Here are just a few handy hints and tips to help you get the most out of your trip to Kiritimati Island
Your Flight
We suggest you book your flights through Tobaraoi Travel who are a specialist travel agency for bookings to Kiribati http://www.tobaraoi.com The Air Pacific Kiritimati flight continues to Honolulu. This is a USA destined flight and so the ‘no liquids in carry-on luggage’ applies. You should ensure that when you leave Nadi, Fiji, you have no liquids of any sort in your carry-on luggage (this includes drinks). The security in Nadi in this regard is very strict. On the return journey from CXI there is some confusion as to whether this is applicable or not, so it may be best to avoid carrying liquids onto the flight. Do not be tempted to buy duty free at Brisbane, you will not be able to carry it onto the flight. We suggest you buy your duty free from Fiji. There is a 6-hour stopover in Fiji on your way in, you may want to go into Fiji for the afternoon or check into the Gateway Hotel across the road from the airport and get yourself a day room. On the way out of Kiritimati Island you will overnight in Fiji, when you book your flight largely consists of fish and rice with breadfruit, pandanus and coconut. Some imported foodstuffs are however available and are used in the lodges. Cold drinks are available as is beers, but the variety of other drinks is limited. Kiritimati Island is a remote with only one flight a week and a supply barge once a month, supplies on the island are therefore limited so if there is something that you cannot do without you should ensure you take it with you as you may not be able to buy it there.
Money
The currency is Australian Dollars. There is now an ATM on Kiritimati Island however please don’t rely on this for all your cash needs, there is a bank however withdrawing cash from the bank is a time consuming complicated process. Credit cards are rarely accepted even by the main hotels and businesses. It is advised you bring all the cash you think you will need. It is customary to tip your guide at the end of each day, we usually tip a minimum of $10Aus each day for our guide, although if you have had an awesome day you may want to increase this. You will also need to bring enough cash to pay your bill at the end of the week, for drinks and laundry.
Your accommodation
Accommodation facilities in Kiritimati Island are basic in comparison to those elsewhere. As with all other supplies on the islands the variety of food and drink is limited. Local food largely consists of fish and rice with breadfruit, pandanus and coconut. Some imported foodstuffs are however available and are used in the lodges. Cold drinks are available as is beers, but the variety of other drinks is limited. Kiritimati Island is a remote with only one flight a week and a supply barge once a month, supplies on the island are therefore limited so if there is something that you cannot do without you should ensure you take it with you as you may not be able to buy it there largely consists of fish and rice with breadfruit, pandanus and coconut. Some imported foodstuffs are however available and are used in the lodges. Cold drinks are available as is beers, but the variety of other drinks is limited. Kiritimati Island is a remote with only one flight a week and a supply barge once a month, supplies on the island are therefore limited so if there is something that you cannot do without you should ensure you take it with you as you may not be able to buy it there.
Your drinks at the lodge – bottles of water are provided in your accommodation package for you daily by the lodge when you are out fishing, the lodge will also stock beer (whatever beer they have on the island) and extra water for purchasing in the fridge in your room (you will be billed for this at the end of your stay) and available to order in the evening. They will supply “Tang” and chilled filtered boiled rain water during dinner. The lodges are usually also able to get coke and lemonade if we are lucky they may have tonic water for that bottle of gin or vodka you buy duty free in Fiji. Kiritimati operates with Australian plugs and 220v. The only exception is the Captain Cook Hotel which uses 110v and American plugs. As with all other supplies on the islands the variety of food and drink is limited. Local food largely consists of freshly caught fish and rice with breadfruit, pandanus and coconut. Some imported foodstuffs are available and are used in the lodges, but this can depend on when supplies come in on the barge.
Other important stuff
The sun in Kiritimati is very hot and so a broad brimmed hat, good sunscreen and sunglasses (polarised) are essential, especially as you will be on the water. You should also carry drinking water with you to avoid dehydration wherever you are. Dress is casual on the island, even in the evenings. During the daytime you may want to wear light weight, long sleeves and long pants to protect against the sun. These will also protect against mosquitoes which are sometimes present in the evenings. There is a basic hospital on Kiritimati for emergencies, but you should take any medication you require with you. We advise you to see your GP before you go and take any medication your Doctor recommends. We usually take on trips with us a strong broad-spectrum antibiotic, Bactroban Ointment and gastric medication as a minimum, please be sure to speak to your doctor and take their advice on what medical prophylactics or emergency medication he/she prescribes or recommends.
Gear and tackle
We recommend you take outfits for both Bonefish and GT, rods and reels 7# to 8# for Bonefish/Trigger Fish & 11 to 12# for GT. Important safety gear like flats boots and sun protection are a priority. We can supply any gear for your trip including rods, reels, boots, clothing flies, fly tying gear and everything in between. If you have any further questions, please ask and we will endeavour find the answer for you.