Wallis and Futuna - Facts

Wallis & Futuna FAQs

Wallis & Futuna Facts for Sailors

• Wallis and Futuna, officially the Territory of the Wallis and Futuna Islands, is situated in the South Pacific between Tuvalu to the northwest, Fiji to the southwest, Tonga to the southeast, Samoa to the east and Tokelau to the northeast.
• The islands are among the safest places in the world. Locals are, more often than not, helpful. Mosquitoes and sunburn are likely to be your biggest concerns.
• Wallis and Futuna are two island groups separated by 240 kms (150 miles) of ocean and are a Territorial Collective (Collectivité d’Outre-Mer) of France. Lying west of Samoa and slightly off the route to Fiji, Wallis and Futuna are not often visited by cruising yachts.
• The pass into the lagoon at Wallis is relatively easy to negotiate and there are several anchorages, the most popular and best protected being at Gahi Bay. There are also several small islets in the lagoon which can be used as day anchorages.
• Ashore one can come in contact with a relatively unspoilt Polynesian society where the rule of the traditional Polynesian chieftain, the Lavelua, still commands more respect than the French administration. The singing and dancing of the Wallisians is vigorous and one of the few places where traditional songs have not been changed by missionary influences. For more information see Local Customs
• A similar atmosphere survives on the smaller Futuna, which does not have a protected lagoon, but only an anchorage at Sigave Bay on the west coast.
• See Yachting Essentials for details of supplies and provisions.