Things to do in Nauru

What to see and do in Nauru: a shorter list of 25 experiences, not yet checked against sources.

25 things to do in Nauru

Nature

Swim in the tranquil Buada Lagoon

Buada District

Float in the serene freshwater lagoon encircled by dense tropical greenery, a rare inland oasis on Nauru.

Adventure

Hike to Command Ridge for panoramic island views

Aiwo District

Climb Nauru's highest point to see 360-degree views over the entire island and the vast Pacific Ocean.

History

Explore Japanese WWII communication bunkers on Command Ridge

Aiwo District

Inspect the well-preserved wartime tunnels and a rusty old cannon left from the Japanese occupation.

Nature

Relax on Anibare Bay's white sand beach

Anibare District

Sunbathe and swim at the island's longest and most picturesque beach, fringed by coconut palms and turquoise water.

Adventure

Snorkel the coral reefs off Anibare Bay

Anibare District

Explore shallow coral gardens teeming with colourful fish just a short swim from the shore.

Culture

Visit the Nauru National Museum

Yaren District

See traditional artefacts, WWII relics, and exhibits on phosphate mining that shaped Nauru's modern history.

Culture

See the Nauru Parliament House

Yaren District

Admire the modest yet symbolic seat of government where the 19-member parliament convenes.

History

Tour the phosphate processing plant in Aiwo

Aiwo District

Witness the industrial heart of Nauru, where mined phosphate is refined and shipped from towering cantilevers.

Nature

Walk the eerie mined 'lunar landscape' of Topside

Topside (central plateau)

Stroll through a barren otherworldly terrain of limestone pinnacles left by decades of strip mining.

Hidden gem

Discover Moqua Well underground lake

Yaren District

Descend into a cave to find a hidden freshwater pool, a natural wonder tucked beneath Yaren.

Adventure

Kayak across Buada Lagoon

Buada District

Paddle a kayak over calm waters, enjoying the quiet lagoon surrounded by lush vegetation.

Nature

Watch the sunrise from Anibare Harbour

Anibare District

Greet the day as golden light breaks over the Pacific from the rocky breakwater at Anibare.

Hidden gem

Spot planes landing on the beach runway at Aiwo

Aiwo District (near airport)

Feel the thrill as aircraft descend low over your head while you stand on the sand beside the airstrip.

Food

Browse local produce at the Aiwo Market

Aiwo District

Sample tropical fruits and chat with vendors at this small bustling market in the island's commercial hub.

Culture

Attend a traditional Nauruan dance performance at Menen Hotel

Meneng District

Watch local performers in colourful costumes enact island legends through rhythmic songs and movements.

Food

Dine on fresh tuna sashimi at Menen Hotel restaurant

Meneng District

Enjoy melt-in-your-mouth raw tuna caught in surrounding waters, served with ocean-view tables.

Nightlife

Enjoy a sunset cocktail at the Menen Hotel bar

Meneng District

Sip a tropical drink while the sun sinks into the Pacific from the island's only true nightlife spot.

History

Explore the abandoned cantilever loading structure

Aiwo District

Walk onto the massive rusting arms that once poured phosphate directly into ships, now a haunting industrial relic.

History

Visit the Nauru Phosphate Royalties Trust building

Yaren District

See the once-grand headquarters that symbolised the island's fleeting phosphate wealth and ambition.

Nature

Picnic at secluded Ewa Beach

Ewa District

Enjoy a quiet meal on this remote northern shore, often completely empty and ideal for solitude.

Nature

Birdwatch for frigate birds at Anetan cliffs

Anetan District

Observe magnificent frigate birds soaring and nesting along the rugged limestone cliffs of the north.

Nature

Tour the Nauru Rehabilitation Corporation restoration sites

Topside

See ongoing efforts to revegetate the scarred plateau by planting native species atop the abandoned mines.

Culture

Browse handicrafts at the Yaren craft market

Yaren District

Find handwoven mats, shell jewellery, and wood carvings made by local artisans near the government centre.

Culture

Attend a Sunday service at the Nauru Congregational Church

Aiwo District

Experience a vibrant worship service filled with harmonious singing and a warm community atmosphere.

Adventure

Dive the deep sea drop-off beyond Anibare Bay

Offshore Anibare

Scuba dive where the seabed plunges quickly into the abyss, home to pelagic fish and occasional sharks.

Nearby destinations

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