What You Need to Know About Sailing in Wallis and Futuna
Located northeast of Fiji and northwest of Tonga, the islands of Wallis and Futuna LINK#TT064 offer a welcoming stop on the Transpacific journey for yachties.
While not exactly a huge sailing ground like the scattered archipelagos of some of the other South Pacific nations, Wallis and Futuna makes for some interesting islands to visit nonetheless - and arguably, more remote and less touristy than many of its neighbours in the region.
Furthermore, the territory may well offer one of the first practical landfalls if travelling west from Samoa.
So, find out about the islands to visit, the clearance procedures and more in this complete sailing guide to Wallis and Futuna.
Table of Contents
5 Quick Tips for Sailing in Wallis and Futuna
- Yachts are not encouraged to sail or remain in Wallis and Futuna during the cyclone/hurricane season, between November and April.
- Give yourself plenty of time to clear in and out within usual Government working hours (Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm - be aware of public holidays).
- If you can avoid it, don't arrive/depart on a weekend.
- You need to clear in and out of both Wallis and Futuna.
- Anchoring can be a challenge, so check out our notes in the "Anchorages in Wallis and Futuna" section below.
Where to Sail in Wallis and Futuna
Wallis and Futuna is made up of two main islands: Wallis (Uvea) and Futuna. They are approximately 250 km (135 nm) apart and both have a port of entry.
Wallis and Futuna can be included in transpacific sailing itineraries, where most yachts approach from Samoa or continue west to Fiji or Vanuatu. The journey from Samoa to Wallis and Futuna is approximately one day - see sailing times in How Long Does it Take to Sail to Wallis and Futuna.
Sailing to Wallis
Wallis is the most developed island in Wallis and Futuna and the main service centre. Although there are no repair facilities and yacht services, you will find Yamaha outboard motors at Technic Import (Aka'aka) and a hardware store at Batirama (Fenuarama Shopping Centre, Mata'Utu).
There are also shops for provisioning, so it's a good place to stock up before long voyages. On the other hand, options are more basic compared to larger Pacific ports. Check out the Information, Shops & Services on Wallis Island LINK#D018 for services that might be helpful.
Your main entry point into Wallis is via the southern Passe Honikulu, which is wide and well-marked.
Entry instructions for Mata'Utu quayside should be coordinated with local authorities on VHF Ch.16 before arrival. See the "Clearing Customs for Yachts in Wallis and Futuna" section below for more details.
As for experiencing Wallis as a visitor, the island offers stunning natural attractions like crater lakes and uninhabited islets, while there are excellent kitesurfing and snorkelling opportunities in the protected lagoon. Rental cars are available for exploring.
Head to The Complete Travel Guide to Wallis LINK#D017 to start planning your visit and check out the "Anchorages in Wallis and Futuna" section below.
Sailing to Futuna
Futuna, also known as the Horne Islands (Futuna and Alofi), are much less developed than Wallis. However, there is an official port of entry at Leava, which is also your best anchorage option. On Futuna's west coast, it offers the most sheltered conditions.
While the selection of shops for provisioning is not as extensive as Wallis', you'll still be able to pick up essentials and hire a car to explore the island. See the Information, Shops & Services on Futuna LINK#D036 to learn more about provisioning.
On Alofi, the island is uninhabited, and the only way to explore is on foot. Guides are available to help you find the island's caves.
Once you've sorted out the logistics, Futuna offers interesting historical sites, traditional Futunan villages, and a chance to hike the territory's highest peak, Mt Puke. The islands offer incredible hiking and cultural experiences.
Plan your visit starting with The Complete Travel Guide to Futuna LINK#D035 and check out the "Anchorages in Wallis and Futuna" section below.
Clearing Customs for Yachts in Wallis and Futuna
Ports of Entry in Wallis and Futuna
There are two ports of entry in Wallis and Futuna:
- Mata'utu Port (Wallis): Located in the capital, this is the main entry point for most vessels. The customs office is situated on the quayside.
