The Villages
Christmas Island
Christmas Island, Kiribati is a world-class fishing destination in the central Pacific, renowned for both inshore flats and offshore game fishing. Anglers can target bonefish, giant trevally, and triggerfish on its shallow coral flats, or head offshore for tuna, wahoo, sailfish, and other pelagic species. Covering 150 square miles and just three hours from Honolulu, the island combines tropical scenery, crystal-clear waters, and diverse fisheries, making it a must-visit destination for serious anglers.
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At The Villages, every angler gets a dedicated English speaking local guide—a 1:1 ratio unique on Christmas Island. Guides know the Kiritimati Lagoon and flats inside out, choosing spots based on tide, wind, and sun to put you on bonefish, giant trevally, triggerfish, and more.
With the lodge right on the water, guides maximize your fishing time, getting you on the flats quickly each day. Experienced in both fly and conventional fishing, they provide expert tips and support for every species and skill level.
Local knowledge, personalized attention, and proven techniques make The Villages guides a key part of a world-class fishing experience.
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Fly Fishing: The Villages offers world-class fly fishing on the expansive Kiritimati Lagoon flats and ocean-side waters. Bonefish thrive in shallow 6–30 inch water, while bigger targets like giant trevally and triggerfish challenge anglers on 10–12 weight rods. Expert guides help you find fish and pick the best flats, making every cast count.
Conventional Fishing: Inshore flats fishing works well with light spinning tackle for bonefish and trevally. Offshore, anglers can troll or cast for tuna, wahoo, barracuda, and sailfish. Guides are skilled in both fly and conventional methods, ensuring you get the most out of every fishing opportunity.
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Inshore & Flats Species
Bonefish – Abundant and iconic, cruising shallow flats and channels.
Giant Trevally (GT) – Powerful predators and bucket-list fish for many anglers.
Other Trevally – Includes bluefin, striped, and golden trevally.
Triggerfish – Strong fighters with tough jaws.
Milkfish – Elusive and challenging, prized by skilled anglers.
Offshore & Bluewater Species
Tuna – Common offshore targets, ideal for conventional tackle.
Wahoo – Fast, hard-hitting fish caught while trolling or casting beyond the reef.
Barracuda – Frequently encountered on bluewater trips.
Sailfish – Occasional pelagic prize for adventurous anglers.
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The lodge features air‑conditioned bungalows with twin beds, private bathrooms, lagoon‑facing porches, and rod racks. Guests usually share cabins, with single occupancy available. The atmosphere is comfortable and fishing-focused.
The maneaba serves as a communal dining and lounge space.
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The Villages operates year‑round. Thanks to its equatorial location, fishing is productive every month, with no true off‑season. Peak popularity is November–February, but anglers can expect excellent flats and offshore fishing anytime.
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2026 Rates (USD)
7 nights / 6 days guided fishing
One angler per guide, two per bungalow: $3,890 per person
One angler per guide and bungalow (single occupancy): $4,380 per person
Non-angler companion sharing a room: $1,765 per person
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Fly Fishing Gear
Rod Weights:
7–9 wt rods with floating lines for bonefish, smaller trevally, triggerfish, and milkfish.
10–12 wt rods for larger trevally (GTs) and heavier targets.
12–14 wt rods with sinking tips or shooting heads for bigger fish or deeper water near coral heads or offshore.
Reels & Lines:
Saltwater reels with smooth, sealed drags and plenty of backing (gel‑spun or braid) handle long runs and big fish.
Floating tropical lines are standard on the flats; use sinking heads for deeper water or larger species.
Leaders/tippet: 10–20 lb for bonefish, heavier for GTs and offshore species.
Conventional (Spin & Light Tackle)
Inshore:
7–8 ft light/medium spinning rods with ~10 lb line for bonefish and smaller trevally.
5000‑size reels with 50–60 lb gel‑spun line for bigger trevally on the flats.
Offshore:
Medium-heavy to heavy spinning or trolling gear (20–30 lb class) for tuna, wahoo, barracuda, and other pelagic species.
