Plizio Visual Lab
Nikumaroro Island Park
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
wildlife
Weather…
Water temperature…
Nikumaroro Atoll, located in the central Pacific as part of Kiribati, is a remote wilderness renowned for its untouched natural beauty and enduring historical mysteries. Part of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA), the atoll features a deep central lagoon surrounded by lush Pisonia forests and coconut palms. It is perhaps most famous for its thriving population of coconut crabs, the largest land-living arthropods in the world, which dominate the island's terrestrial environment. Beyond its biology, Nikumaroro is often cited in historical research as the potential final resting place of aviator Amelia Earhart, who disappeared in 1937. The island’s surrounding coral reefs are some of the most pristine on Earth, teeming with diverse marine life, while its shores serve as vital nesting grounds for green sea turtles. Due to its extreme isolation, Nikumaroro remains a spectacular example of a wild oceanic ecosystem where nature follows its ancient rhythms undisturbed by human presence.
- Location: Kiribati
- Top sights: Nikumaroro · Ritiati · 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
Best season
May to October provides the best weather for exploring the island and its coconut crab habitats. The lagoon is calm and clear during the dry months.
Best time of day
Coconut crabs are most active at night, but early dawn and dusk are good times to spot them near burrows. The lagoon is best explored during late morning when the sun is high.
Etiquette
Do not feed the coconut crabs as they can become aggressive and dependent. Never leave food unattended; crabs are attracted to it. Respect the island's protected status.
What to bring
A strong flashlight or headlamp is essential for night walks to find coconut crabs. Water shoes are recommended for wading in the lagoon to avoid stepping on stingrays or coral.
Getting there
Nikumaroro is accessible by boat from Kiritimati or as part of a guided expedition. A permit from the Phoenix Islands Protected Area is necessary.
What to expect
Coconut crabs are large but well-camouflaged; scan the forest floor carefully and listen for rustling. They can take hours to emerge from burrows; quiet waiting near likely spots often pays off.
Geography
Facts
- Area 4.5 km²
- National park
- Amelia Earhart site
- Red-footed booby
- Coral reefs
- Difficult access
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 Island Park (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What mystery surrounds Nikumaroro?
Many believe Amelia Earhart crash-landed here after her disappearance.
Can you visit the atoll today?
Visits are only possible via special expeditions; there is no tourist infrastructure.
Are there dangerous animals there?
The island is famous for its giant coconut crabs, which can be very powerful.
Are there ruins on the island?
Yes, there are remains of a failed 20th-century settlement attempt.
What is the climate like on Nikumaroro?
Hot and tropical, often with water scarcity as there are few natural sources.
Nikumaroro Island Park: where is it located?
Nikumaroro Island Park is located in Kiribati.
Nikumaroro Island Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Nikumaroro, Ritiati, SS Norwich City.
Nikumaroro Island Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep, Nov.
Nikumaroro Island Park: why is it worth visiting?
Nikumaroro Atoll, located in the central Pacific as part of Kiribati, is a remote wilderness renowned for its untouched natural beauty and enduring historical mysteries.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Oceania
More places in Kiribati →
Nearby cities
Betio
Betio is the economic center of Kiribati, located in the southwest of Tarawa Atoll.
Bikenibeu
Bikenibeu is a significant settlement in the southeast of South Tarawa.
Teaoraereke
Teaoraereke is a populous village in South Tarawa.
Temwaiku
Temwaiku is a rapidly growing settlement at the eastern end of South Tarawa.
Eita
Eita is a village located in the center of South Tarawa.
South Tarawa
South Tarawa is the capital and most populous area of the Republic of Kiribati.
Bairiki
Bairiki is the administrative center of South Tarawa.
Bairiki Business District
Bairiki serves as the economic and administrative center of South Tarawa, housing the country's main banks and government offices.
Bonriki
Bonriki is the easternmost village of South Tarawa and site of the international airport.
Tabwakea
Tabwakea is the largest settlement on Kiritimati, the world's largest coral island.
Banana
Banana is a village on Kiritimati island located right next to the Cassidy International Airport.
Marakei Atoll
Marakei is a unique, circular atoll famous for its closed lagoon and the 'Te Kabaia' welcoming rituals at four sacred shrines.
Rawannawi
Rawannawi is the largest settlement on the Marakei atoll.
Abemama Atoll
Abemama is a historically significant atoll where the British protectorate was declared in 1892 and author Robert Louis Stevenson once li…
Poland
Poland is a small village on the Kiritimati atoll.
History & landmarks
Nikumaroro Atoll
This elongated coral atoll has a distinct reef rim and a central lagoon.
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.
🗺️
Beru Traditional Maneaba
A historical meeting house on Beru Island, considered the spiritual and political center of Kiribati culture.
🗺️
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.
🗺️
McKean Island
McKean is a small, uninhabited coral island in the Phoenix group, serving as a major avian sanctuary for thousands of seabirds.
🗺️
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.
Birnie Island
Birnie Island is a very small, uninhabited atoll in the Phoenix Islands, almost entirely dominated by seabird populations.
