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Enderbury Island Nature Reserve
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Enderbury Island is a remote coral atoll in the Phoenix Islands group, forming a vital part of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA). Uniquely for an atoll, it lacks a central lagoon, consisting instead of a solid landmass surrounded by a fringing reef. During the mid-19th century, it was a site of intense guano mining by American and British interests, but today it is entirely uninhabited. The island is internationally significant as a premier nesting site for the Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), with hundreds of turtles returning to its shores annually. It is also an Important Bird Area, hosting vast colonies of Red-footed boobies, Masked boobies, and Great frigatebirds. The surrounding marine environment is pristine, featuring exceptionally healthy coral structures and high fish biomass, including numerous shark species, thriving far from human interference in this strictly protected wilderness.
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep–Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 83 | 114 | 86 | 85 | 55 | 61 | 50 | 55 | 35 | 34 | 35 | 84 |
📋 Practical info
Best season
The best time to observe green sea turtles on Enderbury Island is November to February during nesting season. Females lay their eggs on the beaches during this period.
Best time of day
Turtles come ashore at night to nest; observations should be from a safe distance using red light. During the day, birds are most active, especially early morning.
Etiquette
Keep distance from nesting turtles and do not use bright lights that could disturb them. Do not step on nests or touch hatchlings.
What to bring
A red-light flashlight is necessary for nighttime turtle observations. Binoculars and camera with telephoto lens are handy for bird colonies.
Getting there
Enderbury Island is only reachable by expedition vessels from Tarawa and requires a permit. The island is uninhabited and gives no infrastructure.
What to expect
Turtle observations require hours of patient waiting in the dark. The spectacular bird colonies provide an impressive experience during the day as well.
Geography
Facts
- Area 5.2 km²
- Protected since 1975
- Central lagoon
- Frigatebirds and boobies
- Uninhabited
- Permit required
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Enderbury Island Nature Reserve (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is Enderbury Island protected?
Due to its importance as a nesting site for green sea turtles and birds.
Can you visit the island?
Visits are strictly regulated and require special permits from the authorities.
Is there vegetation there?
The island is almost treeless and mainly covered with grasses and low-lying herbs.
Are there signs of previous settlement?
Yes, there are remains from the 19th-century guano mining era.
Is the island safe from climate change?
Like all low-lying atolls, Enderbury is heavily threatened by rising sea levels.
Enderbury Island Nature Reserve: where is it located?
Enderbury Island Nature Reserve is located in Kiribati.
Enderbury Island Nature Reserve: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep, Nov.
Enderbury Island Nature Reserve: why is it worth visiting?
Enderbury Island is a remote coral atoll in the Phoenix Islands group, forming a vital part of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA).
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