Kiribati: Diving, Birdwatching and History

On Kiritimati, you can include birdwatching tours, diving, surfing and saltwater fly fishing in your travel plans. Guided battlefield tours are offered on Tarawa and Butaritari; locally operated deep-sea fishing charters also depart from Tarawa. Community life and homestay programs in Kiribati can include hands-on activities. When choosing what to do, it is therefore worth considering which experiences interest you most and what time of year you would like to travel.

Birdwatching and protected areas on Kiritimati

Kiritimati is home to 18 bird species, including the endemic Christmas Island reed warbler, known locally as Bokikokiko. Birdwatching tour locations include Cook Islet, Motu Tapu and Ngaon Te Taake. These three places provide concrete starting points for planning a birdwatching tour on the island.

Bird and wildlife watching tours can be arranged through hotels and local tour operators. Visitors to protected areas must notify the Kiribati Wildlife and Conservation Unit; guests must also be accompanied by trained rangers. Check current arrangements with local operators before your trip. Wildlife presence and conservation status can change.

Diving and marine life

Scuba diving is possible on Kiritimati year-round. According to the tourism description, the best conditions are from April to November, when visibility is good and the water is calm. Conditions can vary. Wreck diving, shore diving and snorkeling are also among the activities on Kiritimati. Transport and dive guide accompaniment are available for well-known and as-yet-undiscovered dive sites.

Whale sharks, spinner dolphins and manta rays are regularly found around Kiritimati. Whale sharks are most frequently sighted from November to April. Kiritimati is also a suitable destination for travelers interested in saltwater fly fishing: fishing trips are accompanied by local guides.

Surf spots and conditions

Kiritimati has 24 surf breaks. According to the tourism description, two-thirds are considered suitable for all skill levels. The remaining third has a rough coral bottom and is suitable only for experienced surfers. Conditions and features at individual breaks can vary; take this into account when making your selection.

Tarawa’s most accessible surf breaks are in Temaiku, a village not far from the airport. Accessibility descriptions and local conditions can change. Check the current situation before making plans based on them.

Battlefield tours and deep-sea fishing

Guided battlefield tours on Tarawa and Butaritari visit the remains of coastal defense guns, concrete bunkers and pillboxes, tank wrecks, amphibious vehicles, and ship and aircraft wrecks. Landing beaches and memorials are also among the tour destinations. Significant World War II battles in Kiribati include the Battle of Tarawa and the Battle of Makin on Butaritari. Check current tour arrangements before your trip.

Another activity takes visitors out to sea from Tarawa: visitors can join locally operated deep-sea fishing charters. Most trips depart from South Tarawa and head to the neighboring islands of Abaiang and Maiana. You can also shape your travel plans around whether you are interested in a guided tour of historic sites or a fishing trip.

Community life and travel season

Community life and homestay programs in Kiribati can include hands-on activities such as fishing, weaving, harvesting copra and sweet toddy, sailing canoes, preparing traditional remedies and cooking local dishes. Activities vary by host community. If you are interested in these kinds of insights, this range of activities is another factor to consider when choosing your travel experiences.

Kiritimati’s seasons offer a specific comparison for planning: scuba diving is possible year-round, with April to November described as the best time; the most frequent whale shark sightings are from November to April. April therefore falls at the intersection of both periods. If both diving and the chance to see whale sharks matter to you, you can take this overlapping month into account.

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