The lagoon
Coral and fish.
Flexman — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Flexman — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Flexman — CC BY-SA 3.0
Abaiang is a coral atoll in the northern Gilbert Islands of Kiribati. A long, narrow strip of land covered in coconut palms wraps around a calm, pale green lagoon, with small villages of thatched houses along the shore. The lagoon is about 26 km long and 8 km wide, joined to the ocean by the Bingham Channel in the southwest. The main island runs some 37 km and is from 90 m to over 1 km wide, holding 16 of the atoll's 18 villages. It was once known as Charlotte Island, and it was where the first missionary to the Gilberts, Hiram Bingham II, arrived. The lagoon holds a rich variety of coral and fish, drawing visitors from South Tarawa to swim, snorkel and go out by boat. You stay in small lodges on the islets of Ouba and Teirio, where staff come over when guests are expected. Abaiang is about 56 km in a straight line north of South Tarawa. You come by boat or small plane, so arrange transport and lodging ahead. Villages belong to their people, so dress modestly and ask permission before entering.
Coral and fish.
A long green strip.
Thatched houses.
Northern Gilbert Islands, north of Tarawa, Kiribati
By boat or small plane from South Tarawa.
In small islet lodges, booked ahead.