- Leava Port (Futuna): A customs office is also located on the Leava quayside.
Yacht Clearance in Wallis and Futuna
Wallis and Futuna require specific clearance procedures for visiting yachts. You'll need to complete formalities on both islands if island-hopping, and the process follows French protocols.
When arriving on either of the two islands, call Port Control on VHF 16.
Entry Requirements
Passports must be issued less than 10 years before and be valid for at least three months after the designated departure date.
French citizens only require an identity card, whilst citizens from non-EU countries will require a passport.
Wallis Island Clearance
You are required to go to Mata'Utu first to complete your formalities. Note that there are lots of bommies around.
The dinghy dock in Mata'Utu is at 13Ā°17.112S 176Ā°10.152W, which gets very low at low tide.
First, you visit Customs, located on the wharf, then you go to the Gendarmerie to complete Immigration.
The Gendarmerie is located about 800 m (875 yards) from the wharf. At the end of the wharf road (at GƮte Oceania), turn left and continue along the road past the cathedral and round the corner past the post office. The Gendarmerie/police station is about 200 m (219 yards) on your left.
Wallis Yacht Clearance Contact Information:
- Brigade des Douanes au quai de Mata'Utu: +681 72 29 58
- Standard service des Douanes: [email protected] +681 72 14
- Gendarmerie Nationale: +681 72 09 00 or +681 72 01 51
Futuna Island Clearance
Futuna has no lagoon, so anchorage and mooring areas are fairly limited. The most sheltered and convenient place to anchor is Leava Bay where you will be close to the quayside and shops.
Leava anchorage (14Ā°17.733S 178Ā°09.652W) is a small, pretty exposed harbour with space for a handful of boats to anchor. The dinghy landing (14Ā°17.555S 178Ā°09.564W) has a boat ramp.
Formalities are handled at Leava quayside. First, visit Customs at Futuna Wharf, then go to the Gendarmerie to complete Immigration.
The Gendarmerie is located just south of the wharf. From the wharf exit, turn right and walk for about 90 m (98 yards) and the Gendarmerie is the first building on your right.
Futuna Yacht Clearance Contact Information:
- Brigade des Douanes au quai de Leava: [email protected], +681 72 32
- Gendarmerie Nationale: +681 72 32 17
Immigration and Customs Restrictions
The Gendarmerie generally want to see each crew member and their passport.
There are no clearance fees on either island.
Yachts may stay a maximum of six months in a 12-month period without paying duty.
All firearms and ammunition require authorisation and must be reported.
For more about what to expect from customs, check out Arriving in Wallis & Futuna: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & Arrival Process LINK#TT003 whose information also applies to yachts.
Sailing Around Wallis and Futuna and Clearing Out
Domestic Cruising
For sailing between the islands of Wallis and Futuna, you'll need to complete full clearance procedures at each island, even if you've already cleared in at the other island in the territory.
Be aware that some areas may have environmental restrictions, and it's essential to follow local guidelines to protect the marine environment.
International Clearance
When departing Wallis and Futuna, you must clear out through both Customs and Gendarmerie, even if you're just sailing to the other island within the territory.
The good news is that there are no fees for these clearance procedures, making inter-island travel more straightforward from a cost perspective.
Anchorages in Wallis and Futuna
Wallis and Futuna offer several anchorage options for visiting yachts, each with its own characteristics and level of protection from the elements.
Each anchorage has its merits depending on weather conditions and your specific needs during your stay.
More About Sailing in Wallis & Futuna
That's it for our complete guide to sailing in Wallis and Futuna. More tips for travellers arriving by yacht can be found in the following guides:
- The Duty-Free Allowances for Wallis and Futuna
- Wallis and Futuna Transport Guide: 10 Best Ways to Get Around Wallis and Futuna
- Information, Shops & Services in Wallis and Futuna LINK#TTD096
Finally, plan your whole trip to Wallis and Futuna using The Complete Travel Guide to Wallis and Futuna LINK#TT064 and the 20 Tips for Travelling in Wallis and Futuna.
