Funafuti Atol, Tuvalu

Tuvalu is one of the smallest countries in the world. Only three other countries can claim to be smaller than the tiny island group known as Tuvalu. These tiny islands are easy to miss but impossible to forget.

Once you arrive in Tuvalu, you'll want to immerse yourself in the culture. Discover the days of ancient Tuvaluan culture as well as experience the charms of their traditions that are still alive today. Explore ancient altars and 70-year-old World War II plane wrecks until you can't take another step, then spend the rest of the trip relaxing on the beautiful beaches.

Getting in and around Tuvalu

Tuvalu Airport

Getting in to Tuvalu is best done by plane. The Tuvalu airport is located in Funafuti, which is considered to many as the main island in Tuvalu. Fiji Airways offers a few weekly flights to Funafuti from Suva, Fiji. Those travelling to Tuvalu from outside Fiji will need to secure connecting flights to Suva.

Tuvalu Transport

Getting around Tuvalu and the islands is done by boat. However, as the passage ways are too narrow for large ships, cargo and people are first loaded into smaller boats. Be prepared for a rough ride. There are cars, motorcycles and bikes available for hire, or you can explore the island on foot.

Tuvalu Car Hire

Tuvalu car hire is an informal affair and you may be able to find private car hire businesses. Mopeds and motorcycles are most commonly used to get around on land in Funafuti. Tuvalu is a small island, therefore hiring a car might not be necessary. You can walk Tuvalu island to take in the village life and scenery, and even stop to chat with the locals.

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Tuvalu accommdation

Tuvalu has very limited accommodation, but for most visitors, that's what makes this island destination so charming. There are several accommodation options on the island, most of which are family owned and run.

Accommodation

Funafuti Lagoon Hotel

Esfam Lodge

Militano Lodge

Filamona Lodge

Vailuatai Lodge

Wamassiri Lodge

Talofa Serviced Apartments

Vaiaku Lagi Hotel. The Vaiaku Lagi Hotel is owned by the state and it's the only hotel in Tuvalu. But guests will find that it's a very comfortable accommodation. ^ Back to top

Things to do in Tuvalu

The history of Tuvalu plays a big role in its very small catalogue of things to do. Guests will be intrigued at how easy it is to stumble across a piece of history - a World War II era plane wreck or an ancient religious site. But if history isn't your thing, you can always find a quiet spot on the beach and see what it might be like to live a quiet life in Tuvalu.

World War II Wreckage. Tuvalu is a great vacation spot for war history buffs. In Tuvalu, you don't even have to pay a museum fee to see the sights. You'll find runways, plane wrecks and bunkers from when American troops attacked enemy bases in Kiribati.

Archaeological Sites. On the Nukulaelae atoll, visitors can see a rare pre-Christian archaeological site from the earliest Tuvalu inhabitants.

Marine life. Animal lovers will rejoice in Tuvalu. These islands are famous for the vast marine life that can be seen in the lagoons and around the islands, including colourful fish, sea turtles, sharks, dolphins and whales.

Church Architecture. Being a largely Christian nation, Tuvalu is also known for its beautiful church buildings. Perhaps the most significant of all the churches in Tuvalu is the church in Nanumea that features Gothic-style architecture.

Maneapa. The local town halls (Maneapa) host dances and feasts, which are quite the occasion in Tuvalu. Using traditional Polynesian dance and elaborate costumes, dancing in Tuvalu is an experience that cannot be matched. You can generally check with your accommodation for information about upcoming events.

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Day trips in and around Tuvalu

Other Islands. Tuvalu has many other islands worth visiting - such as Nui, Nukulaelae, and Nukufetau - that all have gorgeous beaches, historic sites and amazing wildlife.

Snorkelling and Diving. Tuvalu is known for incredible coral reefs, colourful marine life and other underwater treasures that you don't want to miss.

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