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Introduction to Nauru Tourism
The Republic of Nauru, the world’s third-smallest country, offers an adventure experience unlike any other island in the Pacific Ocean. Often overlooked for tourism, the pleasant island has coastal cliffs, coral reefs teeming with marine life, and limestone caves.
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. The Civic Centre and Nauru parliament 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.
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.
Best Time to Visit Nauru
Nauru has a tropical climate, and like other Pacific islands, it enjoys year-round warm weather. Average temperatures are between 24 and 34 degrees Celsius.
The dry season in Nauru runs from May to October and is generally the best time to visit, as travel dates during that time offer ideal weather conditions.
Nauru’s wet season runs from November to April. While the Pacific island nation rarely experiences cyclones, the rainy season brings heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas.
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
Getting around NauruRenting 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
Visa requirementsMost 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
SafetyThe 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
Culture and customsNauruan 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.
Take a look at our Nauru Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide
Frequently Asked Questions about Tourism in Nauru
Is Nauru a good tourist destination?
If you’re into off-the-beaten-path destinations without significant tourism infrastructure, Nauru is one of the best destinations. Despite being one of the world’s smallest countries, Nauru offers a unique and rich history, including the Japanese occupation during World War II and the phosphate mining industry, which present some intriguing features to explore.
How many tourists does Nauru get?
Nauru’s isolated location, minimal infrastructure, strict entry requirements, and challenging visa application process have meant the country receives only about 200 tourists annually. However, according to the Nauru Tourism Division, this figure increased by 94 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Is Nauru expensive to visit?
Nauru is quite expensive to visit, as the options to get there are limited. Flights from Los Angeles, including two connections, will cost about $1,000 one way, and basic accommodation is quite expensive. The cost of living in Nauru is also quite high, as almost all food items are imported. Local and Indian food is expensive.
Is Nauru the least visited country?
Nauru has been commonly cited as the world’s least visited country due to its remote location, minimal infrastructure, and lack of options to get there, although other South Pacific islands like Kiribati and Tuvalu could lay a claim to being the least visited country.
How do I get to Nauru from the United States?
The best way to get to Nauru from the USA is to fly from Los Angeles to Brisbane, Australia, where you can directly fly to Nauru Airport. Another option is to fly directly from San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Dallas to Nadi, Fiji, and from there to Nauru.
What do they eat in Nauru?
Nauruan cuisine is comprised mainly of Pandanus fruits and seafood. Heavily influenced by Chinese cuisine, you will fine several Chinese restaurants on the island.
What is the best currency to use in Nauru?
The best currency to use in Nauru is the Australian Dollar (AUD), the country’s official currency and the currency used by businesses and banks in Nauru.
How long would it take to walk around Nauru?
It takes four to five hours to walk Nauru’s 12-mile coast road.
Can you swim in Nauru?
Nauru’s lack of an outer barrier reef creates large waves and undercurrents that directly impact the shoreline, making it unsafe for swimming. Sharp corals and rocks also line the shoreline, leaving little space for safe swimming. Anibare Harbour in Anibare Bay is an artificial area popular among locals for swimming, as it doesn’t have corals or rock formations.
