The 13 Best Things To Do In Tuvalu & Funafuti Atoll – Travel Guide

Visiting Tuvalu is like finding a hidden gem. Yes, you’ll have the opportunity to say that you would have been to the least visited country in the world! This small island nation has beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and colorful coral reefs. The people are friendly, and you’ll feel welcomed everywhere you go. It’s a great place to learn about a different culture and see how climate change is affecting the world. Whether you’re swimming, relaxing, or exploring, Tuvalu offers a peaceful and memorable experience that’s hard to find anywhere else; if you’re looking for the best places to visit in Tuvalu and what to do there, this guide is made for you!

Before contiuing, make sure you also check our guide about the best restaurants and places to eat in Funafuti. You can also take a look to our updated guide about the best beaches in Tuvalu and the Funatufi atoll.
 
 

1 – Visit Funafuti Marine Conservation Area & Go Diving

The Funafuti Marine Conservation Area is a must-visit for anyone in Tuvalu. This protected area covers a significant portion of the lagoon and includes six uninhabited islets. You’ll find crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling, where you can see vibrant coral reefs and a variety of marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles. The untouched beauty of the conservation area makes it a peaceful retreat, away from the more populated areas. Whether you’re an avid snorkeler or just want to enjoy the natural beauty, this place will leave a lasting impression.

2 – Explore Funafuti’s WWII Relics

Funafuti played a significant role during World War II, and the remnants of that era are still visible today. You can explore the old airstrips, bunkers, and even rusted American aircraft that have become part of the island’s landscape. These relics are scattered around Funafuti, offering a unique glimpse into the island’s history. Walking among these historical sites, you can almost feel the weight of the past. It’s a fascinating way to learn about the island’s involvement in the war and to see how history has shaped the present-day Tuvalu. You can find those places at the top (northernmost point) of Fongafale, or in the southern islets close to Motugie.

3 – Visit Teone Church & Funafuti’s Downtown

Teone Church, located in Funafuti, is the largest church in Tuvalu and a central part of the local community. The church’s striking architecture stands out against the island’s landscape, and attending a service here offers a glimpse into the spiritual life of Tuvaluans. The warm, welcoming atmosphere during services is something to experience, even if you’re not religious. The church also serves as a gathering place for important community events, making it a cultural as well as a religious hub in Funafuti.

4 – Take a Boat Trip to Southern Islets

The southern islands of the Funufati atoll are in our opinion the most beautiful spots you can visit in Tuvalu. A short boat ride will take you to the small, uninhabited islets, where you’ll find stunning beaches with amazing white sand and clear blue waters. It’ the perfect place for a day trip, where you can swim, snorkel, or just relax on the beach. We really recommend you going to Funafala Beach, Telele island and Avalau. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some sea turtles or other marine life in the surrounding waters. To arrange a trip to those islands, you can either ask your local accomodation/hotel, or head straight to the Funafuti Town Council (located next to the primary school) and they will direct you to the right person. You can also just look for someone on the beach that has a boat.

5 – Walk on the Funafuti Runway and Play With The Locals There

The Funafuti Runway is more than just an airstrip; it’s also a popular gathering place for locals. In the evenings, when there are no flights, the runway becomes a social hub where people come to play sports, have picnics, or just hang out with friends and family. It’s a unique experience to walk down a runway while kids play soccer or locals chat in the cool evening air. This is a great way to mingle with the community and experience a slice of daily life in Tuvalu. We also saw some people sleeping there, directly on the airstrip while staring at the stars!

6 – Relax at Fongafale’s Beaches

Fongafale, the main islet of Funafuti, offers several beautiful beaches where you can unwind and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The beaches here are perfect for a lazy day of sunbathing, swimming, or simply taking in the stunning views of the lagoon. The calm, shallow waters are ideal for a refreshing dip, and the soft sand makes it easy to relax. The most accessible (and very beautiful) one is Funafuti Lagoon beach, within walking distance from the downtown.

7 – Visit the Funafuti Women’s Handicraft Centre & Other Local Markets

The Funafuti Women’s Handicraft Centre is a fantastic place to experience Tuvaluan culture and pick up some unique souvenirs. The center showcases a variety of handmade crafts, including traditional mats, baskets, and carvings, all made by local women. These items make wonderful gifts and are a great way to support the local economy. The craftsmanship is impressive, and you can often watch the artisans at work, giving you insight into the traditional methods passed down through generations. It’s a perfect spot to find a piece of Tuvalu to take home with you. You can also enjoy local markets every sunday morning around Alapi.

