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Manra Island
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Manra Island, formerly known as Sydney Island, is a striking circular atoll in the Phoenix Islands group of Kiribati. Its most remarkable feature is a central hypersaline lagoon that is completely enclosed by a land ring, cutting it off entirely from the surrounding ocean. This isolation has resulted in an extremely high salt concentration in the lagoon water, creating a unique and harsh environment. The island's land surface is blanketed by dense coconut forests, descendants of former plantation efforts from the 20th century. Now uninhabited, Manra has become a thriving sanctuary for wildlife, particularly famous for its large population of coconut crabs, the world's largest terrestrial crustaceans, which roam through the thick undergrowth. As part of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA), Manra serves as a vital refuge for nesting seabirds and remains an outstanding example of an isolated island ecosystem where nature has reclaimed the land.
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 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 126 | 161 | 125 | 117 | 86 | 84 | 62 | 61 | 44 | 40 | 50 | 101 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The island is only accessible via an organized expedition. Visitors can step onto the atoll and explore the outer areas, but there is no tourist infrastructure.
Typical hours
As it is an uninhabited nature reserve, there are no set opening hours. Access is only possible as part of research or diving trips.
Photography
Photography is generally allowed as long as it does not disturb sensitive research. The barren landscape and lagoon provide unique subjects.
Time needed
A visit can take several hours to a full day depending on travel options. Exploring the island on foot or by boat takes time to circumnavigate.
Combine with
Combine with other Phoenix Group islands like Nikumaroro or Orona. They are remote but close together on expedition routes.
Getting there
Access is typically by charter plane or research sailing vessel from Tarawa. There are no regular ferry or flight services to the island.
Insider tip
Bring ample drinking water and provisions as there are no supply points. A GPS device helps navigation on the rugged terrain.
Geography
Facts
- Area: 4.4 km²
- Maximum elevation: 3 m
- Evidence of former Polynesian settlement
- Guano mining in the 19th century
- Stopover for Amelia Earhart in 1937
- Part of Phoenix Islands Protected Area
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Manra Island (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What can be found in the interior of Manra Island?
There is a hypersaline lagoon with no outlet to the sea.
Are there ruins on Manra?
Yes, there are archaeological remains of former Polynesian settlement.
Was Manra a plantation in the past?
In the 20th century, there were attempts to run coconut plantations, but they were later abandoned.
What is the vegetation like on the island?
A mix of Pisonia forests, scrub, and feral coconut palms.
Are there poisonous animals on the island?
No dangerous land mammals, but watch out for crabs and insects.
Manra Island: where is it located?
Manra Island is located in Kiribati.
Manra Island: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep, Nov.
Manra Island: why is it worth visiting?
Manra Island, formerly known as Sydney Island, is a striking circular atoll in the Phoenix Islands group of Kiribati.
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History & landmarks
Manra Rim
Manra is a nearly closed atoll in the Phoenix Islands.
Orona Island
Orona Island, also known as Hull Island, is a large atoll with a shallow lagoon and numerous passes that allow constant water exchange.
Kanton Island
Kanton is the only inhabited atoll in the Phoenix Islands, boasting a massive and nearly completely enclosed lagoon.
Nikumaroro Atoll
This elongated coral atoll has a distinct reef rim and a central lagoon.
Arorae Navigational Stones
A series of historical stones (Te Kanawa) used by early inhabitants for celestial and maritime navigation between islands.
🗺️
Beru Traditional Maneaba
A historical meeting house on Beru Island, considered the spiritual and political center of Kiribati culture.
Nature
Manra Island Sanctuary
Manra is a nearly circular atoll with a saline lagoon that has no connection to the sea.
🗺️
Rawaki Island
Rawaki Island, formerly known as Phoenix Island, is an uninhabited nature paradise with a shallow lagoon and thousands of seabirds.
Rawaki Island Nature Reserve
Rawaki, formerly known as Phoenix Island, is an important nesting site for up to 15 different seabird species.
Birnie Bird Reserve
This reserve on Birnie Island provides a critical habitat for endangered seabirds in the central Pacific Ocean.
Birnie Island
Birnie Island is a very small, uninhabited atoll in the Phoenix Islands, almost entirely dominated by seabird populations.
Birnie Island Bird Sanctuary
Birnie is a very small, dry island almost entirely covered by low scrub.
Orona Atoll Reserve
Orona, also known as Hull Island, features a shallow lagoon connected to the ocean by numerous channels.
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Enderbury Island Nature Reserve
Enderbury is a small coral island without a lagoon, serving as a critical breeding area for green sea turtles.
