Funafuti brings together the marine environments of the Funafuti Conservation Area and historical connections across the atoll and main island. Reef, lagoon, channel and ocean represent its natural side; David’s Drill and the remains along the main island of Fongafale draw attention to different chapters of its history.

Reef, lagoon and marine life

The boundaries of the Funafuti Conservation Area encompass about 20 percent of the total coral reef area of the Funafuti Lagoon (Te Namo). The percentage refers to the coral reef area, not the entire lagoon. The marine habitat includes reef, lagoon, channel and ocean; numerous species of fish, corals, algae and invertebrates live there. These details describe different aspects of the area: the percentage indicates the extent of the protected reef area, while the habitat types and species add the marine surroundings and their inhabitants to this picture.

History across the atoll and main island

David’s Drill is a sight on Funafuti and recalls experimental drilling by the Royal Society of London in the late 19th century, intended to test Charles Darwin’s theory of atoll formation. Funafuti Atoll was a major base during the Second World War; remains from that period can be seen along the main island of Fongafale. These historical connections differ in time and place: David’s Drill represents a scientific project from the late 19th century; the role as a major base concerns the atoll during the Second World War, while the visible remains are along Fongafale. The Tuvalu Philatelic Bureau is located at the southern end of the settlement of Funafuti.

Tuvalu in the wider context

For Tuvalu as a whole, the islets of the Funafuti Conservation Area are nesting sites for the endangered green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). Te ano (the ball) is Tuvalu’s national sport. The Afelita Day Tour goes to Afelita Island; the boat trip from Funafuti takes about ten minutes. The national sport is part of Tuvalu as a whole, while the Afelita Day Tour travels by boat from Funafuti to a different destination: Afelita Island.

In Tuvalu, fans, mats, baskets, necklaces, wood carvings and fishhooks are available for sale. Places to buy them include the Women’s Handicraft Center near the airport, small craft stalls outside the airport and locations on the outer islands. If you plan to visit a particular seller, check the current opening hours and offerings in advance.

A focus for your stay

When choosing your accommodation, you can use these themes to guide your decision: should your stay focus mainly on marine habitats, historical connections on Funafuti, or also include a destination within the wider destination of Tuvalu? This gives your search for a holiday rental a concrete travel idea to start from.

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