The Top Boating and Sailing Experiences in Wallis and Futuna

When it comes to exploring Wallis and Futuna from the water, you'll discover some of the most authentic boat and sailing tours in the Pacific. The enthusiastic members of the vaka (or va'a in Futuna) associations are eager to share their traditional outrigger canoe experiences.

From our own experience, the best way to truly appreciate these remote islands is by getting out on the water. You'll find water taxi companies ready to whisk you away on guided adventures to the stunning motu on Wallis, or take you across to the white-sand shores of Alofi on Futuna.

Whether you're drawn to fishing excursions, scuba diving or setting sail on a catamaran that showcases the lagoon's breathtaking beauty, these islands offer something special for every water enthusiast.

Ready to discover the best boat and sailing tours in Wallis and Futuna? Let's dive into our top recommendations that'll help you experience these incredible islands from their most beautiful perspective.

This article is based on real on-the-ground research, not on AI scraping old content from the internet. Learn how we use AI!

1.Take a Tour to Alofi or Around Futuna with Taxi Boat Afala (Futuna)

Taxi Boat Alofi (2) SEB CREDIT WallisandFutunaPocketGuide.com
© WallisandFutunaPocketGuide.com
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One of the closest operators to Alofi Island, Taxi Boat Afala is your ticket to exploring Futuna's glorious sister island.

Their signature 1 hr 30 mins "Boat Tour of Alofi" reveals ancient legends whilst cruising past towering mountains, lush forests and pristine white sand beaches of this uninhabited paradise.

For those seeking beach bliss, the quick 10-minute transfer to Alofitai Beach delivers access to powdery sands, crystal-clear reefs and hiking trails including Loka Cave.

Their 2 hr 30 mins "Boat Tour of Futuna" combines cultural storytelling with spectacular coastal scenery, passing traditional villages, the historic Poï Basilica where Saint Pierre Chanel met his fate, and the dramatic Pyramid Rocks.

All tours accommodate just six passengers maximum, ensuring intimate experiences with opportunities for whale watching (July to October) and dolphin spotting.

Location:

Vele Boat Ramp, RT2, Vele, Alo, south coast of Futuna.

Price Range:$$$$
Where to Book:

2.Reel in the Big Ones with Tautai Taxi Boat (Futuna)

Tautai Taxi Boat Owner Local (2) BNCC CREDIT WallisandFutunaPocketGuide.com
© WallisandFutunaPocketGuide.com

The territory's only fishing charter, Tautai Taxi Boat offers some unique boating tours from Futuna.

Expert skipper Samino Tufele and/or his team deliver unforgettable deep-sea fishing adventures in one of the South Pacific's most untouched fishing grounds.

Full-day fishing excursions provide the perfect opportunity to experience the thrill of deep-sea fishing, with a generous French and Futunan fusion lunch, all the gear, bait and expert guidance included, ideal for beginners looking to land their first big catch. Samino's infectious passion for these waters and genuine local expertise create an authentic experience where you'll encounter traditional fishermen at work and gain insights into island life.

The waters surrounding Futuna teem with marine life, offering excellent chances to hook anything from tuna to mahimahi whilst enjoying breathtaking coastal views. You'll feel the excitement build as Samino shares stories of legendary catches and guides you to the best fishing spots known only to locals.

Scenic tours around the island are also available for those seeking additional sightseeing opportunities.

Learn more about your fishing options in The Ultimate Guide to Fishing in Wallis & Futuna.

Location:

Futuna RFO Embarcadaire, Leava, Sigave, southwest coast of Futuna.

Price Range:$$$
Where to Book:

3.Paddle to the Motu with A Vaka Heke (Wallis)

A Vaka Heke
© A Vaka Heke
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Swap motorboats for experiencing Wallis' lagoon at a more natural pace on a guided tour with A Vaka Heke.

You'll love their range of options: kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, surfskis or traditional va'a (outrigger canoes), perfect for guided adventures that range from one-hour taster sessions to full-day adventures.

The team launches from three strategic points around the island, carefully selecting routes based on weather and tides.

You can paddle to stunning motu (islets) whilst hearing ancient legends from your guide, explore the peaceful mangroves at Ha'afiuasia, or glide to the private Kulu'ui Beach with its traditional fale and perfect picnic spots.

Don't miss this authentic way to experience Wallis' incredible marine environment. All safety equipment, dry bags and expert guidance are included, making it perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.

For more paddling excursions, check out the 5 Best Kayak & Outrigger Tours in Wallis and Futuna.

Location:

Multiple launch points: Port of Mata'Utu, Gahi, and Vailala, located in the central east, south and north of Wallis. The meeting point is decided with the operator.

Price Range:$$
Where to Book:

4.Kayak, Sail or Take a Water Taxi Tour with Association Vaka La (Wallis)

Vaka La Taxi Boat Nukuhione Landscape (1) SEB CREDIT WallisandFutunaPocketGuide.com
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With a butter-flat lagoon and balmy tradewinds right on their doorstep, Association Vaka La are in the perfect place for offering amazing boat and sailing tours.

This community-based watersports operator has everything you could want for exploring Wallis' stunning lagoon, from catamaran tours and kayak rentals to snorkelling adventures and unique full moon experiences.

What we love most is how welcoming and flexible they are. The friendly operators will arrange personalised tours even for small groups, whilst their relaxed booking approach means you can often secure a spot with just a phone call or by walking in.

Don't miss their taxi boat service; it's your ticket to exploring secluded islets like Tekaviki, Nukuhifala and Nukuhione. From what we've experienced, these hidden spots are some of the most peaceful you'll find.

