 Mata Utu (Wallis) : Profile
The captain should proceed ashore and check in first with the gendarmerie, which is close to the church. The customs office is nearby and should be visited next. Both must be visited again on departure.
Care should be exercised when approaching Wallis from the east as the island is reported to lie approximately two miles east of its charted position.
The lagoon at Wallis is entered through the Honikulu Pass, on the south side of Wallis lagoon, which is easiest at slack low water. Proceed to the main settlement at Mata Utu and anchor behind the small reef in front of Mata Utu.
Altenatively, there is more room near the petroleum wharf at Halalo, in the south of Wallis.
Another anchorage can be found on the SW side of Faioa Island, protected in easterly winds. In settled weather it is possible to anchor off the islands to the east of Mata Utu but take care not to foul your tackle on coral heads. Only the east side of the main islands Ile Uvea, is navigable.
The only semi-protected anchorage is in Gahi Bay, most popular with yachts. One should ask the local chief for permission to anchor in the Bay.
Last updated September 2011.
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