Wallis and Futuna
Oceanic Pacific: two remote French islands, an easy lagoon and pygmy killer whales
Overview
Two specks in the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, separated by 150 nautical miles and with a combined population of around 13,000. Wallis is the more developed of the two: a volcanic island with a fringing reef and lagoon that encompasses a number of small and picturesque islets.
Passage into the lagoon is relatively easy for superyachts, and there are plenty of calm and peaceful anchorages once inside. Just do not expect a great deal of sophistication or slick superyacht services - that is not what you come to Wallis for.
Futuna's near-neighbour, Alofi, is uninhabited but surrounded by waters that are a breeding ground for pygmy killer whales. The islands can be cruised year-round, with cool, dry southeast trades from May to October.
Islands & Map
Map Key - Ports & Anchorages
- Mata-Utu (Wallis); VHF 09/22
- Gahi Bay (Wallis)
- Anse de Sigave (Futuna)
✈ Hihifo Airport (Wallis)
Alofi, off Futuna, is a breeding ground for pygmy killer whales.
Getting There & Clearance
Clearance
Wallis and Futuna is a French overseas collectivity. Immigration and customs are handled by the territorial administration. The ports of entry are Mata-Utu on Wallis (VHF 09 south, VHF 22 east) and Anse de Sigave on Futuna.
Government Contacts
Immigration & Customs: wallis-et-futuna.gouv.fr
International Airports
Hihifo Airport (Wallis) · Pointe Vele Airport (Futuna).
Key Anchorages
South of Mata-Utu · Gahi Bay · Ile Faioa · Alofi (off Futuna) · Hihifo.
Local Services
Ports of Entry
Mata-Utu (Wallis) · Sigave (Futuna)
Cruising
The Wallis lagoon & islets
Wildlife
Pygmy killer whales off Alofi
Getting Around
Hihifo & Pointe Vele airports
Note
Limited superyacht services
Ashore
Mata-Utu, the capital
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do superyachts clear in to Wallis and Futuna?
The ports of entry are Mata-Utu on Wallis (VHF 09 south, VHF 22 east) and Anse de Sigave on Futuna. Wallis and Futuna is a French overseas collectivity, so immigration and customs are handled by the territorial administration.
When is the best time to cruise Wallis and Futuna?
The islands can be cruised year-round, with cool, dry southeast trades from May to October and a rainy, cyclone-prone summer from November to April.
What is cruising Wallis like?
Wallis is a volcanic island with a fringing reef and lagoon dotted with picturesque islets. Passage into the lagoon is relatively easy for superyachts, with calm anchorages inside, though superyacht services are very limited.
Are there whales at Wallis and Futuna?
Yes. The uninhabited island of Alofi, next to Futuna, is surrounded by waters that are a breeding ground for pygmy killer whales.