Outings from Your Hotel in Nauru

Can you leave the island for a day?

No. Nauru stands alone in the central Pacific. It has no neighbouring islands, no cays or islets, no ferries and no domestic flights. The closest land is Banaba, part of Kiribati, about 300 km to the east-southeast, with no scheduled passenger boat and no facilities for visitors. Tarawa and the Gilbert Islands are over 700 km away.

Flights add another limit. With only a few departures a week on Nauru Airlines, a weekend break from abroad is not possible. You stay between flight days, usually three nights at the least.

So what is a day out?

A day out on Nauru means a half-day loop by road. The ring road is paved, flat and about 19 km around, and everything below sits close to it. Cars drive on the left.

Morning: Command Ridge and the plateau

Command Ridge, 65 m high, is the island’s high point. Two Japanese anti-aircraft guns point out to sea from concrete pits, and a communications bunker below can be entered with a torch. From here, a local driver can take you onto Topside, the plateau of limestone pinnacles left by phosphate mining. Closed shoes, water and an early start matter, because the plateau has no shade and the UV is very high.

Midday: Buada Lagoon and Moqua Well

The lagoon lies in a green basin of palms and tamanu trees, with a road around its edge. The shore belongs to residents and the water is not suitable for swimming. Over in Yaren, Moqua Well is an underground lake that supplied drinking water in wartime. Do not swim in it. The caves are partly open, so go at your own risk, never alone, and watch for mud after rain.

Afternoon: Anibare Bay

The bay on the east coast stretches for more than 2 km of pale sand. Its surf is heavy and rip currents are strong, with no lifeguards, so walk the beach and stay out of the open water. People swim inside Anibare Boat Harbour, a fishing harbour built in 2000, but ask locally first.

Practical points

  • Hire a car through your hotel or Capelle & Partner in Ewa, and bring Australian dollars.
  • Cards are not accepted. The ATM at Menen Hotel is often empty.
  • A visa must be arranged before you travel.

Booking and sources

Tours are organised on the island, but you can look at GetYourGuide for any new Nauru listings. The UK government page for Nauru has entry and safety advice, and flight days are posted by Nauru Airlines .

Read more: Multi-day trips in Nauru and Nauru 3-day plan .