Anyone wanna go to Christmas island next winter?

[fatbillybob]

Yes, $6,500 - $7,500 total for Honolulu flights, CXI flights, outfitter's cost, CXI fishing license, backcountry access fee, cash tips, Honolulu hotel, Honolulu meals, and Honolulu taxis.

This amount does not include costs for saltwater fly rods (7, 8, 10, 12 wt), matching reels, backing, tropical fly lines, tippets, fly packages, polarized glasses, proper flats boots, submersible packs, pliers, gloves, proper flats clothing, etc... Borrowing equipment helps, but these items adds substantial $$$ to the upfront trip cost for first time flats anglers.

Another thing to consider is fishing there for 2 weeks instead of one. It adds another $3,500, but it is really worth it considering all the effort it takes to properly prepare and reach the place. Finally, not all lodges and guide operators on CXI are equal. Do your homework before committing to one so you get the most out of your trip.

While you are correct in your summary...you know if we counted up all this stuff we would just never leave our local water. The worst thing you can do with any hobby is add up what it costs. Shame on you! You should know better.

 

[flybill]

While you are correct in your summary...you know if we counted up all this stuff we would just never leave our local water. The worst thing you can do with any hobby is add up what it costs. Shame on you! You should know better.

I know nothing!

 

[CanoeGuy]

My brother-in-law lives in New Zealand. He is considering a trip to The Villages. The price for him would be $3400 AUD - about $2400 US. I contacted the guy to see if I could get that rate - nope.

 

[Brute]

While you are correct in your summary...you know if we counted up all this stuff we would just never leave our local water. The worst thing you can do with any hobby is add up what it costs. Shame on you! You should know better.

There is an old saying..."if you have to ask how much it costs, you can't afford it"...

 

[chief]

My brother-in-law lives in New Zealand. He is considering a trip to The Villages. The price for him would be $3400 AUD - about $2400 US. I contacted the guy to see if I could get that rate - nope.

I wonder if that is because the "islanders" don't really seem to recognize the exchange rate difference between USD and AUD. At least in my experience they will take either currency and value it the same. At least when it comes to bar tabs and tips.

 

[Rob Allen]

For anyone interested

Here is all the info you need, though the exact dates aren't set and the price may get updated for 2027.

Christmas Island - February 2-9, 2027

Christmas Island is the most iconic saltwater fly fishing destinations on the planet. Vast, ankle-deep flats stretch to the horizon, offering anglers endless opportunities to stalk bonefish in crystal-clear water. While the island is famous for its incredible numbers of bonefish, it is equally...

bigyflyco.com

 

[Scottybs]

Little Guy… was happy with Frontiers Travel staying at Ikari House last October. Deal was $1k off each for a group of 4. As mentioned before, the flight from Hono is a pricey itinerary. A couple things I would do next time are, bring more small bonefish flies and snacks. Meals were on the nice side compared to discussions I’ve had with other lodges, but breakfast and lunch are not huge and there is LOTS of marching. I really look forward to returning.

 

[Rob Allen]

Finally got all the updated information for 2027.

Christmas Island - February 2-9, 2027

Christmas Island is the most iconic saltwater fly fishing destinations on the planet. Vast, ankle-deep flats stretch to the horizon, offering anglers endless opportunities to stalk bonefish in crystal-clear water. While the island is famous for its incredible numbers of bonefish, it is equally...

bigyflyco.com

2027
Christmas Island - February 2-9, 2027
Christmas Island is one of the most iconic flats trips you can do — a true rite of passage for fly anglers. Endless lagoon flats, steady tides, and real shots at bonefish, GTs, and triggerfish make it a bucket-list destination for good reason. It’s an easy trip from the West Coast, fishes exceptionally well in the winter, and remains one of the most surprisingly affordable ways to experience world-class tropical flats fishing.

Rob A. will be hosting our 2027 Christmas Island trip, and we couldn’t ask for a better ambassador. His knowledge, experience, and calm approach will make the trip smooth and enjoyable for both first-timers and return anglers. While our 2026 group is just days away from boarding flights, we’re already looking ahead to 2027 with a lot of excitement — and spots will fill.

Note on flights: This trip crosses the International Date Line. You leave Honolulu on Tuesday morning and you arrive Wednesday afternoon on Christmas Island.

Cost Breakdown
Christmas Island Outfitters / Fly Water Travel: $3,250
50% due now, 50% before departure
Round-trip flight HNL → CXI: $800–$1,600
Hotel in Honolulu: $50–$150 (shared rooms available)
Meals in Honolulu: 5 meals total (arrival/departure/airport)
Round-trip flight to HNL: $320 from PDX (varies by location)
Fishing License CXI: $250
Tips: $300
Bonus: All participants receive 20% off gear for the trip.

