Welcome to Kingman Reef! With less than five feet of elevation in most areas, Kingman Reef remains one of the most pristine coral reef atoll ecosystems in the Pacific Ocean. Located 932 miles southwest of Hawaiʻi, the crystal clear waters and vibrant corals support a spectacular diversity of algae, fish, marine mammals, sea turtles, and migratory birds.
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) NOTICE

Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you recreate responsibly.

  • Check alerts and local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Consistent with CDC recommendations, all visitors (age 2 and older), who are fully vaccinated are required to wear a mask inside of federal buildings in areas of substantial or high community transmission.. All visitors who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.

Visit Us

A sebae anemone sits amongst coral. It is beautifully colored a greenish blue with bright purple tips.
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Kingman Reef National Wildlife Refuge is not open to the public and entry is only allowed through a Special Use Permit when the activity is deemed appropriate with purposes to the refuge establishment. 

Location and Contact Information

      REPORT VIOLATIONS

      Law enforcement issues should be referred to the deputy refuge manager or refuge manager.  

      You may also report violations to our "TIPS" line 1-844-FWS-TIPS (379-8477). 

      About Us

      Kingman Reef National Wildlife Refuge was established on January 18, 2001. It is only three feet in elevation and features one of the most pristine coral reef atoll ecosystems in the Pacific. The refuge consists of all emergent areas of Kingman Reef and its surrounding 487,016 acres of submerged lands and waters that extend out 12 nautical miles, including over 25,000 acres of thriving coral reef habitat.

      What We Do

      The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. 

      Our Organization

      There are many ways to support your national wildlife refuges. There are non-profit organizations that support  wildlife and restoration projects within the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument. Volunteer opportunities can also be found at volunteer.gov.

      Our Species

      Crystal clear ocean waters support a spectacular diversity of corals and other marine invertebrates, algae, fishes, marine mammals, and sea turtles at Kingman Reef. Kingman Reef is known to be the most undisturbed coral reef within the U.S., complete with a greater proportion of apex predators than at any other studied coral reef ecosystem in the world. 

      An anemone sits on red coral. It has a vibrant purple body, with brown tentacles.
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