They run tours to various islands throughout their opening hours (closed Mondays only), with standout snorkelling at Devil's Hole and Turtle Hole - two dramatic deep-water spots.

Learn more about their paddling adventures in Kakaying & Paddleboarding in Wallis & Futuna.

Location:

Liku, Mu'a, southern district of Wallis. On the waterfront with all the sailing boats, approximately 260 m (850 ft) north of the Beach Club restaurant - you can't miss it!

Price Range:$$
Photography Boat Tour

Editor's Choice

Tautai

Embark on an unforgettable full-day photography boat tour around Futuna's stunning coastline with us. Departing at 7am, we'll glide past historic villages, sacred chapels, and dramatic natural...

NZ$170Book Now

5.Immerse in a Cultural Outrigger Tour with Havili Siliva (Wallis)

Havili Siliva Outrigger Tour Motu Wallis (8) SEB CREDIT WallisandFutunaPocketGuide.com
© WallisandFutunaPocketGuide.com

Experience the magic of traditional Polynesian sailing with Havili Siliva on their magnificent outrigger canoe adventure to the enchanting northern motu.

These immersive full-day excursions combine modern convenience with ancient traditions, switching the sails for motor power to navigate between Wallis' northern motu (islets) while sharing stories.

Your adventure begins with a safety briefing and life jacket distribution before boarding the traditional pirogue. Journey to remote islets where a fresh fruit breakfast awaits featuring seasonal tropical delights like grapefruit, papaya, mango and pineapple. Learn traditional skills including coconut milk preparation and participate in creating an earth oven, locally known as an umu.

Explore archaeological sites on foot whilst your guide weaves scientific data with traditional stories. Afternoon activities include flower lei making, shellfish gathering, traditional dancing demonstrations and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. The experience concludes with relaxation time for swimming and soaking up the surroundings of paradise.

Note that a minimum of six people are required for tours to depart, so prepare to be on stand-by until minimum numbers are reached.

Location:

Vaitupu, Hihifo, northern district of Wallis. Tours depart opposite the Container Bar.

Price Range:$$$

6.Experience Outrigger Canoeing with Avamoana Va'a (Futuna)

Avamoana Futuna Va'a Canoe (3) SEB CREDIT WallisandFutunaPocketGuide.com
Guided Paddle of the Wallis Motu

Guided Paddle of the Wallis Motu

A Vaka Heke

from NZ$70

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© WallisandFutunaPocketGuide.com

Over on Futuna, the outrigger fun continues with Avamoana Va'a!

Unlike commercial tours, this local club welcomes visitors to participate in paddling sessions that are almost like their "national sport" but are also a nod to Futuna's maritime heritage.

A popular option is a 3-4-hour paddle along Futuna's main coast, past coral formations, villages, churches and coastal roads. The highlight is crossing 3-4 km (1.8-2.4 mi) to Alofi Island (about 30 minutes paddling), where you'll stop for swimming and relaxation before returning via the same route.

Sessions accommodate two to five people per boat with a guide, lasting from short outings around the harbour to full-day adventures. High tide offers the best conditions, providing stunning mountain views, while low tide reveals intricate coral formations below.

Every Sunday afternoon at Leava Bay, structured sessions run from 3 pm to 4 pm for children and 4 pm to 5:30 pm for adults, offering expert instruction in handling these traditional racing vessels.

Check out more ways to paddle in paradise with our 5 Best Kayak & Outrigger Tours in Wallis and Futuna.

Location:

Leava Bay, Sigave, west coast of Futuna. At Bambou Restaurant.

Price Range:$$

7.Scuba Dive, Snorkel or Island-Hop with Evasion Bleue (Wallis)

Evasion Bleue Islet Tours Motu SEB CREDIT WallisandFutunaPocketGuide.com
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Evasion Bleue offers three exciting ways to explore Wallis' lagoon, as a reliable scuba diving and snorkelling operator.

Operating with qualified diving instructor Pascal, Wallis's only dive centre offers excellent underwater adventures both inside and outside the lagoon. What makes this place special? You have the chance to explore around fifteen incredible dive sites, from vibrant coral gardens and fascinating wartime wrecks to dramatic passes and unique geological formations.

Evasion Bleue operates different schedules: weekends feature larger boat trips outside the lagoon to premier sites like Avatolu Pass with its barracuda schools and coral canyons, while weekdays offer intimate lagoon dives with smaller groups. History buffs will love the historically significant sites scattered across the seabed, including Samuel Wallis' verified 1763 anchor at 42 m (138 ft) depths and a preserved American military barge from 1944 covered in black coral with visible instruments.

Beyond diving, Pascal offers unforgettable three-hour snorkelling adventures to the picture-perfect Islet St Christophe with biological guidance about coral formations. Water taxi services to other untouched paradises can also be arranged with local operators through Evasion Bleue for those seeking crystal-clear lagoons and powdery white sand beaches.

Learn more about diving with Evasion Bleue in The Best Dive Shops & Operators in Wallis & Futuna.

Location:

Bord de Mer, Halalo, Mu'a, south coast of Wallis.

Price Range:$$$

More About Boat and Sailing Tours in Wallis and Futuna

That's it for our list of the best boat tours in Wallis and Futuna. For more on getting out on the lagoon or the great blue, take a look at the following guides:

Finally, for the rest of your Wallis and Futuna bucket list, take a look at the 101 Best Things to Do in Wallis and Futuna: The Ultimate List.