Aur City
Coral atoll village in Aur Atoll, Marshall Islands
An atoll of broad reef flats and a handful of settlements, Aur draws those curious about Marshallese lagoon fishing, pandanus processing and old navigation tales. Expect long shorelines, simple homestays and boat rides into clear water.
Aur at a Glance#
Costs: $60-120 per day - expect basic accommodation and self-catering; travel adds cost.
Safety: Generally safe but under-served - low crime but expect limited emergency and medical facilities.
Best Time: November-April (drier months) - drier months are best for calm seas and lagoon activities.
Why Visit Aur?#
Aur Atoll appeals to those intrigued by remote island communities and expansive reef systems where village maneaba and traditional dances still mark social life. The shallow lagoon offers snorkeling and fishing around coral pinnacles, while copra production and pandanus weaving illustrate long‑standing livelihoods. Visitors will find basic guest accommodations and hearty plates of reef fish and coconut‑based dishes served in family homes and communal settings.
Aur Bucket List#
Aur Village - Central settlement where local governance and daily market activities occur.
Aur Lagoon - Wide calm lagoon offering safe swimming, traditional fishing spots, and sandbanks.
Coconut processing area - Places where locals harvest and process coconuts for oil and copra.
Traditional canoe paddling - Join islanders for paddling sessions in outrigger canoes across shallow waters.
Mangrove boardwalk - Short mangrove fringes with simple paths providing birdwatching and sheltered exploration.
Local artisan stalls - Small roadside stalls selling woven goods and locally crafted souvenirs.
Majuro - Regularly used travel hub for supplies, medical services, and inter-island connections.
Arno Atoll - Accessible by boat charters, offering broader lagoon scenes and fishing opportunities.
Best Time to Visit Aur#
Aur is best seen in the drier November-April span when skies clear and lagoon travel is easier. The wet season brings regular rain, higher humidity and occasional service interruptions.
November - April
24-30°C (75-86°F)
Drier months bring calmer seas, lower humidity and easier travel between islets - best for beach days, fishing and reliable small-boat connections.
March - May
26-31°C (79-88°F)
Warmest, muggiest period; afternoons feel steamy but sunsets and snorkeling remain excellent. Expect brief heavy showers and increased mosquito activity.
May - October
25-30°C (77-86°F)
Frequent squalls and persistent humidity; inter-island travel is often disrupted but marine life is abundant - fewer tourists, but prepare for muddy paths and routine rain.
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 25°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2974 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (163 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (146 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (166 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (248 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (266 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (250 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (290 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (286 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (293 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (323 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (292 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (251 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Aur#
Aur Atoll is accessible only by inter-island transfer from Majuro; domestic flights are limited and many itineraries rely on boat charters or community boats. Expect unpredictable schedules and plan accordingly.
Amata Kabua International Airport (MAJ): Aur Atoll has no international airport; the usual international gateway is Majuro (MAJ). Aur may be reached by inter-island flight (if scheduled) to a nearby atoll and a boat transfer, or by direct boat charter from Majuro.
Note: Aur does not host scheduled international flights.
Train: No rail service exists in the Marshall Islands.
Bus / Local transfer: No regular bus service to Aur. Onward travel from Majuro is by boat or small inter-island aircraft when available; operators and schedules vary and should be confirmed locally.
How to Get Around Aur#
Aur requires an inter-island connection from Majuro-either via occasional domestic flights plus boat, or by direct boat charter. Book well ahead and be prepared for schedule changes.
- Air Marshall Islands / domestic flights (approx. USD 100-300 (varies)) - Some atolls are served by Air Marshall Islands on small aircraft; Aur may not be on a frequent schedule. If flights are available they are short hops but are infrequent-book early and confirm return options.
- Boat charter / community boats (approx. USD 50-300 (variable)) - Direct boat charters from Majuro are a common way to reach Aur. These trips depend on sea conditions and local timetables-arrange bookings through local contacts or the Majuro harbormaster.
- Local ground transport (Majuro) (approx. USD 2-15) - Use taxis or island minibuses on Majuro to reach the wharf or services. Expect informal fares and short transfers across the atoll.
- Combined air+sea itineraries (approx. USD 150-350) - A mix of domestic flight to a nearby atoll and a final boat leg reduces time on the water but requires tight coordination and contingency planning for weather-related delays.
- Walking - Aur’s communities are small and walkable; bring sun protection and basic supplies as services are limited.
Where to Stay in Aur#
Main village - $5-30/night (homestays only)
Aur Atoll offers only homestays and very small guest arrangements. Book via local contacts; provisions and power can be limited.
No mid-range properties - Majuro/Ebeye base suggested (€60-140/night)
There are no established mid-range hotels on Aur. For more amenities, stay in Majuro and arrange day trips to the atoll.
No luxury options on-island - Majuro recommended ($150+/night)
Aur has no luxury accommodation. Serious travelers should expect basic conditions or remain in Majuro for upscale services.
