Cook Islet Bird Sanctuary

Cook Islet sits in the lagoon on Kiritimati and is one of the closed areas set aside for seabirds, with sooty terns, noddies, boobies and frigatebirds nesting in density on a small patch of ground. Kiritimati holds one of the largest seabird populations of any island in the Pacific. Landing is restricted to protect the nesting and boats generally circle rather than go ashore. Kiritimati has several closed islets in its lagoon, set aside at different times as sanctuaries.

What you actually see

• The nesting density - seabirds packed onto a small area of ground.
• The species mix - terns, noddies, boobies and frigatebirds together.
• The lagoon setting - an islet within the enclosed water.
• The protection - a closed area with landing controlled.

When to go

Seabirds nest through much of the year. April to October is the drier season generally. El Niño events reduce numbers sharply.

Honest expectations

Landing is restricted and most visits are from the boat. Permits are required. El Niño events have caused major seabird die-offs on the island.

Nearby

The bonefish flats are around it, and the settlement is west.