 

[Southflyfisher]

At the moment I believe i need 7
I know An Ren.

Rob, how many times have you fished CXI? Does Sunset Lodge use the old orange pangas or the fast boats?

 

[SurfnFish]

Xmas Island was one of Yves Chouinard's favorite places, he went there a bunch over the decades both for the flyfishing and surfing, pic of him doing just that.

 

[Southflyfisher]

It's a lovely part of the world!

 

[Southflyfisher]

Yes, $6,500 - $7,500 total for Honolulu flights, CXI flights, outfitter's cost, CXI fishing license, backcountry access fee, cash tips, Honolulu hotel, Honolulu meals, and Honolulu taxis.

This amount does not include costs for saltwater fly rods (7, 8, 10, 12 wt), matching reels, backing, tropical fly lines, tippets, fly packages, polarized glasses, proper flats boots, submersible packs, pliers, gloves, proper flats clothing, etc... Borrowing equipment helps, but these items adds substantial $$$ to the upfront trip cost for first time flats anglers.

Another thing to consider is fishing there for 2 weeks instead of one. It adds another $3,500, but it is really worth it considering all the effort it takes to properly prepare and reach the place. Finally, not all lodges and guide operators on CXI are equal. Do your homework before committing to one so you get the most out of your trip.

Two weeks is an excellent idea. Spreads the cost of flights over a two week fishing window. Also consider taking the short hop over to Fanning Island Lodge (bookings are through Isolation Outfitters) from Thursday to Tuesday in the second week (5.5 days fishing) . Plenty of GTs and it's seriously remote atoll action. The lodge has a bunch of new buildings (toilet/shower block, meeting house, two new huts), plus Starlink, fresh water supply. A good setup.

 

[DimeBrite]

Christmas Island Outfitters (Sunset Lodge) uses a mixture of the big heavy wood outrigger boats and the faster open bow boats. Also, Chinese trucks are used to haul folks to the back country Lagoon Preserve flats and Korean Wreck beaches. Every year the boats used changes a bit.

Surf, wind, and heavy rain will be kicking up in early 2027 with the significant El Nino event. Waves will be flooding some residential structures on higher tides.

 

[albula]

Xmas Island was one of Yves Chouinard's favorite places, he went there a bunch over the decades both for the flyfishing and surfing, pic of him doing just that.
View attachment 189487

I have done more than 30 trips to Christmas and the first time Yvon went there was on a group trip out of the shop that I put together. He is an entertaining and enthusiastic travel partner. And the only one to show up at the plane with his fishing gear and his surfboard. It was hard to tell which excited him more.

 

[Rob Allen]

Rob, how many times have you fished CXI? Does Sunset Lodge use the old orange pangas or the fast boats?

This will be my first trip. I am learning as much as I can from my supervisor who has been there the past 3 years. I am planning to have a great time. It appears someone has answered the boat question before I could get to it. It's been a long time since I have explored something new in fly fishing. I will likely spend most of the time targeting Bonefish and maybe leave the It's and Triggers for others till next year. Also looking forward to gearing up.. been a long time since I've bought rods and reels. Tying new flies that are really easy for once

Another thing about Sunset Horizon is that it us close to the water. Some of the other lodges have significant travel just to get to the boats.

 

[Brian in OR.]

Rob, your missing out if you dont target Triggers... For me, it's more exciting than casting to bones..... Just have fun with it.

 

[ifsteve]

Do your due diligence. There are other locations that are about the same cost and have better fishing. And as others have said you need to really look at the entire cost picture. Its the flight from HI to Christmas that really ratchets up the cost. I have talked to many guys who have gone there and its still a pretty solid fishery. But its getting beat to death. There are now many groups that go and split it 50-50 with a guide and DIY trip. I really was considering going there next year as it would get me to HI, the only state I havent' been too, but after a lot of research chose a different location. Again, it may be the right choice for many. Just do your homework.

 

[Rob Allen]

Do your due diligence. There are other locations that are about the same cost and have better fishing. And as others have said you need to really look at the entire cost picture. Its the flight from HI to Christmas that really ratchets up the cost. I have talked to many guys who have gone there and its still a pretty solid fishery. But its getting beat to death. There are now many groups that go and split it 50-50 with a guide and DIY trip. I really was considering going there next year as it would get me to HI, the only state I havent' been too, but after a lot of research chose a different location. Again, it may be the right choice for many. Just do your homework.

I wanted to go to Mexico but fly water travel has no open weeks for our shop. We've been going to Christmas Island for a few years now so it's a location we could actually get into.

 

[Rob Allen]

Rob, your missing out if you dont target Triggers... For me, it's more exciting than casting to bones..... Just have fun with it.

We will see, I'll certainly be prepared, for everything.. over prepared acutely
But I want to actually learn not just bounce around from thing to thing.