Nauru

Nauru is one of the world's smallest and least-visited nations, a single raised coral island in the Pacific that can be circled by road in under half an hour. Decades of phosphate mining left much of its interior a scarred, moon-like plateau, a stark contrast to the palm-lined coast and surrounding reef. There's little conventional tourist infrastructure here; visitors come mainly out of curiosity about a genuinely obscure destination rather than for beaches or sightseeing.

Why go thereIslands Beaches Diving & snorkelling Culture & heritage

Main destinations

Food & drink to try

Coconut fish

Reef fish poached in coconut cream, the island's most common hot dish.

Ika

Tuna and reef fish grilled fresh, the reef supplying most of the protein.

Coconut crab

Roasted land crab, once abundant and now taken only occasionally.

Food & drink to try

Coconut fish

Reef fish poached in coconut cream, the island's most common hot dish.

Ika

Tuna and reef fish grilled fresh, the reef supplying most of the protein.

Coconut crab

Roasted land crab, once abundant and now taken only occasionally.

Pandanus

Fruit chewed raw or cooked into a paste, one of few things that grows on the phosphate rock.

Noddy bird

Seabirds caught in flight with weighted lassos at dusk, then roasted.

Toddy

Coconut sap tapped at dawn, drunk sweet or fermented by evening.

Practical info

Drives on the left

Entry & health

Set your passport

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Advisory only — AI + web search, may be out of date. Confirm official sources before you travel.

Tipping & local customs

Tipping is not customary or expected in Nauru; service is not typically added to bills, and locals may find tipping unusual, though rounding up for good service at the few restaurants or with taxi drivers is appreciated but optional.

Nauru is a devoutly Christian society (mostly Congregational and Catholic) — Sundays are quiet with many shops and services closed, and modest dress is appreciated, especially near churches.
Ask permission before photographing local people or entering private property, as land is almost entirely privately owned by family/clan groups.
Casual, modest attire is the norm; overly revealing clothing and public displays of affection are frowned upon.
Alcohol sale and consumption are tightly regulated by the government, and importing alcohol may require prior approval — check current rules before arrival.
Nauruans value politeness and community relationships; greet people warmly and take time for small talk rather than being abrupt.
Much of the island's interior (the mined phosphate plateau, 'Topside') is private or restricted land — stick to marked areas or go with a local guide.

Advisory only — AI + web search, may be out of date. Confirm official sources before you travel.

Before you go

Stay connected

Get an eSIM for Nauru — mobile data the moment you land.

via Airalo

Travel insurance

Cover trip cancellation, medical care and delays.

via EKTA