Kiribati, which includes 32 small atolls and one island, scatters across the Central Pacific near the equator. It stretches for 3320km from east to west covering 3.5 square kilometers of vastness. Neighboring Hawaii is 1900km away. Most visitors arrive by cruise ships stopping first in Tarawa and then in Kiritimati mainly for diving, for fishing and occasionally for surfing activities. Kiritimati (formally known as Christmas Island, but not to be confused with that of the Indian Ocean) is the largest atoll in the world and comprises 70% of the Republic of Kiribati. Tabuaeran , also known as Fanning Island has 4 main spots that could be considered world-class with a good number of waves but of lower quality than that of Kiritimati. On the north side of the atoll there is Shipwreacks, a sandy cove with lefts and rights that works with the winter swells from north. Whalers Anchorage is a super consistent right during the winter as it receives the same waves as the north shore of Oahu. Along the south side of the main reef is English Harbor, with a long, fast left that breaks constantly from April to September with SW and SE swells. During this period there could be epic conditions, but even during the winter it is possible to surf this spot because the swells from W-NW create right waves along the reef channel. The bottom is covered with coral debris instead of the common living coral that characterizes most Pacific spots. Go on a fabulous surf holiday in Samoa now!
Despite the isolation, the lack of local surfers and the poor flight service between the islands, Kiritimati has long been known for its good waves. It became part of Kiribati in 1979 and its population has rapidly grown to 7,000. There are 18 spots in its 8km: Bridges Point is a spot with fun rights. Waves from N-NW will give long and fast rides while waves from W will create 150m tubes in the lagoon, perfect for long rides. With a short row you arrive at Cockrane’s Reef . In the north of Cook Islet is Coral Head , another good left of 4ft well covered by the trade winds. The best left is called Annie’s, one of the most protected coves in the middle of Cook Isle . Paris is a stretch of 5 covered bays, with waves sheltered from the trade winds and of size around 1.2-1.5m. It is only 30 min from London, but by land it is approximately 2h30. Try Poland Point which has occasional right off the reef in the west corner.
Tariff per person, starting from:
| Departure | Captaincook Hotel | Mini Hotel | Sunset Horizon Motel | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double | Single | Double | Single | Double | Single | |
| From 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020 | € 500 | € 299 | € 234 | € 175 | € 350 | € 250 |
Notes
Tabuaeran is blessed with waves throughout the year but Kiritimati is much more constant from November to March when it receives the same winter waves as the north coast of Oahu: the waves are generally small but arrive in the coasts with a very long period and offshore winds. There are waves for all skill levels, from beginner to expert surfers with big close-outs when they’re big and fun when they’re small (in Kiritimati). In Tabuaeran the surf is constant and the best season is always from November to March. Winds blow from the E and they are offshore all year round. Despite its minimal tidal variation, no more than 3ft, the waves are often better at high tide and in English Harbor, the incoming tide can generate currents.
How to get there: A visa is no longer required. To enter the country, the Kiribati immigration center requires $ 25 to enter and $ 20 to exit. CXI can be reached in a 3.5h flight from Nadi, Fiji or Hawaii. ($ 900 r / t). There is no plane to Tabuaeran but it is served weekly with Norwegian Cruise Line.
Getting around: Tabauaeran is 165 miles NW from Kirimati or 36h by boat. You can go boating with Chunk Corbett at the end of winter. Surfing in Kiritimati may be limited if you can’t afford a boat.
Accommodation and food: A handful of places from $ 30 to $ 150. Captain Cook Hotel near the airport charges 85 $ per room and Mini Hotel 25/50 $ sng / dbl. Meals have a fixed cost of $ 30 per day. Many parishes, both Catholic and Protestant, have rooms for $ 20 a night.
Climate: Kiribati enjoys a temperate equatorial climate with a prevalence of trade winds from the east. Temperatures vary very little from night to day throughout the year (25-32 degrees) with an annual average of 27 degrees. Although the island lies on the tropical hurricane line, storms and hurricanes are occasional. The country doesn’t receive tropical cyclones but it has strong winds and rains during the rainy season between December and April. There could be irregular and long periods of drought.
Nature and Culture: Internationally known for its fishing activity and the great migration of hundreds of seabirds. Local dance is practiced everywhere. The dives are spectacular.
Dangers and Annoyances: In addition to reef dangers such as cuts and sharks swimming around you, pay attention to hepatitis A, B and C, staph, dengue (tropical fever), lice and flies that transmit staph.
Tips : It is possible to rent Chuck’s Island Trader, but expect $ 2000 / week for 4 people. Trips are 1 week to Kiritimati and 2 to Taubuaeran. In Kiritimati there is an association for divers. You pay in ASD due to the strong Australian influence.
Exchange rate 1 EUR = 1.08 USD; 1 € = 1.51 NZD; 1 EUR = 1.41 AUD
Exchange rate variations (more than 3%) will lead to an adjustment of costs. They will be communicated within 20 days of departure.
The tariff does not include
Duration: 9 days / 6 nights
from € 175 - Excluding flights
Duration: 8 days / 6 nights
from € 242 - Excluding flights
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