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Funafuti - Profile
Location
Funafuti is the capital of Tuvalu and the largest lagoon.
The South East pass is reported to be straightforward, although treat with caution in a strong SE wind. Follow charted lines for ship channel right into Fongafale, these seem to avoid all shallow patches.
The North pass 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 West pass is reported to be easy provided there is good light.
Position 08° 30.88'S, 179°11.07'E (anchorage off the town)
Clearance
For full details on clearing into and out of Tuvalu (and information on visiting Outer Atolls) see Tuvalu/Clearance.
To clear in first go to the 3 storey government building and check in with Immigration. Quarantine is in the same building. Customs is at the end of the warehouse at the new ship wharf. You will need to use your dinghy to get around.
Remember that no clearance is possible from 16:00 on Fridays until Monday morning. Even if you arrive a few minutes after 16:00 on a Friday, you will have to stay on board over the weekend until you can clear at 09:00 Monday morning.
Clearing out is also simple and straightforward.
A permission letter to purchase fuel can be obtained on clearing in from the Energy Department (2nd floor of the government building). See Fuel for more details.
Last updated October 2017.
Docking
Anchoring is free in front of the town. There are two anchorages here: one straight off the 3 storey government building at the South end of town (boats have reported good holding and easy dinghy ride in); the other about half way between there and the new ship wharf North of town (very good holding but longer dinghy ride).
There is no dinghy dock off the government building, a beach landing is required.
There is however a good dinghy landing on the South side of the new ship wharf, next to the police boat dock.
Last updated April 2017.
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.
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- Related Reports
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Pacific - List of Radio Nets (11 Oct 2018)
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Tuvalu Cruising Notes (06 Sep 2017)
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Tropical South Pacific weather resources (17 Mar 2014)
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Courtesy Flags for the South Pacific (13 Oct 2013)
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Pacific Cyclone Season: North instead of South (03 Jul 2013)
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Funafuti and Nanumea Information (13 Dec 2012)
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Permission to visit the outer islands en-route to Kiribati (03 Dec 2012)
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Passage from Vanuatu to Marshalls (07 Sep 2011)
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Hawaii, Honolulu to Brisbane, Australia (22 May 2008)
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.