Phoenix Islands Protected Area

Nature Reserve Remote Pacific marine protected area with coral atolls

Kiribati’s Phoenix Islands Protected Area comprises remote coral atolls with extensive reefs, pelagic fish and seabird colonies; visitors come on organised liveaboards and conservation trips for diving and wildlife observation.

The Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) is a large marine protected area in the central Pacific within Kiribati’s exclusive economic zone, established to conserve remote coral atolls, reefs and open-ocean ecosystems. It is recognised for its intact reef systems and significant seabird and marine biodiversity.

The protected area covers roughly 408,000 square kilometres and includes a cluster of remote coral atolls and submerged reefs, with Kanton Atoll as the principal inhabited logistics hub and several uninhabited atolls that are important for seabird colonies and reef biodiversity. The area is notable for extensive coral habitats, tuna and pelagic species and relatively low human impact.

PIPA was established by the Government of Kiribati and later inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in recognition of its outstanding marine ecosystems. Management emphasizes conservation, limited access and scientific monitoring to protect stocks and biodiversity.

Geographically the protected area lies in the central Pacific Ocean, well east of the Gilbert Islands and forms one of the largest contiguous no-take and conservation-focused marine zones in the region; travel is possible only via infrequent research or logistical vessels and occasional flights to Kanton.

Size and UNESCO status: Extends over roughly 408,000 square kilometres of ocean and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its near-pristine coral reef and pelagic ecosystems.
Restricted access: Access is highly restricted and is typically limited to authorised scientific, conservation and occasional logistical visits to the main inhabited atoll.

What to See #

Kanton Atoll: Kanton (Canton) Atoll - the largest inhabited island within the protected area, holding the main airstrip and the occasional research and administrative presence.
Nikumaroro and uninhabited atolls: Nikumaroro (previously known as Gardner) and other remote uninhabited atolls and reefs that provide critical seabird nesting habitat and undisturbed coral ecosystems.
Coral atolls and reefs network: Several large coral atolls and submerged reefs that together form the marine reserve and habitat network within the protected area.

How to Get to Phoenix Islands Protected Area #

The Phoenix Islands Protected Area is extremely remote with no scheduled public services. International flights arrive at Tarawa (Bonriki) in Kiribati; from Tarawa access to the Phoenix Islands requires private charter vessels or research/expedition boats arranged in advance as there are no regular passenger flights or ferries to the atolls. Plan lengthy sea passages and coordinate with Kiribati authorities or conservation organisations.

Tips for Visiting Phoenix Islands Protected Area #

Access to the Phoenix Islands is tightly controlled and logistically complex: most visits are arranged as part of authorised research or chartered liveaboard trips from Tarawa, so plan months ahead and secure permits from Kiribati authorities.
Expect minimal facilities and long transit times; trips typically use small research vessels or occasional flights to Kanton (Canton) Island, so budget extra days for travel contingencies and limited communications.
Respect the protected‑area rules: the Phoenix Islands Protected Area is a large no‑take marine reserve and many islands are off-limits without explicit permission - coordinate with PA managers to know where you may land, dive or fish.