Travelling with Children in Nauru

What to expect

Nauru has no amusement parks, no waterparks, no zoo, no children’s museum and no organised kids’ clubs. It is a small, quiet and remote island where the entertainment is outdoors and unhurried. Families who enjoy exploring, watching local life and keeping things simple will find enough to do for a few days. Families who need a packed schedule will not.

Tide pooling on the reef flat

When the tide is out, the reef flat dries for 100 to 300 metres from the shore, and the limestone holds shallow pools. Children look for hermit crabs, young damselfish, sea cucumbers and starfish. One rule matters above all: sturdy closed-toe water shoes or reef booties for everyone. The coral is sharp, and stonefish stings are severe. Hold hands, keep fingers out of crevices and stay close.

Sea safety for children

Nauru’s beaches are exposed to the open Pacific. Shore breaks and rip currents make the open water unsafe for children, and the island has no lifeguards. Local families swim inside Anibare Boat Harbour, an artificial fishing harbour with boats in use. If you want to let children paddle there, ask local people first and stay in arm’s reach. Do not send children into Buada Lagoon or Moqua Well.

Sports to watch

Australian rules football is the island’s great passion. Games take place at Linkbelt Oval in Aiwo, on a gravel or crushed phosphate surface. Ask at the hotel about weekend matches. Children are welcome to watch, and it is an easy way to see the community together.

Easy outings

  • Coast road rides: the 19 km paved ring road is flat. Older children who cycle well can ride a section in the cool of early morning. Drivers keep to the left and the road crosses the airport runway, with lights to stop traffic.
  • Aiwo at sunset: the huge steel loaders over the reef make a dramatic backdrop. Keep young children well back from the sharp reef edge.
  • Anibare Bay walk: a long stretch of white sand backed by palms, best for a stroll rather than a swim.

Meals and supplies

Restaurants are mostly small Chinese diners and the dining room at Menen Hotel, with fried rice, chow mein and imported tinned food. Fresh milk and fruit arrive by air and sell out quickly. Pack snacks, any special foods and medicines, and buy bottled water at the roadside shops. Stray dogs wander some villages, so keep little ones beside you.

Sun and weather

The UV index is very high on the equator. Bring hats, long sleeves and strong sunscreen, and plan the middle of the day indoors. Cyclones and heavy swell are possible from November to May.

Paperwork and cash

Everyone needs a visa arranged before travel. There is none on arrival. Take Australian dollars for the whole trip, because cards are not accepted and the single ATM at Menen Hotel is often empty. Nauru Airlines is the only passenger carrier.

Booking and sources

Rooms are booked directly with hotels. You can search Viator for any new Nauru listings. Safety and entry rules are on the UK government page for Nauru .

Read more: Activities in Nauru and Nauru 4-day plan .