The island nation of Naoero (Nauru) has historically been one of the least visited countries in the world, but Naoero 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, Naoero’s is a little more obscure. This guide provides all the insights you need to visit Naoero.
- Nauru tourism overview
- Best attractions in Nauru
- Best time to visit Nauru
- Places to stay in Nauru
- Nauru travel tips
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 Naura include exploring rugged trails and remnants of World War II, and circling the island by road.
Naoero’s isolation and unconventional tourism industry deliver a rare experience for travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Top Attractions in Naoero
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
Naoero’s Aiwo district houses the remains of the island’s phosphate mining industry. Once considered the richest country in the world, phosphate mining pushed Naoero into rapid economic growth, with the island producing significant phosphate reserves. As the industry faded, traces of it were left behind. The Naoero 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, Naoero 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
Naoero 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 Naoero from Europe or North America isn’t an option as Naoero Airport doesn’t accommodate long-haul international flights. Nauru Airlines—formally Air Nauru—flies directly to Naoero 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 Nauru hotels available 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 Naoero Airport. The hotel offers various room sizes, including single and double rooms with basic amenities.
Practical Travel Tips for Naoero
Getting around Naoero
Renting a car is convenient for traveling around Naoero’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 Naoero for tourism. The Nauru visa fee is AUD 50 (about $32). Obtaining Naoero (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 Naoero with a visa on arrival.
Safety
The US Department of State considers Naoero‘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 Naoero. The Naoero healthcare system is basic, and treatment abroad is often necessary for citizens and foreigners moving to Nauru.
Culture and customs
dei-Naoero 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 Naoero are English and the dei-Naoero language, an Austronesian language.
The Naoero 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 Naoero people, and LGBTQ+ visitors should be cautious when traveling there.
