Kiribati is a remote Pacific island nation consisting of 33 coral atolls scattered across the equator. Known for pristine beaches, world-class diving, significant WWII history sites, and being among the first places on Earth to see the sunrise, this tropical paradise offers an authentic, unhurried island experience far from mass tourism.
Best photo spots
Iconic and lesser-known locations worth shooting.
Japanese 8-Inch Guns, Betio
The massive WWII Japanese coastal defense guns pointing toward the turquoise lagoon create powerful, historically charged images unlike anything else in the Pacific. Use a wide-angle lens for the dramatic barrel perspective, or telephoto to compress the gun against the lagoon horizon.
Best time: sunrise or 7-9AM
Red Beach with Landing Craft, Betio
The rusted WWII landing craft half-submerged in the shallows at Red Beach, where US Marines came under devastating fire in 1943. At low tide you can wade out for reflection shots. The contrast of peaceful present and violent history creates uniquely powerful images.
Best time: 6:30-7:30AM or sunset
Tabwakea Beach Coconut Palms
The quintessential Kiribati shot — photogenically leaning coconut palms with turquoise Pacific water and white sand. Minimal development makes this look utterly pristine. A wide-angle lens captures the palms and water together; telephoto isolates the curve of the palms against the horizon.
Best time: 8-10AM or 4-6PM
Betio Market at Dawn
The chaos of colour and activity at Betio Market at opening time — massive tuna being displayed by fishermen, women arranging tropical fruit, the steam of cooking stalls setting up. Fast, documentary-style shooting captures the energy. Always ask before photographing vendors directly.
Best time: 6-7:30AM
Causeway at Sunset with Silhouettes
The causeways connecting South Tarawa's islets with lagoon on one side and ocean on the other are extraordinary at sunset. Silhouettes of bicycle riders, walkers, and fishermen against the golden sky and orange-reflected lagoon create iconic images of atoll life.
Best time: sunset (6-6:30PM)
Parliament Building from Lagoon Side
Kiribati's distinctive Parliament Building on its artificial island, reflected in the lagoon at sunset, creates a uniquely Pacific architectural image. The modern building silhouetted against tropical sky is unlike any other Pacific parliament photograph.
Best time: sunset
Buariki Beach, North Tarawa
The undeveloped beach at Buariki on North Tarawa may be the most beautiful and photogenic in Kiribati — utterly pristine white sand, incredible turquoise-to-deep-blue water gradient, and zero development visible. Requires a boat trip but rewards with extraordinary images.
Best time: 10AM-2PM for water colour
By subject
Match your shooting interest to Kiribati's strengths.
Sunrise photography
Betio causeway looking east across the lagoon, Red Beach with landing craft in morning golden light, Bonriki Ocean Beach with long lens for sun rising over Pacific horizon
Sunset photography
Parliament Building silhouette from causeway, Tabwakea Beach palms against orange sky, Causeway silhouettes of bicycle riders against golden lagoon reflections
Historical photography
Japanese 8-inch guns at Betio in dramatic perspective, Red Beach WWII landing craft, bunker interiors with available light, American Memorial
Street photography
Betio Market at dawn with fresh tuna and tropical produce, Night Market stalls with food vendors at dusk, local fishermen returning to Betio Wharf in early morning
Nature photography
Buariki beach turquoise water gradient (polariser essential), coral reef close-ups when snorkelling with waterproof camera, seabird colonies on Christmas Island
Night photography
No significant night photography scene in Kiribati — very limited light pollution makes stargazing remarkable but infrastructure lighting is minimal
Best times to shoot
Light, weather, and seasonal considerations.
- Sunrise
- 6:15 AM year-round (Kiribati is near equator — sunrise times are consistent throughout the year)
- Midday
- Best for water colour at beach and snorkelling — the overhead sun creates the most vivid blues and turquoise. Harsh for portraits.
- Sunset
- 6:15-6:30 PM year-round. The equatorial sunsets are fast but vivid — golden hour is 20-30 minutes maximum, not the extended golden hours of higher latitudes.
- Blue Hour
- 6:30-7:00 PM after sunset — the brief blue hour over the lagoon with remaining warm sky creates atmospheric conditions for landscape and architectural shots.
Photography tips
Make your shots stand out.
A polarising filter is essential for photographing the lagoon and ocean — it cuts surface glare and reveals the extraordinary colour gradients of Pacific water
Always ask permission before photographing people — 'E aera ngkana I karekea am taamnei?' (Gilbertese: May I take your photo?) is always appreciated
The equatorial sun is extremely harsh from 10AM-3PM — use this time for indoor shooting (museum, cafes) or for water shots where the overhead light enhances colour
Bring dry bags and waterproof protection for all equipment — humidity, salt air, and the risk of boat spray require careful gear management
A waterproof camera or housing is invaluable for snorkelling photography at Buariki and Christmas Island — some of the Pacific's best underwater photography opportunities
Do not photograph the airport, military installations, or government security infrastructure — ask specifically about any official building before raising your camera
The remote nature of Kiribati means you cannot buy memory cards or common accessories — bring ample storage and backup batteries
WWII sites photograph best with a wide-angle lens (16-35mm equivalent) to capture the enormous scale of the gun emplacements and concrete fortifications