Pacific

Nauru

A tiny Pacific island with almost no tourism, where all sea turtles are protected by law.

Green turtle, found in the waters of the wider region · Photo: James Thornton on Unsplash

Story only

Story only, for now. We love learning about this place and its ocean, so we share its story here and do not sell trips yet. Checked by Ocean Calling on 6 Oct 2026. Sources: Marine turtles in Nauru, CMS IOSEA; Nauru travel advice, UK FCDO (gov.uk).

Why: Nauru is a tiny island ringed by a fringing coral reef and open Pacific, and green turtles are among the sea turtles recorded there. Nauru's fisheries rules protect sea turtles, including a ban on taking or killing them when they come ashore and on disturbing nesting turtles or collecting eggs. We would simply watch from the shore, giving turtles and their nests plenty of space and never touching, feeding or swimming with them.

🧭 Travel advice, checked 5 Oct 2026. The UK FCDO has no Nauru-specific warning, and Canada advises normal precautions. A flight suspension in July 2026 ended on 10 August 2026, but schedules can change, so check flight status before you plan. Sources: Nauru travel advice, UK FCDO · Nauru travel advice, Government of Canada · Nauru Airlines services resume after suspension, ch-aviation, 10 Aug 2026 Advice differs by passport: check your own government before you plan.

TurtlesCoral reefs

Why Nauru

Almost nobody visits Nauru for tourism, as it is known for phosphate, government and transit. A 2026 fisheries gazette protects all sea turtles in coastal waters, including green and hawksbill turtles, and passing leatherbacks are on the reef list. No dolphin or whale swim was found.

Conservation-led. Ocean Calling guests never chase, touch or bait animals.

When to go

Timing changes a lot from place to place. See each place below.

We share this place as a story so you can learn. There is no Ocean Calling trip.

Our ethics check

Can we travel here ethically?

Story only

We tell the story. We do not sell a trip here.

Checked 6 Oct 2026. Places change, so we look again every year.

Sources for this check

The story

Where in Nauru

We share these places as stories and research notes. We do not offer or sell trips here.

Nauru coastal reef

Story only

The fringing reef around a single small island.

Also seen: Green turtles, Hawksbill turtles

Animals

Animals recorded in Nauru

Tap an animal to learn how it lives, where it travels and how to meet it respectfully.

Green turtle resting on the reef, shell and head pattern in sharp detail

Green turtleChelonia mydasSeen in 103 countries in the AtlasLeast Concern

Hawksbill turtleEretmochelys imbricataSeen in 88 countries in the AtlasCritically Endangered

Leatherback hatchling crossing the sand toward the sea

Leatherback turtleDermochelys coriaceaSeen in 76 countries in the AtlasVulnerable

Sperm whale mother raising her fluke beside her calf off Dominica

Sperm whalePhyseter macrocephalusSeen in 114 countries in the AtlasVulnerable

Curious?

Why this is a story, not a trip

Read our ethics check above. If you would like to talk about it, Rocío is happy to explain.

Ask Rocío Back to the Ocean Atlas

For partners

Based in Nauru?

We are always happy to hear from exceptional local operators, accommodation, conservation organisations and destination experts in Nauru. If your work fits responsible, small-group ocean travel, we would love to learn more.

Partner with Ocean Calling

Not sure where to go? Get your Ocean Match

from CHF 19

Find my match →