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Nikumaroro Atoll
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Nikumaroro Atoll, formerly known as Gardner Island, is a remote coral atoll in the central Pacific Ocean, forming part of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area. Its geography is characterized by an elongated shape with a continuous reef rim that encloses a large, deep central lagoon. The terrain is remarkably flat, with the highest points rising only about five meters above sea level, covered in a dense thicket of scrub and coconut palms. The atoll gained global fame as a primary candidate for the final resting place of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, who disappeared in 1937; many researchers believe she may have crash-landed on its flat reef. Today, the atoll is uninhabited and serves as a vital ecological sanctuary. It is home to spectacular colonies of seabirds and the massive coconut crab, the world's largest land-dwelling arthropod. Due to its extreme isolation and protected status, Nikumaroro remains one of the most pristine coral atoll environments on Earth, offering a unique glimpse into a Pacific ecosystem largely untouched by modern human interference.
- Location: Kiribati
- Top sights: Ritiati · Nikumaroro · SS Norwich City
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 | 147 | 209 | 138 | 113 | 95 | 78 | 74 | 75 | 51 | 53 | 63 | 118 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Nikumaroro is an uninhabited atoll that can only be visited on expeditions. Visitors can step onto the reef and lagoon.
Typical hours
There are no opening hours as the atoll is uninhabited. The best travel time is the dry season from May to October with calmer seas.
Photography
Photography is generally allowed; the unique reef structure and flat topography offer good subjects. Be careful not to disturb protected bird colonies.
Time needed
A visit to the atoll typically takes half a day for a walking exploration. The reef size allows circumnavigation in about three to four hours.
Combine with
Combine Nikumaroro with other Phoenix islands like Manra or Orona. They are close together on typical expedition routes.
Getting there
Access is by expedition ship from Tarawa. There is no airport on the atoll, so only sea travel is possible.
Insider tip
Bring ample sun protection and insect repellent. The vegetation is dense and there are many bird species to observe.
Geography
Facts
- Area: 4.1 km²
- Elevation: 3 m
- Lagoon area: 20 km²
- Earhart theory: 1937
- Discovered: 1820 by F. W. Beechey
- Part of Phoenix Islands Protected Area
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 Nikumaroro Atoll (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is Nikumaroro world-famous?
It is considered the most likely place where Amelia Earhart disappeared in 1937.
Can you visit the island?
Only with very expensive expedition ships and PIPA permission.
Are there shipwrecks there?
Yes, the wreck of the SS Norwich City is a well-known landmark on the reef.
What is the biggest risk on the island?
Extreme heat, lack of water, and isolation in case of emergencies.
Are there coconut crabs?
Yes, they are very numerous and can reach considerable sizes.
Nikumaroro Atoll: where is it located?
Nikumaroro Atoll is located in Kiribati.
Nikumaroro Atoll: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ritiati, Nikumaroro, SS Norwich City.
Nikumaroro Atoll: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep, Nov.
Nikumaroro Atoll: why is it worth visiting?
Nikumaroro Atoll, formerly known as Gardner Island, is a remote coral atoll in the central Pacific Ocean, forming part of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area.
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History & landmarks
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.
Manra Rim
Manra is a nearly closed atoll in the Phoenix Islands.
Manra Island
Manra Island is a circular atoll in the Phoenix group, featuring a hypersaline lagoon that is completely cut off from the sea.
Kanton Island
Kanton is the only inhabited atoll in the Phoenix Islands, boasting a massive and nearly completely enclosed lagoon.
Arorae Navigational Stones
A series of historical stones (Te Kanawa) used by early inhabitants for celestial and maritime navigation between islands.
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Beru Traditional Maneaba
A historical meeting house on Beru Island, considered the spiritual and political center of Kiribati culture.
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Te Animane Maneaba
One of the largest and most historically significant traditional meeting houses located on Tabiteuea North.
Nature
Nikumaroro
Nikumaroro is a remote atoll in the Phoenix Islands, famous for its giant coconut crabs and pristine coral reefs.
Nikumaroro Island Park
Nikumaroro is a remote atoll with a deep central lagoon and lush vegetation.
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McKean Island
McKean is a small, uninhabited coral island in the Phoenix group, serving as a major avian sanctuary for thousands of seabirds.
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McKean Island Sanctuary
McKean is an uninhabited island in the Phoenix archipelago, famous for its massive population of frigatebirds.
Phoenix Islands Protected Area
This vast marine protected area encompasses eight atolls and two submerged reefs.
Orona Atoll Reserve
Orona, also known as Hull Island, features a shallow lagoon connected to the ocean by numerous channels.
Birnie Island Bird Sanctuary
Birnie is a very small, dry island almost entirely covered by low scrub.
Birnie Bird Reserve
This reserve on Birnie Island provides a critical habitat for endangered seabirds in the central Pacific Ocean.
