Introduction
The island nation of Nauru has historically been one of the least visited countries in the world, but Nauru tourism is gradually becoming less of a hidden gem as more international tourists discover what the country has to offer.
While other Pacific islands with established tourism industries, like Hawaii and Fiji, have readily accessible information, Nauru’s is a little more obscure. This guide provides all the insights you need to visit Nauru.
- Nauru tourism overview
- Best attractions in Nauru
- Best time to visit Nauru
- Places to stay in Nauru
- Nauru travel tips
Introduction to Nauru Tourism
With no mass tourism infrastructure, visitors rely on the local community and experience a slower pace of life. Things to do in Nauru include exploring rugged trails and remnants of World War II, and circling the island by road.
Nauru’s isolation and unconventional tourism industry deliver a rare experience for travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Top Attractions in Nauru
1. Command Ridge
The island’s highest point is Command Ridge, a 65-meter-high plateau with panoramic views of the tiny island nation. At the top of the ridge are the remnants of World War II military hardware, including abandoned Japanese bunkers and rusty artillery.
2. Aiwo district
Nauru’s Aiwo district houses the remains of the island’s phosphate mining industry. Once considered the richest country in the world, phosphate mining pushed Nauru into rapid economic growth, with the island producing significant phosphate reserves. As the industry faded, traces of it were left behind. The Nauru Phosphate Corporation now offers foreign tourists tours of the abandoned mines.
3. Civic Centre and Parliament House
As one of the world’s smallest countries, Nauru has a modest political structure, with government offices accessible to tourists and people living in Nauru building provide insights into how the islands operate and offer additional amenities like conference facilities for travelers with purposes beyond leisure.
4. Deep-sea fishing
Nauru does not have a barrier reef, meaning there is a steep coastal drop-off not for far off the coastline. This generates prime waters for deep-sea fishing, and local tour companies like Equatorial Gamefishing Charters take tourists on deep-sea fishing adventures to catch barracuda, marlin, and yellowfin tuna.
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How to Get to Nauru
Flying non-stop to Nauru from Europe or North America isn’t an option as Nauru Airport doesn’t accommodate long-haul international flights. Nauru Airlines—formally Air Nauru—flies directly to Nauru from Fiji and several Australian cities, including:
- Brisbane, Australia
- Gold Coast, Australia
- Nadi, Fiji
One-way flights with Nauru Airlines start at about $600 from Brisbane and $570 from Nadi.
Where to Stay in Nauru
EWA Lodge: EWA Lodge accommodation offers five fully furnished and air-conditioned modern serviced apartments in the Ronave district. The lodge has an onsite cafe, bakery, and grocery store, providing convenience for travelers. Guests can easily access Ewa Beach.
Menen Hotel: Though quite dated and offering basic amenities, Menen Hotel is among the few small hotels available in Nauru and the only one on the east coast. Its spacious rooms offer sea views, an onsite restaurant, and direct access to the beach.
Od-N Aiwo Hotel: The Od-N Aiwo Hotel in the Aiwo district is opposite the Civic Centre and is just a two-minute drive from Nauru Airport. The hotel offers various room sizes, including single and double rooms with basic amenities.
Practical Travel Tips for Nauru
Getting around Nauru
Renting a car is convenient for traveling around Nauru’s small coastline. Car rental services can be combined with lodging when booking accommodation with EWA Lodge. Taxis are available but are not frequent, meaning you’re better off booking rides ahead of time. With a coastline of just 19 miles and a 12-mile coastal road, bicycles are another convenient option for traveling around the island.
Visa Requirements
Most travelers from Europe, the United States, and Canada require a visa and a valid passport to enter Nauru for tourism. The Nauru visa fee is AUD 50 (about $32). Obtaining Nauru citizenship by investment is an option to visit the country visa free through holding a Nauru passport.
Citizens of other islands in the Pacific Ocean, such as Kiribati, Fiji, the Marshall Islands, and Vanuatu, can enter Nauru with a visa on arrival.
Safety
The US Department of State considers Nauru’s safety “Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.” It is generally safe for tourists. Of course, travelers should stay vigilant for petty crimes like pickpocketing, especially in isolated areas.
Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential when visiting Nauru. The Nauru healthcare system is basic, and treatment abroad is often necessary for citizens and foreigners moving to Nauru.
Culture and customs
Nauruan culture is derived from Micronesian cultural heritage, which influences the daily lives, social structures, and traditional ceremonies of the Nauru people. The two official languages in Nauru are English and the Nauruan language, an Austronesian language.
The Nauru government opted to ban same-sex marriages through the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act of 2017, which restricted marriage to unions between a man and a woman. This highlights the conservative values of Nauruans, and LGBTQ+ visitors should be cautious when traveling there.
