Plan a CruiseTabuaeran Fanning Island offers an "Eden-like" escape for cruise passengers. As ships are moored offshore, you will be transferred to English Harbor via tender. Three high-speed tenders, each accommodating 200 passengers, operate this service. Once ashore, you can choose to relax on pristine beaches, engage in water sports, or explore the unique I-Kiribati culture. Local islanders offer guided tours of their homeland, providing insight into village life, seaweed farming, and the island's history. A vibrant open-air straw market is available for souvenir shopping, and you can enjoy a traditional barbeque feast featuring energetic dance performances by local groups in grass skirts, sharing stories of their ancestral past.
Getting Around from the Port
Upon arrival at English Harbor via tender, the main attractions are within relatively close proximity. For further exploration of the island beyond the immediate village area, bicycles are available for rent. This allows you to discover outer villages, encounter local children, spot giant land crabs, and take in the spectacular views of the island and sea.
Attractions and Activities
- Cultural Village Tours: Join local islanders for guided tours of their homeland. You'll visit village homes, seaweed farms, and supply stores, learning about the island's history and the I-Kiribati perspective.
- Napali Beach Water Sports: Head to Napali Beach, NCL's private water sports beach located inside the lagoon. Here you can ride jet skis, sail hobie cats, rent paddle boats, or try kayaking. Alternatively, simply float in the shallow, 87°F lagoon while enjoying the paradise-like setting.
- Snorkeling & Scuba Diving: Explore the rich underwater marine life along the outer reef. Snorkeling and scuba diving trips offer a chance to see colorful corals, giant parrotfish, butterfly fish, shy sea turtles, giant manta rays, and reef sharks.
- Bicycle Exploration: Rent a bicycle to venture beyond the main village. This is a great way to discover outer villages, meet inquisitive children, spot giant land crabs, and enjoy postcard-perfect views of the island and sea.
- Local Market & BBQ Feast: Visit the open-air straw market for souvenir shopping and interaction with local I-Kiribati people. Enjoy a barbeque feast where local dance groups, dressed in traditional grass skirts, perform energetic shows, singing and recounting stories of their ancestral past.
Dining
The primary dining experience offered is a local barbeque feast, often accompanied by traditional dance performances from I-Kiribati groups in grass skirts. No specific restaurants are available near the tender landing.
Shopping
An open-air straw market provides convenient souvenir shopping. You'll find a multitude of original gifts to take home, including shell jewelry, ornaments, hand-carved shark tooth knives, postcards, collector's stamps, and dream catchers.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Given the remote nature of the island, it is advisable to carry sufficient cash as credit card acceptance and ATMs may be extremely limited. Official languages are English and Gilbertese. English is widely understood, making communication straightforward for visitors.