Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
coral sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
moderate
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
10 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
coral
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
mandatory
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
2 000 m
Frequently asked questions
Canton Island West Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity crystal, average temperature +28.0°C, warms up to +30.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Canton Island West Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.3 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Canton Island West Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — moderate. The shallow area extends for 10 metres from the shore. Bottom — coral. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable.
Canton Island West Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — coral sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — medium. Beach length — 2 000 metres.
Canton Island West Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in May. It ends in October. The best month for a holiday is July. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Canton Island West Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Canton Island West Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: mosquitoes, sea urchins. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Canton Island West Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Canton Island West Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Canton Island Restaurant. Cuisines available: Kiribati, Seafood. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Canton Island West Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Food, Towel, Swimsuit, Water shoes, Insect repellent, First aid kit.
Canton Island West Beach: when is the best time to swim?
Best time to visit is the dry season from May to October. In the morning the water is calmer.
Canton Island West Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Keep the beach clean, do not make noise. Respect the nature reserve.
Canton Island West Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, diving. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Canton Island West Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Suitable for experienced travellers. Not suitable for families with small children.
Canton Island West Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Canton West Beach is known for its four entrances to the lagoon on the western side of the atoll. The beach is part of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area — the world-s largest marine protected area.
Canton Island West Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: White sand, Crystal-clear water, Coral reef, Fishing, Birdwatching, Seclusion, Historical significance. Cons: Remote location, Limited infrastructure, No lifeguards, Mosquitoes, No toilets.
Canton Island West Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Canton Lagoon, Phoenix Islands Protected Area, Canton Airstrip. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Canton Island West Beach: how do I get to the city of Kanton?
The beach is located near the city of Kanton. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Kanton.