Funafuti - General Info
Where is Funafuti?
Funafuti is the capital of Tuvalu and the largest lagoon. It consists of a narrow sweep of land between 20 and 400 metres wide, encircling a large lagoon (Te Namo) which is 18 km (11 miles) long and 14 km (9 miles) wide. Tuvalu lies west of the International dateline and 1000km north of Fiji in the central Pacific . Funafuti is one of six atolls and three islands that make up Tuvalu which together total only 25 square km in land area, curving in a northwest to southeast direction over 676 km on the outer western edge of Polynesia.
Entrance Notes and Cautions for Funafuti:
The East pass is called the Te Ava Pua Pua pass and is at 08°34.213S / 179°07.467E. This is a straightforward pass but treat with caution in strong SE winds. If you follow the ship channel into Fonfafale you should avoid all shallow patches. The pass is wide at 127metres and only has two working green markers (in the same spot). The red marker and cardinal marker are missing. Large ships use this pass so give way to them. Open CPN and Navionics were pretty accurate (less the markers).
The North pass – Te Avo I De Lape pass – at 08°25.958S / 179°06.265E is much shallower and most likely be difficult in a northerly swell or strong northerly winds. Some sources recommend against using the North pass.
The Western pass (Te Avo Fuagea passage) is reported to be easy provided there is good light. The pass is quite narrow but deep and easy to navigate, both entry and exit.
See this report from SV Sugar Shack who visited in April 2025 for more information:
Position – Anchorage off the Town:
08° 30.88’S, 179°11.07’E
Last updated: May 2025
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Port Navigation
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As of December 2017 no credit cards are accepted for fuel purchases, only $AUS. There is NO ATM anywhere on the island, so cash can only be converted at the Bank before 2pm.
There is a telecom office adjacent to the airport with data plans available without a sim purchase. The speed is reasonable at times. It is possible to receive this wifi in the anchorages off the village.
The Filomena and 3Ts are the most popular restaurants, 3Ts is the local favourite oriental restaurant. Filomena has a more varied menu with a bar.
As of June 2017:
– There is no dinghy dock off the government building, a beach landing is required. Wash off the sand at the two large green cisterns on either side of the entrance to the government building.
– Tuvalu has no fee for entry or exit. According to Tuvalu Customs an average of 12 yachts a year visit Tuvalu.
– If you want to purchase fuel in Funafuti, you must get a permission letter from the Energy Department (2nd floor of the government building). You can do this while clearing in. Request an amount that you want to purchase but be sure to tell them a “not to exceed amount”. The permission is cheerfully given.
Take the permission letter to Pacific Fuel, just north of the main wharf and schedule a delivery.
– Pacific Fuel will deliver diesel to the main wharf for the direct fuelling of your yacht. Or can deliver your filled Jerry Jugs to the same dock. No fee for this service. You may use the dock on a space available basis to fuel. Pacific Fuel will help with timing. No water or power available.
– You pay only for the fuel you take (in $AUS). They do accept credit cards with a fee.