Family Time on Nauru
Nauru is a remote island, not a family resort. There are no amusement parks, waterparks, zoos, children’s museums or organised kids’ clubs. What it offers families is open space, an easy paved road, a strong sports culture and a reef flat to explore at low tide. Go with realistic expectations and plan the days around the sun and the sea.
Reef pools at low tide
At low tide the fringing reef flat is exposed for 100 to 300 metres out from the shore, leaving shallow pools. Children can spot hermit crabs, small damselfish, sea cucumbers and starfish. Everyone must wear sturdy closed-toe water shoes or reef booties, because the limestone cuts easily and stonefish live in the pools, with a sting that is severe. Keep children walking, never reaching into holes, and stay with them the whole time.
Swimming and the sea
The open ocean along the beaches is not suitable for children, with shore breaks, rip currents and no lifeguards. Anibare Boat Harbour is where local people swim, inside the basin, and it is an artificial fishing harbour with working boats. If you decide to let children in, ask locally first and keep them within arm’s reach. Buada Lagoon and Moqua Well are not for swimming.
Watching football
Australian rules football is the national sport. Matches are played at Linkbelt Oval in Aiwo District, and watching a game is a good way to meet local families. Ask at your hotel which weekend fixtures are on. The ground is crushed phosphate dust or gravel, so closed shoes are better than sandals.
A flat road for older children
The paved ring road is about 19 km long and flat, which suits confident older children on bicycles in the early morning or late afternoon. Cars drive on the left, and the road crosses the airport runway near Yaren, where traffic lights stop the cars. Stray dogs roam some coastal villages, so keep younger children close when you pass through.
Sunset at the Aiwo cantilevers
The two long steel cantilever loaders at Aiwo reach out over the reef to load phosphate ships. They are the most photographed sight on the island, and sunset is the best time to watch from the shore. The reef edge is sharp, so keep children back from it.
Food and supplies
Eating out means small Chinese diners and the hotel dining room, serving fried rice, chow mein and imported goods, which can be limiting for fussy eaters. Fresh milk and fresh fruit depend on freight flights and often sell out at once. Bring snacks, powdered milk if your children need it, and any medicines, and buy bottled water at the corner stores along the ring road.
Limits to plan around
Equatorial sun is strong and the UV is very high, so pack hats, long-sleeved rash tops and sunscreen. Cyclone and swell risk runs from November to May. A visa is required before travel and there is no visa on arrival. Cards are not accepted, and the only ATM, at Menen Hotel, is often out of cash, so bring Australian dollars for the whole stay.
Booking
Hotels are booked directly by email or phone. You can search GetYourGuide for any new Nauru listings, and the UK government page for Nauru lists current travel advice. Flights run through Nauru Airlines .
Read more: Activities on Nauru and Nauru 4-day itinerary .