Tarawa Atoll Getting there & around

Getting there & away

Boat

A privately run, fast-service Supercat (22 538), based in Betio, started operation in 2005. Its schedule is somewhat erratic, but when we visited it was servicing Maiana, Kuria and Abemama to the south of Tarawa, and Abaiang, Marakei, Butaritari and Makin to the north. Sample fares include Tarawa to Abemama A$40, and Tarawa to Butaritari A$55.

If the Supercat breaks down it can take a while to get spare parts, so it's best to have an alternative transport option in mind if you're on a tight timetable.

Kiribati Shipping Services Ltd (KSSL; Map p000; 26 195; kssl@tskl.net.ki) sends supply and passenger ships to service most of the outer islands at roughly monthly intervals. From Betio, sample fares are Abaiang A$7, Maiana A$15, Abemama A$33, and Tab North A$39. KSSL can also provide information about the irregular services between Kiribati and Fiji and Tuvalu.

Visiting yachts can anchor in Betio Harbour for a fee of A$2.

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Air

Tarawa's airport is in Bonriki, about an hour's drive from Betio. The domestic airline, Air Kiribati (21 550, 21 227; www.kiritours.com; Tarawa), has an agent in Bairiki's shopping arcade; allow yourself plenty of leeway between your schedule and theirs.

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