Kiribati by boat?

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??

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]

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.

"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