Anibare Bay: Nauru's best beach

The bay

**Anibare Bay** sits on the east side of Nauru, between Meneng and Ijuw. The sand curves gently along the shore, and at each end the coast breaks into weathered **limestone pinnacles**, the same rock that covers Topside. Palms lean over the beach and the ocean beyond the reef is a deep, startling blue, because the sea floor drops away very quickly around Nauru.

Swimming safely

The open reef at Anibare is beautiful but dangerous. Waves break hard on the reef edge and **currents** can pull swimmers out to deep water. Most locals swim inside the **Anibare boat harbour**, a basin cut into the reef that offers far calmer water. Even there, check conditions, swim with others and avoid the harbour mouth when boats are moving. Read your government's travel advice on water safety; drownings happen on Pacific reefs every year.

Reef walks and tide pools

At low tide, the reef flat around the pinnacles exposes **tide pools** with small fish, crabs and sea cucumbers. Wear reef shoes to protect your feet from sharp coral and stonefish, and watch the tide so you are not caught out on the flat as water returns. Leave shells and coral where you find them.

Sunrise and stargazing

Because the bay faces east, **sunrise** here is something special. Bring a coffee down to the sand before the heat builds. On clear nights, the lack of light pollution means the sky fills with stars, a quiet highlight that costs nothing.

The Menen Hotel

The **Menen Hotel** in Meneng district sits just south of the bay and is one of only two hotels on the island. It has rooms with sea views, a restaurant and a bar, and it is the most practical base for beach time. Book well ahead and get written confirmation, because rooms are few and visiting delegations sometimes fill them.

Fishing and the harbour

Deep water lies just beyond the reef, so tuna, wahoo and marlin pass close to shore. Small boats launch from the harbour, and you may see fishermen bringing in their catch. If you hope to go out fishing, ask at your hotel about anyone who takes visitors, check safety equipment carefully and agree all details in advance. The **Nauru Fisheries and Marine Resources Authority** works from the harbour area.

Family weekends

On Sundays after church, families gather under the trees by the bay to picnic and swim in the harbour. It is a lovely, relaxed scene. Be friendly, keep music low and dress modestly when you are away from the water.

Further along the east coast

North of the bay, the coast of **Ijuw** and **Anabar** is quieter still, with rocky coves, pinnacles and short stretches of sand. A walk or cycle along this stretch of the ring road is one of the most scenic on the island, with constant views of the surf.

Practical tips

Bring water, sunscreen and a hat; shade is limited at midday. There are a few small stores near the hotel for snacks and drinks. For a bigger shop, the Civic Centre in Aiwo is on the other side of the island, a short ride away. Pair a morning at the bay with an afternoon trip up to Buada Lagoon and Topside, or with the airport side of the island at Yaren.