31 Ways to Travel More Sustainably in Wallis & Futuna

Travelling during the low season in Wallis and Futuna offers a quieter, more affordable, and eco-friendly experience. Plan your trip between June and September to enjoy smaller crowds, lower prices, and less pressure on local resources.

Most visitors to Wallis and Futuna tend to stay on Wallis Island (Uvea) or Futuna Island, where the main towns and services are located.

To reduce pressure on the territory’s limited infrastructure and discover hidden gems, consider visiting smaller, less-visited areas such as Alofi or remote parts of Futuna, which offer pristine landscapes, traditional villages, and fewer tourists.

Flights to Wallis and Futuna contribute the largest portion of your travel carbon footprint. Consider extending your stay to make the most of the environmental cost of your journey.

Plan a longer trip with the help of our Wallis & Futuna Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks LINK#TI043.

Reusables, such as metal straws, water bottles and shopping bags, can help save dozens of plastic from going into landfills. By packing your own (and making sure you use them), you'll help reduce the need for single-use items during your trip and keep your waste to a minimum.

Sadly, there's still plastic everywhere, so reusables will come in handy here. You can even buy collapsible food containers from Cost U Less to help with your sustainable travel efforts.

More advice on using reusable water bottles can be found toward the end of this listicle!

Shampoo bars are both a great way to save money on haircare (they last much longer) and reduce the amount of plastic used. Plus, this will also help you avoid the use of mini-toiletries in your resort that are extremely plastic-inefficient.

We like New Zealand-made Ethique shampoo bars.

You'll easily find brands all over the world and even in Wallis and Futuna.

When exploring Wallis and Futuna, avoid littering by packing a small bag to take your rubbish with you.

Know that aerosol sprays, batteries and many plastics, for example, are not properly recycled in Wallis and Futuna, so take them back home where you are more likely to recycle them properly (or avoid bringing them at all).

Standard sunscreens are made with oxybenzone and octinoxate which are harmful to Wallis and Futuna's coral ecosystems. Use reef-safe sunscreen to enjoy Wallis and Futuna's amazing coral reefs without damaging them.

Check out our favourites in The Best Sunscreens for Wallis & Futuna + Sun Protection Tips.

DEET is the main component of standard insect repellents that contaminate soil and waterways and isn’t all that great for you either. Use lemon and eucalyptus sprays, and cover your arms and legs.

You can check our 10 Best Natural Insect Repellents for Wallis & Futuna for our recommendations.

Travel pamphlets and brochures are everywhere in Wallis and Futuna, and many of them are super useful.

On departure, what about leaving them behind in your accommodation’s lobby, for example, so they are used a second time?

In Wallis and Futuna, public transport is extremely limited, so most travellers rely on rental cars, motorbikes, or taxis to get around. To travel more sustainably, consider sharing rides with other visitors or locals whenever possible, and try to stay longer in one area to reduce frequent trips between islands.

For shorter distances within villages or along coastal paths, walking is an excellent alternative, it’s eco-friendly, healthy, and gives you a closer connection to local life.

Planning your routes in advance and minimising vehicle use helps lower your carbon footprint while exploring these beautiful islands.

See all of your options for travelling in the Wallis & Futuna Transport Guide: 10 Best Ways to Get Around Wallis & Futuna.

That’s right, there are more and more ways to travel sustainably in Wallis and Futuna!

The islands are ideal for bicycle touring, especially on Wallis and the smaller outer islands, where traffic is light and scenery is stunning. For shorter distances or village exploration, scooters are available to hire and use far less fuel than cars, making them an eco-friendlier way to get around.

Planning your transport this way helps reduce your carbon footprint while still allowing you to explore the islands freely.

While taxis are a convenient way to get from Hihifo Airport (Wallis) or Pointe Mata-Utu Airport (Futuna), booking a shared shuttle service with your accommodation in advance is a more eco-friendly option.

Shared transfers, such as hotel or guesthouse shuttles, reduce carbon emissions per traveller by grouping passengers together, helping you lower your environmental impact while still travelling comfortably.

Learn more about your airport transfer options in the 10 Best Airport Transfers in Wallis & Futuna LINK#T030.

Pretty much every airline offers options to offset the carbon footprint of your flight, however, most are not so transparent and are questionable in how much real "carbon off-setting" they actually achieve.

We always recommend looking into your own choice of carbon off-setting. If you haven't got the time, we recommend myclimate.org or flygrn.com which offer better options than those offered by most airlines.

It is no secret that flying direct can save you a lot of time. But did you know that it also results in a lower carbon footprint? Making your total flight time shorter reduces the carbon footprint of your trip and we’re all better for it.

Check out where you can take direct flights to Wallis and Futuna using Which Airlines Fly Directly to Futuna?

Wallis and Futuna offer a range of locally run B&Bs, homestays, and small lodges that use fewer resources than large hotels. These smaller accommodations not only have a lower environmental impact but also provide direct support to the local communities, helping you travel more sustainably while experiencing authentic island life.

Learn more about the accommodations available in Where to Stay in Wallis & Futuna.

Although the number of accommodations in Wallis and Futuna with a strong focus on sustainability is limited, there are options for environmentally conscious travellers.

Choosing eco-lodges or small resorts that implement sustainable practices, such as using local resources responsibly, reducing waste, and supporting marine or land conservation, helps ensure your stay benefits both the local community and the environment.

By staying at places that actively protect their surroundings, your trip becomes a positive experience for you, the islands, and the planet.

