Visit Kiribati

Visit Kiribati before this unique chain of island atolls disappears beneath the waves forever. Better yet, help us keep it avove the water line through meaningful action on climate change now.

Visit Kiribati

This absolutely beautiful island is located south of Hawaii, and has a little more than 100,000 people living on less than 320 square miles of land. Kiribati is comprised of 33 small islands and these are grouped into three divisions – the Gilbert Islands, Phoenix Islands and Line Islands.

If we don’t act to stop climate change right now, this beautiful and unique corner of our world will be lost forever. Visit Kiribati before it’s too late and this collection of islands are swallowed up by the ocean.

Kiribati Is Sinking

Kiribati is predicted to become uninhabitable as a result of coastal erosion and fresh water pollution by 2050. With some irony, that’s the year a lot of carbon neutral and carbon negative initiatives from major corporations are set to kick in. More than 60% of Kiribati’s inhabitants are below the age of 30 right now and they may be the last generation to reside on these islands.

According to a recent study it has been found that the oceans are taking in heat 15 times faster than they have in the past 10,000 years. Before the rising Pacific drowns these islands, it will seep in, and permanently pollute and spoil, their already insufficient supply of fresh water. The disaster could arrive even sooner for Kiribati if brutal storms strike these islands. For all of the above said reasons, the 100,000 inhabitants of Kiribati may soon become refugees paying the penalty for global warming.

What makes Kiribati an attractive tourist destination?

Kiribati houses untouched and beautiful reefs and lagoons and a flourishing traditional culture. The beaches are so expansive, the water so delightfully clear, and the vegetation so lush, green and tropical that this is an ideal paradise for an island escape.

The natural environment of these islands and nearby waters offer captivating experiences. In this marine paradise, you can learn outstanding fishing techniques and enjoy the excellent diving and snorkelling spots. While on land activities include bird watching, learning the culture and history of Kiribati, indulging in the local cuisine and so on. Tourist activities in Kiribati centre mostly on the natural environment, chiefly on the lagoons and ocean, and on the traditional culture. Most activities are on a small scale and in their infancy stage.

Kiribati Culture

Kiribati Island culture reveals restricted outside influence, with traditional ceremonies still having significant roles in Kiribati life. Families continue living in extended groups; many inhabitants build their own homes and canoes from natural resources; traditional crafts exist, creating spectacular handicrafts and Kiribati dance remains to be synonymous with Kiribati characteristics.

With so many cultural and environmental attractions, Kiribati is drawing in a number of travellers. But according to United Nations data, last year Kiribati had only around 6,000 visitors and this makes Kiribati a perfect option for those of you who are looking for a quiet and peaceful retreat.

How to Visit Kiribati

Options for visiting Kiribati are limited owing to its remote location. One of the few options we heard of to get to Kiribati is through one of the scheduled air services that Air Pacific fly twice weekly from Nadi, Fiji to Tarawa and another that runs once a week to Kiritimati.

As of August 2022, Skyscanner show options to fly from Heathrow airport to the Kiribati capital Tarawa, but with two stops. Of course, the irony is that taking a flight to see the islands increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which will help endanger them further.

An alternative is to reach the islands by sea, but there is no regular service. You might be lucky and your cruiseliner stops off at one of the nations atolls though.

Of course, you’ll also need a place to stay if you want to get the best out of your trip to Kiribati, so check out this guide to hotels on the islands for more information.