Kiribati Climate Action Network's Pelenise Alofa said she's thankful there was no wind or storm surge to drive it over seawalls and into properties.
People on Tarawa and other islands have been working all week to build up seawalls in preparation for the inundation, Ms Alofa said.
However, not everyone can afford new cement to protect their properties, she said.
The KiriCAN national co-ordinator said she had been up all night preparing for the tide but will soon go out to check on others around Tarawa.