I am planning a trip to Christmas Island early next year. However, maybe because I�m cheap or just for the thrill of it, I like doing these trips on my own. This formula has worked for me on trips to Alaska, the Bahamas and Mexico.
Please let me start with a caveat. I don�t know why but requests for information about DIY trips don�t really cause anyone any concern. Except it seems, trips to Xmas Island. I�ve seen previous information requests about Xmas Island stir up controversies in other forums. I don�t want to create the same issue here. If you have concerns about my trip planning ethics or about DIY �cheapskates� please contact me personally. Here is what I know so far. My research has determined the Aloha flies a Sunday charter HNL to Xmas and back. Flights can be booked direct. From what I understand, there are 2 hotels on the Island that will take folks not associated with a package or agent. They are the Capt. Cook and Mini Hotel Kirimati. Again, I understand that both can be booked direct. Not having been to Xmas and only having looked at photos available in fly fishing magazines, internet pages and satellite shots, some of my questions may seem a bit na�ve to those that have been there. Please bear with me. My major concerns are about getting around. An article I read in Islands Magazine discussed the ability to renting a pick up truck to get around. A name was given, but I�ve yet to follow op on it. That being, I am curious if those that have been there would have felt comfortable fishing on their own. If yes why and if no, why again. Had your fished for bonefish or trevally (jacks) somewhere else before going to Xmas? If so, did you feel that a guide for the entire week at Xmas was necessary? How were you transported to your fishing area? Truck, boat, both? If you did this on you, how did you transport yourself around the island? Where were you able to rent a vehicle or moped? How much was it? Where did you stay? Capt. Cooks, Mini Hotel Kiribati, Big Eddie and Joe's, or somewhere else. What were the accommodations like? How far away was your hotel from the various fishing areas? Did you center your meals around the hotel�s meal times or were you able to locate meals on your own in the community? If this is something that someone would rather discuss in person, please let me know, I�d be happy to buy the beer as long as you keep talking. Kind regards Mike Santangelo
