Those who are looking for an unusual destination for their trip should definitely consider the Gilbert Islands, owned by the state of Kiribati. Coral islands, surrounding lagoons, unsurpassed mangroves, a diverse world of flora and fauna - all this will leave an unforgettable vacation experience.
Location
Few people know where the Gilbert Islands are. Having cast a glance at a map of the world, they may not be immediately noticed. However, looking better, you can see in the Pacific archipelago, which includes 16 islands or atolls (an island of coral origin). The Gilbert Archipelago was formed from the peaks of the seamounts of Micronesia. Their height above sea level is not more than 7 meters.
The modern name for the Gilbert Islands is Kiribati. This is the local pronunciation of the English word Gilberts.
Visa regime
In order to visit the Gilbert Islands in Kiribati, Russian citizens need to obtain a visa, which is issued at the British Embassy in Moscow. The visa application period is from 10 days to three weeks, since the documents are sent directly to the immigration service of the state of Kiribati.
How to get there
Direct flights to the Gilbert Islands from Russia are not carried out. In order to get to the place, you need at least 2 transplants. First you need to overcome a huge distance and get to Australia, New Zealand, Japan or the United States. The next intermediate point is Fiji, from which once a week you can fly to Tarawa.
Climatic conditions
Due to the location of the islands, the air temperature here remains almost unchanged throughout the year. On average, the air warms up to +27 ° C. Two seasons are distinguished here. The rainy season lasts from October to March. At this time, typhoons, floods and hurricanes become a frequent occurrence. The season, which lasts from April to September, on the contrary, is arid.
Holidays on the Gilbert Islands is very popular with tourists. Ideal for those seeking solitude with unspoiled nature. Atolls and incredible beauty of the underwater world attract divers from all over the world.
Popular destinations
The capital of the state of Kiribati is located on one of the islands of the Gilbert archipelago, which is called Tarava. The atoll includes about 25 islands, only 8 of which are inhabited by people. The largest island - South Tarava - boasts the fact that there is an international airport in Kiribati.
The island has a huge number of lagoons, with a total area of more than 500 square kilometers. The main occupation of local residents is fishing and growing pearls. A large number of fish restaurants are presented to tourists, where you can taste the freshest seafood and dishes of national cuisine. A large number of coconuts, breadfruit and papaya are grown on the island.
South Tarava Atoll is a great place for a beach holiday. There are several large hotels with a high level of service.
A favorite destination for tourists is the Marakei Atoll, located in the northern part of the Gilbert Islands. In the heart of the island is a lagoon, considered the most beautiful in the whole republic. There are no large hotel complexes and hotels; tourists can stay in small guest houses or in the private sector with local residents.
There is a small airport on Marakei Atoll that serves only 3 flights per week, including a flight from Tarava Island.
Abemama Atoll consists of a large number of small islands, in the center is a large beautiful lagoon. Tourists are attracted by dense tropical vegetation, represented mainly by coconut palms.
Locals, of whom 3,500 are here, are mainly engaged in papaya cultivation, fishing and pearl cultivation. Tourists can have a great time in one of the fish restaurants on the beach and taste the national cuisine.
Curia Atoll includes two small islands separated by a strait. The islands are surrounded by coral reefs, which are inhabited by incredible beauty tropical fish and diverse inhabitants of the ocean. Every year tourists come here who want to go diving in one of the most picturesque places on our planet. There is a small airport on the atoll serving 2 flights per week.
Atoll Nikunau attracts vacationers by the fact that in its center are small lagoons with salt water, which are separated from the Pacific waters. Swimming in the lagoons is remembered for a lifetime: the purest azure-colored water, tropical fish and palm trees growing on the shore leave no one indifferent.
There is a runway on Nikunau with which regular flights are made to other islands of the Gilbert archipelago.
A trip to the Gilbert Islands will undoubtedly be one of the most outstanding events in your life. The opportunity to visit such an interesting place cannot be missed.