The anchorage in Betio is west of the Pier, amid anchored ships. It is in 4.5 – 7.6 meters (15-25 feet) of water with a sandy bottom and good holding. Anchor inside the fishing boats, watch out for rapid shelving and be prepared to swing in all directions. Some fishing boats are anchored on rode with very long scope.

Do not get to close to the atoll or the wrecks on the beach as the water shallows quickly.

Most wrecks are visible. However,  there is an unmarked wreck, lying just below the surface, close to the recommended anchorage (position 1°22.03’N 172°55.44’E).

The anchorage has the potential to be choppy due to the long fetch and is likely to be tenuous in strong Westerlies, although holding appears to be good.

Dinghy landing in the harbour is difficult, be prepared to be imaginative.

Security Note: While crimes against yachts and visiting cruisers are rare there have been several incidents. Cruisers are wise to not leave the boat unattended unless there are other cruisers anchored nearby who can keep an eye on things. Also, do not leave anything loose lying around in case the yacht is visited during the night.    In March 2024, a number of items were stolen from a yacht at anchor while the crew slept onboard.  However, the yacht’s skipper reported that the police later recovered all the stolen items.  See Security Reports for Kiribati for more information.

About 10nm east of Betio, is Bikenibeu. Here, the best anchorage is in the deeper pond where the locals anchor their boats. There is a fish and produce market, Bikenibeu Chinese Restaurant and shops ashore for groceries.

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 information 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:  May 2019

Kiribati’s Nonouti Island ready to welcome travellers (Feb, 2023).

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