Hotel laundries are notoriously heavy on chemical detergent and water usage, so consider keeping your towel for a few days.

All you’ve got to do is hang your towel to dry instead of leaving it on the floor; the housekeeping staff will get the message.

Rooms can be cooled in a matter of minutes using the air conditioning, so there’s no need to let it run all day.

Before heading out, do a quick check around your room and turn off all the appliances to help decrease the power consumption during your stay.

Air-conditioning machines have to work extra hard when set in larger spaces… And there is no larger space than the great Wallis and Futuna outdoors!

Make sure to keep your doors and windows closed when cranking up the A/C in your room. It will significantly reduce your power usage. Better yet, switch off the A/C, open the doors and windows at the front and back of the bungalow and use nature's A/C: the ocean breeze!

Instead of using mini-toiletries in your accommodation that are extremely plastic-inefficient, use your own soap (and reusable soapbox for easy travel)! Not only will it reduce waste, but it means that you can stick to your loved and trusted brand and avoid any nasty surprises.

If you choose to use the mini-toiletries included in your resort’s room, take them with you when you leave. No matter how much of it you have used, it will be discarded by the housekeeping staff and that’d be a shame.

Most beaches in Wallis and Futuna are free to access, making it easy to enjoy the islands’ stunning coastline without worrying about entry fees. However, a few areas, such as private properties or managed conservation zones, may request a small contribution or fee.

Supporting these local initiatives, even voluntarily, helps maintain the natural beauty and preserves marine and coastal ecosystems for future visitors. After all, a few dollars can go a long way in protecting this Pacific paradise.

Learn more about customary entry fees in our guide to Wallisian & Futunan Etiquette: Wallis & Futuna Customs & Traditions LINK#TT053.

In Wallis and Futuna, some tour operators focus on providing travellers with sustainable, environmentally conscious experiences. By selecting these operators, you ensure your visit supports local communities and preserves the islands’ natural beauty.

For example, eco-friendly tours may include guided snorkelling trips or cultural excursions that highlight marine and terrestrial conservation efforts, giving you an unforgettable experience while minimizing your impact on the environment.

Learn more about these tours in the 10 Best Snorkelling Tours in Wallis & Futuna LINK#TTD101.

In Wallis and Futuna, many souvenirs are imported rather than made locally, which adds unnecessary environmental and carbon costs. To travel more sustainably, look for items crafted by local artisans, such as traditional tapa cloth, woven mats or handmade jewelry.

Choosing locally made gifts not only reduces your environmental footprint but also supports the island’s communities and preserves their cultural heritage.

Check out some local gifts in the 10 Best Souvenirs & Gifts from Wallis & Futuna.

Going on a walk LINK#TTD131, snorkelling LINK#TTD099 and relaxing by the beach are not just some of the most memorable experiences in Wallis and Futuna, but they are also some of the most sustainable.

The scenery above and below the surface is, arguably, the country’s biggest selling point, so why not enjoy it without the fluff of, say, a motor-powered tour?

Speaking of snorkelling and relaxing at the beach, another thing to be mindful of when looking to travel more sustainably in Wallis and Futuna is how you impact coral. Try not to stand on coral or break any with your fins; it takes years to regrow.

Enjoy coral from a safe distance. Besides, there is some marine life you will not want to touch anyway, as outlined in our Wallis & Futuna Safety Tips: Is it Safe to Travel to Wallis & Futuna?

When visiting Wallis and Futuna, it’s important to manage your waste carefully. Public bins can be limited, and improper disposal can harm the islands’ delicate ecosystems.

Always carry a small bag for your trash if needed, separate recyclables when possible, and avoid leaving any waste on beaches or trails.

By disposing of waste responsibly, you help preserve the natural beauty of Wallis and Futuna and protect its wildlife for future visitors.

In Wallis and Futuna, many restaurants and cafés still rely on plastic straws, utensils, and takeaway containers. While some establishments may offer biodegradable options, these often still end up in landfill.

Politely declining extra plastic cutlery, bags, or straws that you don’t need can make a meaningful difference.

Bring your own reusable alternatives, or simply drink directly from your cup, locals and staff are generally understanding, and every small action helps reduce plastic waste on the islands.

When travelling, there’s no need to have the same imported treats from home. Try something local! Fresh locally sourced ingredients are better for the environment than those that had to travel far (and emit a lot of carbon) to get here.

Plus, you’ll hardly regret trying some of the local delicacies!

Check out some local eats in the 10 Best Foodie Experiences in Wallis & Futuna LINK#TTD042 and Traditional Wallis & Futuna Food: 20 Foods to Try in Wallis & Futuna LINK#TTD044.

Travelling is a great opportunity to try new things. You may have heard that plant-based food is easier on the planet, so why not give a shot at a vegetarian meal or two during your trip?

You may discover something new and delicious. Plus, it will help reduce your impact in a multitude of ways. See some fantastic options in our guide, Wallis & Futuna for Vegans & Vegetarians + 10 Best Restaurants LINK#TTD054.

Water is a bit of a tricky one when it comes to sustainability when travelling in Wallis and Futuna. Using a normal reusable water bottle and refilling it at any old tap in Wallis and Futuna could well lead to some health issues, so buying bottled water might seem like the only safe solution.

However, our team travel the islands without having to buy bottled water thanks to water purification bottles like Lifestraw. They might be expensive upfront, but they pay for themselves time and time again (and eliminate the stress of finding shops when you're parched).

See Is the Water Safe to Drink in Wallis & Futuna? for a much deeper dive into the subject.