Tuvalu things to see and do

Tourist offices

Tuvalu Ministry of Tourism

Address: Private Mail Bag, Vaiaku, Funafuti, Tuvalu
Tel: 20840.
www.timelesstuvalu.com

Things to see and do

Dive or game fish

Dive or game fish; equipment is available in Funafuti. Visitors interested in watersports should bring their own equipment as there is little for hire. Swimmers should wear sand shoes as stonefish are an occasional hazard. Owing to the strong tide, swimming in the ocean is very dangerous. Swimming in the lagoon is considered fairly safe.

Funafala

Head to Funafala, the second most populated island in the atoll, which can be visited by taking the Funafuti Island Council's catamaran. There are no shops in Funafala, so visitors should take their own provisions. Traditional buildings with thatched roofs can be seen virtually everywhere on the islands.

Funafuti

Begin in the capital, Funafuti, where the greatest attraction is the enormous Funafuti Lagoon. The lagoon is 14km (9 miles) wide and about 18km (11 miles) long and is excellent for swimming and snorkelling.

Funafuti Marine Conservation Area

Admire the abundant sea and wildlife in the Funafuti Marine Conservation Area. This protected marine park, consisting of six tiny islets, is home to numerous tropical fish, sea birds and turtles. Access is by private or chartered boat. Privately-owned boats are available for hire and trips can be made to the many beautiful uninhabited islets in the Funafuti atoll.

Philatelic Bureau

Visit the Philatelic Bureau, which provides stamps to collectors all over the world, and the University of the South Pacific Centre, which sells a range of books relating to Tuvalu and the surrounding region.

Watch kilikiti

Watch a game of kilikiti, a local version of cricket, or te ano, a much-loved traditional ball game reminiscent of volleyball.

Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.