Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Kiribati by boat? Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Kiribati
junkenpun 03:59 UTC 21 Oct 2007 | Are there any boats (passenger, cargo, etc.) that go to Tarawa from Australia or other big international port? How about a distant water tuna boat that might frequent those waters and might be able to drop me off there? Head hunting long boat tribe?? |
raro 06:52 UTC 21 Oct 2007 | I am not sure, but would strongly doubt it. Commercial fishing boats usually cannot and will not take passengers due to insurance rules. And I have never heard of a passenger ship in the islands that goes internationally, other than a cruise line. There were a few head-hunting long-boat tribes that plied the Pacific many years ago, but since they ate their passengers there was little hope of future business by "word-of-mouth". They had very unusual dress----they all wore T-shirts that had a picture of a group of locals stirring a huge pot over a campfire. Under the picture it said "Please send more tourists---the last batch was delicious!" [I'd plan on flying if you plan to post a trip report later on] | 1
Laszlo 07:07 UTC 21 Oct 2007 | There are ships from Fiji about 4 times a year. They don't have a predictable schedule, meaning you may have to wait in Suva for around 3 months to catch one. Unless you happen to strike it lucky, flying would amost certainly work out cheaper. | 2
wadamse 22:26 UTC 21 Oct 2007 | "Nei Matagare" travels Suva-Tarawa several times a year. Schedule is irregular. The trip takes about a week. I travelled this way to Tarawa, but had to fly back to Fiji eventually. In Suva contact Williams and Gossling for more information. Wouter | 3