Is Fanning Island the ultimate remote bonefishing adventure destination? Let’s discuss.
First up, just getting there is not for the faint-hearted. You will fly from Hawaii or Fiji into Kiritimati (pronounced Christmas), Kiribati. You’re now only a one hour and 15 minute flight away from the atoll of Tabuaeran, also known as Fanning Island – the fourth largest island among the 32 making up the Republic of Kiribati.
Image: Tabuaeran’s atoll (circled in red above) sits 1,800km (1,100 miles) below Hawaii and 420km north of the Equator.
With only 2,000 local residents, Fanning Island has been dubbed ‘the world’s most remote inhabited island’. But long term habitation is in doubt due to the atoll having a maximum elevation of only three meters (10 feet) above high tide.
You’ll land near Napari (or Napali), a village located at the north end of Tabuaeran atoll, north of the Tabuaeran Airport (flight code: TNV). Then it’s a 15-20 minute boat ride, directly from the airport to your beachside lodgings on the lagoon side of the atoll.
Image: The flight time from Cassidy International Airport (CXI), Kiritimati to Aérodrome de Tabuaeran in the village of Napari is 1 hour 15 minutes, covering 300km.
From your base here, the daily travel is simple. The atoll is only 10 miles long by 5 miles wide so travel to fishing spots within the lagoon is a breeze.
Image: Fanning Island comprises acres of brilliant white sand flats that are rarely fished. As seen in this image, the airfield bisects this ring atoll below the Napari settlement.
Well, you’ve made it to Fanning. Clearly you’re a die-hard saltwater angler looking for the ultimate in Bonefish and Giant Trevally fishing with a fly. A maximum of six anglers are permitted to fish the island each week so you’re in rarified company.
In addition to casting for double digit Bonefish and monster GT’s, expect to fish for Bluefin Trevally, big bumpies (Bumphead Parrotfish), Napoleon Wrasse and many more species.
On arrival at Fanning Island, you’ll appreciate the equatorial weather. It’s a consistent 24-29°C (75-85°F) all year around. Being so close to the equator means sunrise and sunset are always within 15 minutes of 6.00am and 6.30pm. You have up to ten hours a day of fishing available to you.
Below, let’s go over a typical Fanning Island itinerary (two options via Fiji for anglers from Australia/New Zealand, or via Honolulu for US anglers), the flight challenges, fishing licences, anticipating costs for your stay, tackle requirements and priority items to pack for your adventure.
If you’re looking to travel to Fanning Island in April 2026, global flyfishing travel company, Isolation Outfitters, is running a hosted trip offering a week in each of Christmas Island and Fanning Island.
We have some crucial information to share on how things work over there. But first, let’s talk about the fishing.
Image: Fanning Island Outfitters’ open air huts provide a rustic and remote vibe for those not seeking a luxury lodge experience.