 Tarawa (Betio Islet) : Profile
Tarawa is the capital of Kiribati and lies in the group of atolls forming the northern Gilberts.
Position 1°26′N, 173°00′E.
Tarawa Radio should be called on VHF Channel 16 when approaching the island and give one's ETA. The Marine Guard keeps 24 hour watch on 500, 2182 and 6215 MHz.
Channel 16 is monitored only during office hours (0800-1230, 1330-1615 Monday to Friday).
Having been advised beforehand, officials will be waiting in Betio when the yacht arrives. All formalities are supposed to be completed alongside in the small boat harbour in Betio, but this can only take yachts under 6 ft draft. Because of silting, the depths in the harbour are unreliable, so it may be safer for larger draft vessels to tie up to the commercial wharf on the way into Betio or anchor in the quarantine area just west of the main jetty in Betio.
An unmarked wreck, lying just below the surface, is close to the recommended anchorage and its position has been reported at 1°22.03'N 172°55.44'E.
The Customs office is at Betio and Immigration officials will come over from Bairiki, where the government offices are based. You may need to collect them in the yacht's dinghy.
The officials are friendly and clearance is simple.
The policy of visiting the outer islands after checking out of Tarawa is
currently in flux and boats are no longer allowed to visit AFTER checking out,
at all. Some cruisers have written letters and the authorities are considering changing the policy, however for now, yachts must come back to Tarawa to check out after visiting any atoll.
If you wish to visit an outer island, you must have written permission in place before visiting. You need to make the request a few days before departure, in writing, and with an explaination of why you wish to visit.
Last updated October 2011.
The anchorage is west of the Pier, amid anchored ships. It is in 15-25 ft of water with a sandy bottom and good holding. The anchorage has the potential to be choppy due to the long fetch.
Do not get to close to the atoll or the wrecks on the beach as the water shallows quickly.
See http://visit-kiribati.com/images/stories/CruisersYachtInformation.pdf for the Tarawa Atoll channel waypoints.
Security Note: Three yachts were broken into during the day in this anchorage in October 2011, always whilst anchored alone and the owners ashore. Cruisers are wise to not leave the boat unattended unless there are other cruisers anchored nearby who can keep an eye on things. See report here.
For a quieter, smoother anchorage, it is worth exploring the northern end of the atoll. Due to not having a continuous road connection, this part of the island has a small population following a more traditional way of life. The disavantage is that due to the tidal range, the anchorage has to be some way from the shore.
Outer Atolls
Ensure you present your permit to the policeman of each island.
See www.kiribatitourism.gov.ki for more infomation on each atoll.
Abaiang
This is the closest atoll to Tarawa and has two holiday resorts. The dress code is conservative and women are not allowed to walk around in bikinis, short skirts or shorts. A skirt or shorts covered down to the knees or wrapped around sulus and T-Shirts are preferable.
There is a medical clinic for emergencies. All water is collected rain water.
Butaritari
This is a lush island with an abundance of fruit. The main village is Temwanokunuea. The lagoon is deep and provides a good, protected anchorage south of King’s wharf and with an easy dinghy access to shore from that wharf. The dress code here is the same as Abaiang.
Abemama
This is a small island surrounded by a deep lagoon. The outlying islands of Abatiku and Bike are on the southwestern side of this atoll. The village of Kariatebike is the government centre and houses an administration building, the police station and a hospital.
Aranuka
This island is located in the centre of the Gilbert Islands, just north of the equator. It is the only island in Kiribati to have tall mango trees. The uninhabited islets around the lagoon provide world-class snorkling.
Last updated September 2011.
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