Nauru — find the right stay, from deciding to booking
“One of the world's smallest island nations, Buada Lagoon, Anibare Bay and a phosphate history”
Nauru is one of the smallest island republics in the world — a Pacific coral island you can drive around in 30 minutes, with the brackish Buada Lagoon at its center, Anibare Bay and its reef, the strange coral-pinnacle landscape left by old phosphate mining, and a rise-and-fall story of mineral wealth you'll rarely find anywhere else — a destination that's hard to reach and still unspoiled.
Nauru at a glance
Choose a city in Nauru
Each city has its own things-to-do and food guides plus in-depth ranked hotel reviews with real photos and price comparison — start with the city that fits your trip.
Decide — is Nauru right for you?
Why people love Nauru, how it compares to its neighbors, and which travel style suits you
One of the world's smallest island nations
Nauru is one of the smallest island republics on Earth — you can drive around it in 30 minutes, an experience you can't get anywhere else.
Buada Lagoon
A brackish lagoon at the island's center, shaded and peaceful, with seabirds and fish — the natural heart of Nauru.
Anibare Bay and the reef
White sand and clear water over the reef — great for snorkeling and diving in the South Pacific.
Coral pinnacles
Coral spires rising from old phosphate-mining ground — a strange landscape that recalls the island-wide mining.
Phosphate history
Nauru was once the richest country in the world per capita from phosphate, before the mineral ran out and the economy collapsed — an important lesson for the world.
Fishing and diving
Surrounded by the Pacific, with abundant tuna and big fish — great for anglers and divers.
Nauru vs its neighbors
| Nauru | Kiribati | Marshall Islands | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily budget (per person) | $65–130 | $50–100 | $55–115 |
| Visa (Thai passport) | Apply in advance | Apply in advance | Apply in advance |
| Known for | Smallest island · phosphate | International Date Line · atolls | WWII heritage · diving |
| Currency | Australian Dollar | Australian Dollar | US Dollar |
| Access | Very limited flights | Limited | Limited |
Figures are rough per-person, per-day estimates — your real budget depends on your travel style.
How do you travel?
Country collectors
Nauru is on the list of the world's rarest countries to visit — for those determined to reach every corner.
See this plan → 🤿Divers
The Anibare Bay reef and dive sites around the island — clear water, few people, perfect for divers.
See this plan → 📚History buffs
Study the phosphate story of wealth and decline, and Nauru's history in the World Wars.
See this plan →Plan — stay, eat, see
Start with where to stay (the heart of the trip), then add food and sights, and gauge your daily budget.
Find the stay you want
1 ranked reviews
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- 1🐟
Fresh Tuna
Tuna caught fresh from the Pacific, grilled, boiled or eaten raw in the local style.
📍 Seafood - 2🥥
Coconut Dishes
Coconut grown on the island, used both for its water and flesh in many local dishes.
📍 Local - 3🍚
Rice and Fish
The basic Nauruan meal — steamed rice with simply prepared sea fish.
📍 Staple - 4🍞
Local Bread
Bread and snacks from local shops, with Australian imports available in the supermarkets.
📍 Snack - 5🍹
Fresh Coconut
Young coconut drunk fresh to beat the heat, easy to find across the island.
📍 Drink - 6🦞
Pacific Lobster
Lobster and seafood from the waters around the island, available at local restaurants.
📍 Seafood
- 1🌊
Buada Lagoon
A brackish lagoon at the island's center, ringed by palms and shrubs — the island's main natural site.
📍 Nature - 2🏖️
Anibare Bay
Nauru's main bay, with a sandy beach and reef — great for snorkeling and sunset views.
📍 Beach - 3🪨
Phosphate Pinnacles
Coral spires rising from old mining ground — evidence of the phosphate digging across the island.
📍 Geology - 4🏛️
Parliament of Nauru
The government and parliament building of the Republic of Nauru, near the airport in the Yaren district.
📍 Yaren - 5⛪
Nauru Church
A Christian church on the island, reflecting the history of missionaries arriving in the colonial era.
📍 Culture - 6✈️
Nauru International Airport
The island's small international airport, the only gateway in and out of Nauru, with flights from Brisbane.
📍 Yaren
🚆 Getting around Nauru
Nauru Airlines
The national airline of Nauru flies from Brisbane (Australia); flights are limited, so plan ahead.
Car rental or taxi
Private cars and taxis are the main way around the island — there's no public transport system.
Motorbike
Motorbikes can be rented on the island — great for circling it in 30 minutes.
Walking
The island is very small and some sights are walkable, though the climate is hot and humid.
Local boats
Fishing and dive boats can be hired through your accommodation or a local guide.
🛂 Etiquette & culture in Nauru
A family-centered society
Nauruans place great importance on family and community, and are polite and friendly toward visitors.
Christianity
Christianity is the main religion on the island, and the church plays an important role in community life.
National sport
Nauru has achieved world-class success in weightlifting, despite the island's tiny size.
Dress modestly
Dress modestly when entering government areas or churches; swimwear is only for the beach.
Ask before photographing
Always ask permission before photographing people or government buildings.
💸 Daily budget — a rough guide
Budget
🛏️ Local guesthouse $35–70
Accommodation options are few, and fresh food from local markets is cheaper than restaurants.
Comfortable
🛏️ Mid-range hotel $70–130
Fresh seafood, diving tours, and a drive around the island.
Premium
🛏️ The island's best hotel $145+
Premium options on the island are limited and pricey, since most goods are imported.
🗓️ When to visit Nauru
Dry season
May – OctLess rain and clear weather — great for diving and island sightseeing — the best time to go.
Early dry season
Apr – MayTemperatures dip slightly and the sea is calm — good for fishing and diving.
Rainy season
Nov – MarFrequent rain and possible storms, with a choppier sea — best avoided.
Shoulder season
AprRain easing and conditions improving, with accommodation possibly cheaper than high season.
Book — hotels our team picked
If we had to pick just a few, we'd start with these three — compare prices across 3 sites.
Want to see every option in Nauru?
Browse all our ranked stay reviews — every budget and area, with real photos and price comparison.
View the top city guide →FAQ — visiting Nauru
How many days do you need in Nauru?+
3–5 days — Nauru is tiny and you can drive around it in 30 minutes, but stay at least 3 days to see Buada Lagoon, Anibare Bay, the pinnacles and to dive. With 5 days you'll be much more relaxed.
Do Thai travelers need a visa?+
Yes, you must apply for a visa in advance — check the latest requirements before traveling (flights are very limited).
How do you get to Nauru?+
Fly Nauru Airlines from Brisbane, Australia. Flights are very few, so book far ahead and plan your connecting route carefully.
Is Nauru safe?+
Overall safe, with very low crime against tourists and friendly islanders — but the tourism infrastructure is limited, so prepare and research well before you go.
Tips before you go to Nauru
- Book Nauru Airlines tickets far in advance — flights are very few and fill up fast.
- Check your visa and documents are complete before traveling, as requirements can change.
- Carry enough cash in AUD; cards are accepted only in limited places.
- Bring sunscreen and breathable clothing — it's hot and humid year-round.
- Book accommodation ahead, as options on the island are few.
- Respect local rules — ask before taking photos and dress modestly at government sites.