Nauru is a travel destination in Micronesia. Its capital is Yaren. October and November are its two best months to visit, ranked on 1991–2020 climate averages.
Top places to visit in Nauru
Buada Lagoon (natural) — A freshwater inland lagoon surrounded by pandanus trees and gardens — unique in the world's smallest island state, it provides a serene contrast to the ocean coastline with canoe fishing, picnic spots, and resident eels.
Anibare Bay (natural) — Nauru's most scenic stretch of coastline — a sweeping white-sand bay on the eastern side fringed with coconut palms, offering the best swimming and snorkelling on the island with calm, clear turquoise waters.
Command Ridge (landmark) — Highest point on Nauru at 71 m — site of Japanese WWII military installations including a rusting gun emplacement and command post; panoramic views of the entire island and surrounding Pacific Ocean.
WWII Japanese Relics (landmark) — Rusting Zero fighter aircraft, anti-aircraft guns, bunkers, and coastal defence positions scattered across the island — vivid reminders of the brutal Japanese occupation (1942–45) during which a third of Nauru's population perished.
Moqua Well (Moqua Cave) (natural) — Natural limestone sea cave and freshwater well used for centuries — a green-lit cavern where fresh water seeps through coral rock above the saltwater table; sacred in traditional Nauruan culture and still used in ceremonies.
Nauru Phosphate Wasteland (Topside) (landmark) — Eerie moonscape of jagged coral pinnacles left by a century of phosphate strip mining covering 90% of the island's interior — an arresting geological scar and sobering monument to one of history's most dramatic resource booms and busts.
Yaren District (city) — Nauru's de facto capital and seat of parliament — home to the parliament building, the Chinese-built Civic Centre, the Chinese mission, and the airport; the most densely built-up part of the republic.
Nauru Reef (Outer Wall) (natural) — The vertical outer reef wall drops from knee-deep coral gardens to over 30 m — prolific reef fish, dense hard and soft coral growth, and regular sightings of turtles and reef sharks reward snorkellers and divers.
Nauru Rehabilitated Phosphate Area (natural) — Reforested patches where the rehabilitation authority has replaced pinnacle wasteland with coconut palms and native scrub — small gardens and newly constructed sports fields offer hope for the island's ecological recovery.
Meneng Hotel Headland (natural) — Clifftop vista point near the former Meneng Hotel ruins — sweeping views south over the Pacific with dramatic wave-crash on the reef fringe; the closest thing Nauru has to a traditional tourist viewpoint.