Tarawa (Betio Islet) - General Info

Where is Tarawa?

Tarawa is an atoll and the capital of Kiribati.  It lies in the group of atolls forming the northern Gilberts.

There is a small offset in some charts, so daylight entry using normal cautions on first arrival is recommended.

Entrance Notes and Cautions for Tarawa:

Pilotage into the lagoon here is straightforward. It is a wide deep pass used by ships and is currently buoyed at each end of the channel.

Betio is the town at the southern end of the atoll where port officials are located.

Note:  If visiting other islands be careful as some of the atolls are very shallow and yachts have reportedly hit reef this year (2026).

Position - Reef Pass:

01° 24.73′N, 172° 54.75′E