Explore: Mata Utu
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General Info
Description:
Wallis Island (Uvea in Polynesia) is a relatively flat island bordered by a lagoon and coral reef with four passes. The main pass (Honikulu) is on the south coast of the island and leads through a marked channel to Mata Utu which is the capital of the Wallis and Futuna Territory.
There are a number of anchorage options within the protected lagoon which is dotted, north, south and east with about 15 islets. The highest point is Mount Lulu, 151 m above sea level.
Cruiser Highlights:
Those who make the effort to visit these islands will experience a friendly Polynesian welcome, enchanting natural landscapes, astonishing historic sites and crystal clear waters for diving and snorkelling.
There are several protected and beautiful anchorages including off the uninhabited Il Faioa in the south-east corner of the lagoon.
The main anchorage is off the wharf at Mata Utu and there is easy dinghy access ashore.
There is an excellent supermarket that stocks a variety of French produce and a local market every Saturday.
Hitchhiking is an easy and accepted way to get around the island. The coastal road is 35 kms (21.7 miles) long and passes the crater lake Lalolalo which is surrounded by impressive cliffs, the fishing village of Vailala,on the northern tip of the island.
Wallis Radio is still operational. The operator, Michele, monitors VHF Channel 22 in the north and Channel 09 in the south, but scans all frequencies as well.
Entrance Notes or Cautions:
Entry is through the pass, off the south west corner of the island. It is simple at slack water and most, but not all, of the lagoon markers shown on French chart 6876 are still standing. Proceed to the main settlement of Mata Utu.
A new cable has been laid across the “old “anchorage area just south of the big wharf. Current Navionics charts show this, but older versions do not. Yachts are no longer permitted to anchor where Navionics has the suggested anchoring marks.
When anchoring off Mata Utu note that it is quite exposed to the strong SE winds.
If entering the pass too late in the day to make the transit to the Mata Utu anchorage, then it is possible to anchor in the lee of uninhabited Ile Faioa at 13 22.940 S, 176 10.460 W.
Position: 13° 23’42″S, 176° 13’11″W (entrance to the pass)
Position: 13° 17’ 17″S, 176° 10’ 01 ″W (anchorage at Mata Utu – off the wharf)
Last updated: November 2021
Clearance
General Clearance:
For details on Customs and Immigration rules for Wallis, see the Formalities page.
When coming to clear in, yachts can anchor north of the large yellow mooring buoy off the wharf or further out by the eastern islands, about 1.6 kms (one mile) from the wharf.
International Clearance:
On arrival at Mata Utu, you must check in with both Customs and the Gendarmes.
Customs is located at the Mata Utu wharf and the Gendarmes approx. 500m from the wharf in town. Officials speak some English and are reported to be very friendly and welcoming.
The captain should proceed ashore and check in first with the Gendarmes who handle immigration. They generally want to see each crew member with their passport at their office which is just above the harbor and past the post office. It is usually manned.
Customs is open Monday-Friday from 07:00 until 13:30, except for Thursday: 13:30- 17:00. Radio calls tend to go unanswered.
Customs and the Gendarmes must be visited again on clearing out.
Domestic Clearance:
Customs and the Gendarmes must be visited on departure, even if visiting another island in the group.
Last updated: November 2021
Docking
Anchorages:
Gahi Bay is now the only authorized anchorage area. Officials recommend dealing with entry formalities at Mata’Utu quayside before finding an anchorage/mooring spot.
Note: There are some shallow coral areas (depth of three meters) on the north side of the big yellow mooring buoy off the wharf, but there is plenty of room for anchoring safely in 11 meters depth.
SY Whistler who visited in July 2019 anchored at Position: 13 17.17S, 176 10.01W and reported that it was OK with port officials to anchor there. This is just off the main wharf at Mata Utu.
Dinghy Docks:
There is a dinghy landing and steps on the inside of the south side of the wharf at Mata Utu.
Security: No security issues have been reported to Noonsite.
Contacts: A useful contact regarding shore-based facilities is Joanne Kanimoa ([email protected])
Last updated: November 2021
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