows.

  • Full and new moons provide strong afternoon feeding, with limited early morning action.

  • Ocean reef fishing is excellent along Southeast Point to Benson Point (~40 miles).

Giant Trevally (GTs)

  • Best on high tides, early morning and late afternoon.

  • Spring tides (full/new moon) produce more GT movement and multiple strike opportunities.

  • Hybrid approach: chase GTs in the morning, switch to bonefish in the afternoon.

Tides & Lunar Patterns

  • Spring tides: High tidal range (~4 ft), GTs roam more; bonefish active but shorter windows.

  • Neap tides: Moderate, steady water levels (~1.5–3 ft), ideal for sight-fishing bonefish; GT movement limited.

Wind & Sun Strategy

  • Easterly trade winds dominate.

  • Fish east-to-west in mornings; afternoons, target southwest/northwest flats to reduce glare.

  • Keep the sun at your back for best visibility.

Insider Tips

  • Fine-tune trips to tides, moon phases, and seasonal conditions (September–November often best).

  • Use guides for hidden GT spots and enhanced action.

  • Mix retrieval techniques for triggers and other flats species; patience is key.

Takeaway: Aligning your trip with tides, lunar phases, and time of day dramatically increases your chances for both epic bonefish and giant trevally action.

Additional reading: Exploration Angling: When to fish Christmas Island