by Elizabeth Coughlan

Created on: August 26, 2010

'Ekamawir Omo' (Welcome) are the first words you will hear on landing on Nauru, a tiny island in the South Pacific Ocean. This is the world's smallest independent nation, situated 40km (25 miles) south of the equator, just north of the Solomon Islands. Nauru has an area of only 21km (13 miles) square, but it has 30km (18½ miles) of pristine coastline.

Nauru lies atop a coral atoll, the highest point of which is 65m (213 ft) above sea level. The coral is exposed at low tide, making it a fragile ecosystem to be treated with care. The only fertile areas of the island are in a narrow coastal belt, where coconut palms, pandanus, and tomano trees sway in the sea breeze. Bananas, pineapples and vegetable are grown around the island's Buada lagoon.

Everything that the traveller would expect on a Pacific Island vacation is there: swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing, deep-sea game fishing, trekking, bird watching, and shopping; there is something to suit everyone.

Swimming and snorkelling

The best beach for swimming and snorkelling, according to the locals, is the one by the Menem Hotel; one of only two hotels on the island. Nauru is set in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, so although the day may be hot, the waters are cool, just right for a refreshing dip.

Scuba diving

The surrounding coral reef, and the crystal clear waters, has made Nauru a perfect location for scuba divers. There is an abundance of marine life, and even a shipwreck to explore on the ocean bottom. The popularity of scuba diving here, has led to the establishment of a number of dive centers with guides, and equipment for rent.

Fishing

Fishing is allowed off any beach in Nauru, but serious sports anglers will want to go deep sea game fishing. There are many private hire boats available, and anglers can expect to catch a wide range of fish, including yellowfin tuna, marlin, skipjack, wahoo, barracuda and sailfish.  The best time for fishing is between April and November, before the onset of the monsoon rains.

Trekking

In the past, the central plateau of Nauru was heavily mined for phosphate, leaving limestone karsts. These pinnacles provide an interesting trekking area. Visitors may plan their own walks, or join organised tours. The coastal plains are green and lush, and there is a proliferation of exotic frangipani everywhere. Here a major surfaced road circles the island, and there are several unsurfaced roads, good for walking or driving.

Bird watching

For such a tiny island,

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