Things to Do in Kiribati

About Kiribati

Kiribati sprawls across 3.5 million square kilometers of Pacific Ocean, making it one of the remotest places you'll ever visit. These 33 coral atolls don't see many tourists. Time moves at the pace of tides and trade winds here. The lagoons are clear and massive. Coconut palms lean over coral sand beaches. No modern development blocks the view. The I-Kiribati people are genuinely welcoming—not the practiced hospitality of resort staff. They share their Micronesian culture through dances, songs, and stories their grandparents taught them. Expect the real thing. The marine life is exceptional. Manta rays move through underwater caverns while tropical fish crowd the coral gardens in every color you can imagine. These ecosystems haven't been picked over by decades of tourism. This place works for a specific type of traveler. You need to want nature, indigenous culture, and serious distance from crowds. Stand on these beaches and you'll feel the full weight of the Pacific—the world's largest ocean, and you're at its edge.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Book flights well in advance through Fiji Airways, the primary carrier serving Tarawa. Inter-island travel requires small aircraft or boats—confirm schedules locally as weather frequently disrupts services. Rent bicycles in South Tarawa for efficient local transport.

Money: Bring sufficient Australian dollars in cash—ATMs are extremely limited and credit cards rarely accepted outside major hotels. US dollars are sometimes accepted but exchange rates are poor. Budget $100-150 daily for basic needs.

Cultural Respect: Always ask permission before photographing people or entering villages. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Remove shoes when entering homes. Participate respectfully in traditional ceremonies if invited, and avoid pointing feet toward others when seated.

Food Safety: Stick to freshly caught fish, coconut-based dishes, and fruits you can peel yourself. Avoid tap water—drink bottled or boiled water exclusively. Local seafood is generally safe when properly cooked, but avoid raw preparations unless from trusted sources.

When to Visit

Kiribati enjoys a tropical maritime climate with year-round temperatures between 26-32°C (79-90°F). The dry season (April-October) offers the most comfortable conditions with northeast trade winds providing relief from humidity, average rainfall of 100-150mm monthly, and calmer seas perfect for diving and snorkeling. This peak season sees accommodation prices increase by 30-40%, requiring advance bookings. The wet season (November-March) brings higher humidity, increased rainfall of 200-400mm monthly, and occasional tropical storms, but also 20-30% lower accommodation costs and fewer tourists. March-April and October-November offer optimal balance with pleasant weather and moderate pricing. Key cultural events include Independence Day (July 12th) featuring traditional dancing and feasting, Gospel Day (second Monday in July), and Christmas celebrations extending through January. Serious divers should visit April-June when visibility peaks at 30+ meters. Budget travelers benefit from wet season visits, while luxury seekers prefer the dry season's consistent sunshine and calm conditions. Wildlife ensoiasts should time visits with bird migration patterns—December through February offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities across the outer islands.