Things to Do in Nauru

About Nauru

The world's smallest island nation, Nauru rises from the vast Pacific as a 21-square-kilometer jewel of phosphate rock and coral, where fewer visitors arrive each year than climb Everest. This remote Micronesian republic exists in splendid isolation, 300 kilometers from its nearest neighbor, offering a glimpse into a way of life largely untouched by mass tourism. Here, the ocean dominates every horizon, and the entire country can be circled by car in just twenty minutes, yet its story spans millennia of Polynesian heritage and remarkable resilience.

Travel Tips

• Currency and Cash: Bring Australian dollars (AUD) as it's the official currency, and carry sufficient cash since there are no ATMs on the island and credit card acceptance is extremely limited outside the few hotels.

• Transportation: Arrange airport pickup with your accommodation in advance, as there are no rental cars or public transportation services available; most visitors rely on their hotel to organize transport or taxis, which must be booked by phone.

• Accommodation Booking: Book your hotel well ahead of your visit as Nauru has only 2-3 operating hotels with very limited rooms, and they often fill up with contract workers and government officials.

• Phosphate Mining Areas: Stay on marked roads and avoid wandering into the inland phosphate mining pinnacles (the sharp coral formations), as the terrain is dangerous, unstable, and easy to get lost in, with limited mobile phone coverage.

When to Visit

Nauru experiences a tropical climate with consistent heat year-round (25-32°C), but the optimal visiting window is May through October during the drier season when monthly rainfall drops to 50-100mm compared to the wetter November-April period that can see 200-300mm monthly with high humidity often exceeding 80%. Independence Day on January 31st is the island's most significant celebration featuring traditional dancing, feasting, and sporting competitions, making late January an culturally rich but potentially crowded time to visit. The wettest months of December through March bring oppressive humidity and frequent afternoon downpours that can limit outdoor activities like exploring the phosphate pinnacles or Buada Lagoon, though this period offers the lowest accommodation rates at the limited hotels like Menen Hotel and Od-N-Aiwo Hotel. April and November serve as transition months with moderate rainfall (150-200mm) and fewer visitors, ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking a balance between decent weather and lower prices. For the most comfortable experience with minimal rain disruption and slightly lower temperatures around 27-28°C, plan your visit between June and September, though be aware that Nauru's remote location and limited tourism infrastructure mean that seasonal variations in crowds are minimal compared to typical Pacific destinations—you'll likely encounter more visiting officials and phosphate industry workers than leisure tourists regardless of timing.