Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
20 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
mandatory
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
800 m
Frequently asked questions
Ambo Island Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity murky, average temperature +29.0°C, warms up to +31.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Ambo Island Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — glassy. Average wave height — 0.3 m.
Ambo Island Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 20 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Ambo Island Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — medium. Beach length — 800 metres.
Ambo Island Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. It ends in December. The best month for a holiday is July. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Ambo Island Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as poor. There are no rip currents — swimming is safe. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Ambo Island Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: helminths, bacteria. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Ambo Island Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Ambo Island Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: South Tarawa Hotel Restaurants, Local Restaurants in Ambo. Cuisines available: Kiribati. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Ambo Island Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: Water shoes, Water, Sunscreen, Hat, Hand sanitiser, First aid kit.
Ambo Island Beach: when is the best time to swim?
Swimming in the lagoon is not recommended due to severe pollution. The best time for walks is early morning or evening when it is not so hot.
Ambo Island Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Do not swim in the lagoon. Do not walk barefoot. Do not drink tap water. Respect the local community and do not leave litter.
Ambo Island Beach: who is this beach best for?
The beach is not recommended for swimming or family holidays due to severe pollution. It may be of interest only for a short walk and viewing the Kiribati Parliament building.
Ambo Island Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Ambo Island is connected to other islands by causeways. The Kiribati Parliament building, built in traditional style, is located here.
Ambo Island Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: White sand with shells, Picturesque lagoon with turquoise water, Close to the Kiribati Parliament building, Quiet area away from noisy places, Easy access from South Tarawa. Cons: Severe lagoon pollution, Swimming not recommended, Litter on the shore and in the water, Poor sanitation, risk of intestinal infections, Minimal infrastructure, Ruined buildings, High risk of helminth infection.
Ambo Island Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Kiribati Parliament Building, Betio Causeway, Churches on Main Street. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Ambo Island Beach: how do I get to the city of South Tarawa?
The beach is located near the city of South Tarawa. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for South Tarawa.