Island Activities in Nauru

October 31, 2026

At a glance

Size: 21 square kilometres, about 12,500 residents, just 42 km south of the equator.
Currency: Australian dollars in cash. Cards are not accepted.
Entry: visa arranged before you fly, none on arrival.
Getting here: Nauru Airlines, the only passenger airline, a few flights a week.

Nauru gives you a short list of things to do, and each one is quite unlike what other Pacific islands offer. Here is how to approach them.

Cycling or driving the coast road

One paved road runs right around the island, a loop of about 19 km. You pass the loaders at Aiwo, the long white curve of Anibare Bay, the cliffs under Menen Hotel and the village districts. The airport runway cuts across the road near Yaren, and traffic lights hold the cars while aircraft land or take off. Hire a bicycle or car through your accommodation or through Capelle & Partner in Ewa. Ride early or late, because the midday heat is heavy.

Deep-sea game fishing

Water more than a kilometre deep lies close to the reef edge, so big pelagic fish are within reach of a small boat. Anglers target yellowfin tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi, skipjack and Pacific blue marlin. Local charter names to ask about are Nauru Game Fishing and Equatorial Fishing Charters. Anibare Boat Harbour is the fishing harbour. Ask about prices when you arrive.

Hiking Topside

The interior plateau is where a century of phosphate mining left a field of pale limestone pinnacles several metres high. Dirt tracks wind between them. Plan to go in the early morning or late afternoon, since the pale rock reflects the sun. Closed shoes are essential, and so is a supply of water. A local guide is the sensible way to find your way through unmarked tracks.

Football at Linkbelt Oval

Australian rules football is the sport that matters most here. The main ground is Linkbelt Oval in Aiwo, where the Nauru Australian Football Association plays. The pitch is crushed phosphate dust or gravel. Local fixtures change, so ask your hotel about the next match.

Diving and reef walks

Just past the fringing reef the bottom falls away steeply into deep, clear water. There is no full dive centre with hire gear on the island, so divers need to bring a full kit and arrange tank fills and boat access beforehand via Menen Hotel. For reef walks, stout reef shoes are a must, because the coral is razor sharp and stonefish and cone snails sit in shallow pools.

Water safety

There are no lifeguards. Anibare Bay has rip currents and heavy surf, so do not swim in the open bay. Locals swim in the harbour basin at Anibare, and you should ask locally before joining them. The lagoon at Buada and the pool at Moqua Well are not for swimming. From November to May, cyclones and big swells are possible, and normal precautions apply.

Money and bookings

Bring enough Australian dollars for your whole trip. The one ATM is at Menen Hotel and is often empty. Hotel rooms are booked directly by email or phone. You can browse Viator for new Nauru listings, and read the UK government advice for Nauru before you travel. Flights are on Nauru Airlines .

Nauru
Guides