Home › Destinations › Marakei
Marakei, Kiribati - Things to Do in Marakei

Marakei

Marakei, Kiribati - Complete Travel Guide

Marakei is a pristine coral atoll in the Gilbert Islands chain of Kiribati, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into traditional Pacific Island life. This remote great destination, located approximately 180 kilometers northeast of Tarawa, is home to around 2,700 residents who maintain strong cultural traditions while living in harmony with the ocean that surrounds them. The atoll consists of 25 small islets connected by a shallow lagoon, creating a impressive turquoise sanctuary perfect for those seeking untouched natural beauty. Unlike more developed Pacific destinations, Marakei remains largely untouched by mass tourism, providing an extraordinary opportunity to experience genuine I-Kiribati culture and hospitality. The island's economy revolves around subsistence fishing, copra production, and small-scale agriculture, with visitors welcomed into this close-knit community. The atoll's isolation means that every aspect of your visit will be an adventure, from the journey to get there to the simple pleasures of swimming in crystal-clear waters and witnessing spectacular sunsets over the Pacific.

Top Marakei

Traditional Fishing with Local Fishermen

Join local fishermen on their daily expeditions using traditional outrigger canoes and time-honored techniques passed down through generations. Experience the thrill of catching reef fish, learning about sustainable fishing practices, and understanding the deep connection between the I-Kiribati people and their marine environment.

Booking Tip: Arrange through your accommodation or local contacts, typically costs $20-40 per person for a half-day trip. Best times are early morning (5-9 AM) or late afternoon (3-6 PM) when fish are most active. Look for experienced fishermen who can provide safety equipment and basic English communication.

Lagoon Swimming and Snorkeling

Explore the pristine lagoon waters surrounding Marakei, where visibility often exceeds 30 meters and marine life thrives in protected coral gardens. The shallow, warm waters are perfect for snorkeling, with opportunities to see tropical fish, sea turtles, and pristine coral formations in their natural habitat.

Booking Tip: Bring your own snorkeling gear as rentals are extremely limited, costing around $10-15 per day if available. Best visibility occurs during calm weather periods, typically in the morning hours. Local guides can be arranged for $15-25 per day to show you the best spots and ensure safety.

Cultural Village Visits and Handicraft Learning

spend time in authentic I-Kiribati culture by visiting local villages where artisans demonstrate traditional handicrafts like mat weaving, shell jewelry making, and coconut fiber rope production. Participate in cultural exchanges, learn basic Gilbertese phrases, and gain insights into daily island life.

Booking Tip: Arrange visits through village elders or your accommodation, with small gifts or donations of $5-10 per person appreciated. Best times are mid-morning or early evening when people are available. Look for opportunities that include hands-on learning and authentic cultural exchange rather than staged performances.

Islet Hopping and Beach Exploration

Charter a local boat to explore the 25 small islets that make up Marakei atoll, each offering unique characteristics from pristine beaches to bird nesting sites. Discover secluded spots perfect for picnicking, beachcombing, and experiencing the raw beauty of uninhabited Pacific islands.

Booking Tip: Boat charters typically cost $50-100 per day depending on group size and distance covered. Best weather conditions occur during dry season months with calm seas. Ensure your operator provides safety equipment, fresh water, and has knowledge of safe landing spots on different islets.

Sunset Watching and Stargazing

Experience some of the most spectacular sunsets in the Pacific from Marakei's western shores, followed by world-class stargazing opportunities in one of the world's most light-pollution-free environments. The clear skies and minimal artificial lighting create perfect conditions for observing constellations, planets, and the Milky Way.

Booking Tip: No booking required, but bring insect repellent and comfortable seating. Best sunset viewing spots can be identified with local guidance. Consider bringing a star chart or astronomy app, and plan for 2-3 hours to fully enjoy both sunset and stargazing experiences.

Getting There

Reaching Marakei requires careful planning as there are no regular commercial flights to the atoll. The primary access is through Air Kiribati charter flights from Bonriki International Airport in Tarawa, which operate irregularly based on demand and weather conditions, typically costing $200-400 per person round trip. Alternatively, cargo boats and private vessels occasionally make the journey from Tarawa, taking 8-12 hours depending on sea conditions, but schedules are unpredictable and comfort levels are basic. It's essential to coordinate your arrival and departure well in advance through local contacts or your accommodation, as transportation options are extremely limited and weather-dependent.

Getting Around

Transportation on Marakei is refreshingly simple, with walking and cycling being the primary means of getting around the small inhabited areas of the atoll. The main settlement areas are compact and easily navigable on foot, while bicycles can sometimes be borrowed from locals or your accommodation for longer distances. For exploring the lagoon and reaching different islets, small boats and traditional outrigger canoes are available through local arrangements, typically costing $20-50 per day depending on the vessel and operator. The lack of motorized vehicles contributes to the island's peaceful atmosphere and makes every journey an opportunity to interact with friendly locals and enjoy the pristine environment.

Where to Stay

Main Village Guesthouses
Local Family Homestays
Community Lodge
Traditional Fale Accommodations
Beachside Camping Areas
Church Group Lodging

Food & Dining

Dining on Marakei centers around fresh, locally-sourced ingredients with an emphasis on seafood, coconut, and tropical fruits. Most meals are arranged through your accommodation or local families, featuring traditional I-Kiribati dishes like fresh fish prepared in coconut milk, pandanus fruit, and locally grown vegetables. There are no restaurants in the conventional sense, but the community-based dining experiences offer authentic flavors and generous hospitality. Visitors should expect simple but delicious meals, often shared family-style, with prices typically ranging from $10-20 per meal. It's advisable to inform hosts of any dietary restrictions in advance, and bringing some non-perishable snacks is recommended as food variety can be limited during certain seasons.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Kiribati

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Bistro Maumu

4.7 /5
(726 reviews)
bar

restaurant muni

4.8 /5
(579 reviews)

Barista Kiribathgoda

4.5 /5
(446 reviews) 2
cafe store

Barista Nugegoda - Diner

4.5 /5
(430 reviews) 2
cafe

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Marakei is during the dry season from April to October, when rainfall is minimal, trade winds provide comfortable cooling, and sea conditions are generally calmer for boat travel and water activities. During these months, temperatures remain consistently warm at 26-30°C (79-86°F) with lower humidity levels and reduced risk of tropical storms. The wet season from November to March brings higher rainfall, increased humidity, and potential for severe weather that can disrupt transportation and outdoor activities. However, the wet season also offers lush vegetation and fewer visitors for those seeking maximum solitude. Regardless of season, weather can be unpredictable in this remote location, so flexibility in travel plans is essential.

Insider Tips

Bring a complete first aid kit and any necessary medications, as medical facilities are extremely basic and evacuations to Tarawa are expensive and weather-dependent
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and UV-protective clothing as these items are unavailable locally and the tropical sun and insects can be intense
Learn basic Gilbertese greetings and phrases before arrival - locals deeply appreciate visitors who make an effort to communicate in their language and it opens doors to more authentic cultural experiences

Activities in Marakei