This 21-square-kilometer Pacific island has limestone pinnacles, a circular coastal road, and clear waters at Anibare Bay. Local life centers around churches and Australian rules football.
Nauru, a 21-square-kilometer island nation in the Central Pacific, rises from turquoise waters with dramatic limestone pinnacles piercing through its coral reef. You can walk the entire coastal road in three hours, swim in the clear waters of Anibare Bay, or explore the jagged limestone formations that cover the island's interior. Local children play Australian rules football on beachside fields while fishermen cast their nets from rocky outcrops near Command Ridge, the island's highest point at 65 meters.
Getting to Nauru
You can fly to Nauru on Nauru Airlines from Brisbane, Australia four times per week. The airline also connects to Fiji, Kiribati, and other Pacific islands. Before traveling, you'll need a valid passport, a 30-day tourist visa, and confirmed accommodation. Watch planes land on the impressive runway that stretches across almost half the island's length and intersects with the main coastal road.
Moving Around the Island
A 20-kilometer paved road circles the entire island. You can drive the complete circuit in 45 minutes, cycle it in 2 hours, or walk it in about 3 hours. Ships anchor offshore since the island lacks natural harbors, and local crews transfer cargo and passengers to shore using barges.
Swimming and Water Activities
Swim in the calm waters at Anibare Bay, protected by the surrounding coral reef. Ask locals about safe swimming spots, as strong currents form near reef cuts. When snorkeling, you'll spot parrotfish, angelfish, and other tropical species among the coral. Advanced divers can explore deeper waters around the reef where larger pelagic fish gather.
Local Life and Culture
The Nauru Congregational Church and Catholic Church form the center of community life, with weekly services drawing many of the island's 10,000 residents. Watch Australian rules football matches at local fields, or join spectators at weightlifting competitions - a popular sport where Nauruans often excel in international events. Most residents live in the coastal areas, where you'll find small shops selling imported goods and local produce.
Practical Information
Bring Australian dollars for your stay, as most businesses only accept cash. You can get mobile phone service and internet through Digicel, which covers the entire island. Remember the drinking age is 21, and wear modest clothing when visiting churches or community events.
Weather and Climate
The temperature stays around 28°C (82°F) year-round, with constant ocean breezes. Plan for rain between November and February, when most of the annual 2,000mm rainfall occurs. Bring lightweight clothing and a rain jacket - you might encounter quick showers even during dry season.
