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Kanton Island, also called Abariringa, is part of the Phoenix Islands within the self-governing Republic of Kiribati. Kanton is the only permanently inhabited island in the Phoenix group today.
You may be familiar with Kiritimati (Christmas Island – CXI) which sits within the Line Islands group near the equator, along with Fanning Island that we also arrange hosted trips to. Kanton is located south-west of CXI by approximately 1900km (1200 miles). Access is by charter flight and the logistics of this alone are what help preserve this spectacular fishery to this day.
It is the largest and northeast island of the Phoenix group and has previously been referred to as Canton Island, Mary Island, Mary Balcout's Island or Swallow Island. Importantly, Kanton lies inside the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA).
The PIPA covers over 400,000 km² of ocean and islands, and Kanton is one of the core islands within the reserve. In fact, Kanton Atoll is the only inhabited atoll inside the protected area.
The protected area includes islands such as: Kanton, Nikumaroro, Rawaki, McKean, Oron and Enderbury Island (now Manra). It was established by Kiribati in 2008 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. The region is famous for near-pristine coral reefs, deep-sea ecosystems, tuna migration routes, and immense pelagic biodiversity.
KANTON ISLAND
The atoll has a long aviation history from the flying boat and trans-Pacific refueling era. It has a modern airstrip but without regular flights. So we work closely with Kiribati residents and liaise directly with people on Kanton to coordinate all planning and on-site support (fuel, runway observation and maintenance, meals, water, hygiene and on-island supplies).
Flight routes are not from Tarawa as might be expected and present the first major obstacle. Some previous visitations were by boat with these illegal missions falling foul of the permit only requirement for shore access.
Similar to Fanning Island, the airport is situated in the north-west point of the atoll and Kanton’s major channel flows through west side low lying lands. Aside from this channel, only one other small rupture to the north — a tidal channel opening onto spectacular white sand flats — the land mass above high tide entirely encircles the lagoon.
KANTON’S FISHERY
In short, the fishery is magical with superb giant trevally fly fishing to rival that of any other remote Kiribati atoll destination. This may not always be the case and increased protections and surveillance is being put in places including policing by the newly established Line & Phoenix Islands Guides Association who are working closely with the local Ministry of Fisheries.
We are organizing expeditions for 2027 and welcome contact from anglers wishing to join these sanctioned exploratory missions. We have a singular rod (space) remaining on our first 2027 trip, but have opened up a second date for interested parties.
Kanton Island, also called Abariringa, is part of the Phoenix Islands within the self-governing Republic of Kiribati. Kanton is the only permanently inhabited island in the Phoenix group today.
You may be familiar with Kiritimati (Christmas Island – CXI) which sits within the Line Islands group near the equator, along with Fanning Island that we also arrange hosted trips to. Kanton is located south-west of CXI by approximately 1900km (1200 miles). Access is by charter flight and the logistics of this alone are what help preserve this spectacular fishery to this day.
It is the largest and northeast island of the Phoenix group and has previously been referred to as Canton Island, Mary Island, Mary Balcout's Island or Swallow Island. Importantly, Kanton lies inside the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA).
The PIPA covers over 400,000 km² of ocean and islands, and Kanton is one of the core islands within the reserve. In fact, Kanton Atoll is the only inhabited atoll inside the protected area.
The protected area includes islands such as: Kanton, Nikumaroro, Rawaki, McKean, Oron and Enderbury Island (now Manra). It was established by Kiribati in 2008 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. The region is famous for near-pristine coral reefs, deep-sea ecosystems, tuna migration routes, and immense pelagic biodiversity.
KANTON ISLAND
The atoll has a long aviation history from the flying boat and trans-Pacific refueling era. It has a modern airstrip but without regular flights. So we work closely with Kiribati residents and liaise directly with people on Kanton to coordinate all planning and on-site support (fuel, runway observation and maintenance, meals, water, hygiene and on-island supplies).
Flight routes are not from Tarawa as might be expected and present the first major obstacle. Some previous visitations were by boat with these illegal missions falling foul of the permit only requirement for shore access.
Similar to Fanning Island, the airport is situated in the north-west point of the atoll and Kanton’s major channel flows through west side low lying lands. Aside from this channel, only one other small rupture to the north — a tidal channel opening onto spectacular white sand flats — the land mass above high tide entirely encircles the lagoon.
KANTON’S FISHERY
In short, the fishery is magical with superb giant trevally fly fishing to rival that of any other remote Kiribati atoll destination. This may not always be the case and increased protections and surveillance is being put in places including policing by the newly established Line & Phoenix Islands Guides Association who are working closely with the local Ministry of Fisheries.
We are organizing expeditions for 2027 and welcome contact from anglers wishing to join these sanctioned exploratory missions. We have a singular rod (space) remaining on our first 2027 trip, but have opened up a second date for interested parties.