8 – Go to the Narrowest Point of Funafuti

One of the most striking places to visit in Funafuti is the island’s narrowest point. Here, you can stand with the ocean on one side and the lagoon on the other, a surreal experience that highlights just how thin this sliver of land really is. This narrow stretch is a powerful reminder of Tuvalu’s vulnerability to climate change, with rising sea levels threatening to submerge such low-lying areas. Visiting this spot gives you a tangible sense of the challenges Tuvalu faces, making it a poignant and eye-opening experience. Click here to get the exact location of this place.

9 – Day Trip to Northern Islands

A day trip to Northern islands of offers a true escape into the tranquil beauty of Tuvalu. This place includes amazing islands such as Tepuka, Te Afualiku, Fualifeke Pink Sand Beach or even Mulitefala. This area is less crowded, making it perfect for those who want to experience the untouched natural beauty of the islands. The beach’s soft white sand and clear turquoise waters invite you to relax, swim, or even enjoy a picnic under the shade of palm trees. The journey itself, a short boat ride from the main island, is scenic and provides a different perspective of Funafuti’s lagoon.

10 – Take A Remote Trip to Nanumea

For those looking for an adventure, a remote trip to Nanumea, the northernmost atoll of Tuvalu, is a must. Nanumea is a bit off the beaten path, offering a glimpse into a more traditional way of life in Tuvalu. The atoll is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and historical significance as a World War II site. You can explore old bunkers, swim in pristine waters, and interact with the friendly locals who are always happy to share stories of their island. This trip requires some planning, but the reward is an authentic and unforgettable experience. There is an airstrip on the island but it’s (yet) not operational. You can catch a ride on the government supply ships, the Nivaga II or Manu Folau, to reach Nanumea Atoll or any of Tuvalu’s Outer Islands. These ships make the journey to the outer islands every three to four weeks.

11 – Visit to the Philatelic Bureau

For something unique, pay a visit to the Tuvalu Philatelic Bureau in Funafuti. Tuvalu’s stamps are famous among collectors worldwide for their vibrant designs and limited editions. The bureau offers a fascinating glimpse into this small but significant aspect of Tuvaluan culture. You can browse through an nice collection of stamps depicting everything from local wildlife to significant historical events. Even if you’re not a stamp collector, the Philatelic Bureau is a great place to learn about Tuvalu’s history and take home a original souvenir.

12 – Catch the Sunset at Funafuti Lagoon Beach

While in Funafuti, don’t miss the chance to catch a stunning sunset at the Funafuti Lagoon Beach. This very accessible location provides a perfect vantage point to watch the sun dip below the horizon, creating vibrant colors across the sky. Grab a drink from the local shop, find a cozy spot along the shore, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance as the day turns into night. It’s a simple yet unforgettable experience that captures the laid-back charm of Tuvalu, while Tuvaluan kids plays around.

13 – Snorkeling at Nukufetau Atoll

If you’re up for exploring beyond Funafuti, take a trip to Nukufetau Atoll, another gem in Tuvalu’s paradise. The snorkeling here is exceptional, with crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. You’ll encounter colorful coral gardens, lot of tropical fish, and if you’re lucky, even some friendly sea turtles. The atoll’s quiet environment, combined with the rich underwater world, makes it a perfect spot for both novice and experienced snorkelers. A day spent here is a day well-spent, enjoying the natural beauty of Tuvalu’s lesser-known treasures.

Here’s a recap about the best things to do and places to visit in Tuvalu and Funafuti:

1 – Visit Funafuti Marine Conservation Area & Go Diving
2 – Explore Funafuti’s WWII Relics
3 – Visit Teone Church & Funafuti’s Downtown
4 – Take a Boat Trip to Southern Islets
5 – Walk on the Funafuti Runway
6 – Relax at Fongafale’s Beaches
7 – Visit the Funafuti Women’s Handicraft Centre & Other Local Markets
8 – Go to the Narrowest Point of Funafuti
9 – Day Trip to Northern Islands
10 – Take A Remote Trip to Nanumea
11 – Visit to the Philatelic Bureau
12 – Catch the Sunset at Funafuti Lagoon Beach
13 – Snorkeling at Nukufetau Atoll

This guide was updated on November 2024