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The lodge accommodates up to 16 anglers per week, with all guests participating in guided fishing during a standard 7-night, 6-day trip.
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At The Villages, anglers reach the flats in 35‑foot motorized outrigger boats with Yamaha 60‑HP engines. Each boat carries 3–5 anglers with their guides, who drop them at prime spots for wade fishing. The stable outriggers and powerful motors allow quick access to remote, lightly pressured flats and reef areas, maximizing time on the water.
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Getting There
Flights: The closest major hub is Honolulu (HNL). From Honolulu, it’s a direct three-hour flight to Christmas Island (Kiritimati), usually on Air Kiribati or charter flights arranged by the lodge.
Transfers: Upon arrival, guests are met at the airport and transferred to the lodge by vehicle or boat, which takes about 30–45 minutes depending on flight and weather conditions.
Travel Tips
Connections: Most anglers fly into Honolulu a day or two before departure to ensure smooth connections.
Luggage: The lodge provides guidance on packing fishing gear; many airlines allow rod tubes as checked baggage.
Remote Location: Christmas Island is remote, so trips often involve planning multi-leg flights, sometimes via Fiji or Kiribati main islands if connecting from other countries.
On Arrival
The lodge is located right on the lagoon, making boat transfers to the flats quick and easy. Guests can start fishing the same day they arrive if schedules align.
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The Packages Include:
• Airport reception
• Ground transfers between the airport and the Lodge
• 7 nights at The Villages
• All meals at the Lodge
• Four bottles of water per day (After that $3 per bottle)
• Starlink Wi-Fi
• 6 days guided fishing—one angler per guide
• All island taxes and GSTThe Packages Do Not Include:
• No airfare is included.
- Airfare to/from Honolulu
- Airfare - Honolulu to/from Christmas Island
• One-night hotel stay and meals in Honolulu
• Gratuities to guides and staff
• Fishing license $100 per angler on arrival (lodge subsidizes $150)
• Alcohol, beer $4 per can
• Daily laundry service, AUD $30 per week
• Global Rescue coverage
• Travel Insurance
• FWL does not supply lures for trolling in the bluewater.
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions.
Christmas Island and Surrounding Waters
Christmas Island, Kiribati – located 144 miles north of the equator in the central Pacific is the world’s largest coral atoll, spanning 150 square miles of land and lagoon, just a three-hour flight from Honolulu. The island features shallow flats, deep lagoons, and offshore reefs, making it a premier destination for fly and conventional fishing. Flats are home to bonefish, giant trevally, triggerfish, and milkfish, while offshore waters are rich with tuna, wahoo, sailfish, and barracuda.
Fishing at The Villages offers world-class flats and bluewater action. Anglers can wade pristine flats for bonefish and trevally or venture offshore for tuna, wahoo, barracuda, and occasional sailfish, guided by experienced locals. Christmas Island also supports a vibrant ecosystem with diverse birds, reef fish, and coral habitats, making it ideal for wildlife viewing and birdwatching alongside top-tier fishing.
A Typical Fishing Day at The Villages
7:00 a.m. – Start with a hot breakfast and pack a lunch, then walk from your bungalow to the skiffs for guided flats or offshore fishing.
8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. – Spend the day targeting bonefish, trevally, and pelagic species, with lunch on the boat or flats.
4:00–5:00 p.m. – Return to the lodge and freshen up with a hot shower.
6:00 p.m. – Enjoy tuna or wahoo sashimi appetizers in the maneaba.
7:00 p.m. – Buffet dinner featuring fresh fish and local dishes, with live music and dance a few nights each week.
About the lodge
The Villages offers air‑conditioned bungalows with twin beds, private bathrooms, lagoon-facing porches, and rod racks. Guests typically share cabins (up to 16 anglers), with single-occupancy options available. The lodge features a communal maneaba for hot breakfasts, packed lunches, and buffet dinners, sometimes accompanied by local music and dance. Located steps from the lagoon, boats meet anglers at the bungalow, maximizing fishing time. Amenities include refrigerators, bottled water, optional Wi‑Fi, and daily laundry, creating a comfortable, fishing-focused retreat.

