Outer Islands Getting there & around

Getting there & away

Boat

The Betio-based Supercat (22 538) started operation in the Gilbert Islands in 2005, travelling on a somewhat loose schedule south to Maiana, Kuria and Abemama (A$40), and north to Abaiang, Marakei, Butaritari (A$55) and Makin. It's best not to rely on the Supercat if you're travelling on a tight schedule.

Kiribati Shipping Services Ltd (KSSL;26 195; kssl@tskl.net.ki; Betio) sends supply-cum-passenger ships to most of the outer islands at roughly monthly intervals. The visitor information centre in Betio has a list of other private shipping companies that serve the islands. Of the outer Gilbert Islands, only Abaiang, Maiana, Tabiteuea South, Onotoa and Abemama have lagoons that can handle large boats - at other islands small dinghies or canoes transfer people and goods from ships at anchor outside the lagoon.

Yachties may be required to pay a fee to island councils.

^ Back to top

Air

Air Kiribati (21 550, 21 227; www.kiritours.com; Tarawa) flies to most outer Gilberts at least weekly. There is no air service to the Phoenix or Line Islands except Christmas Island. The following one-way fares are for flights originating from Tarawa.

Destination / No of flights weekly / Fare

Abaiang 3 A$30

Abemama 4 A$45

Aranuka 3 A$50

Arorae 1 A$155

Beru 1 A$120

Butaritari 3 A$65

Kuria 3 A$50

Maiana 2 A$30

Makin 2 A$70

Marakei 2 A$35

Nonouti 2 A$80

Onotoa 1 A$120

Tabiteuea North 5 A$95

Tabiteuea South 1 A$105

^ Back to top