Tuvalu is one of the Pacific’s best-kept secrets, a place where travel feels refreshingly uncomplicated. With no tour guides, no crowded attractions, and few cars, it offers an experience that’s rare in today’s fast-paced world. The island nation may lack a tourism information center, but its friendly locals, most of whom speak English, are always ready to guide you. Staying in a family-owned guesthouse gives you an authentic taste of Tuvaluan life, adding a bit of local charm to your holiday. Here are ten unforgettable experiences awaiting you on Funafuti, Tuvalu’s main islet.
Explore the Conservation Area
For a day that feels like a scene from Castaway, venture to the Funafuti Conservation Area, which is about 15 kilometers from the mainland. This cluster of pristine motu, or small islands, is a haven for wildlife. Picture soft, white sands, hundreds of seabirds nesting, and endangered sea turtles laying eggs. Pack a picnic, snorkel among the stunning coral reefs, or simply enjoy the peaceful view.
Embrace Pacific Exercise
Tuvaluans have mastered the art of relaxation, with a midday siesta called “Pacific exercise.” Find a hammock or mat under a shady tree—mind the coconuts—and let the tropical heat lull you into a nap. You’ll wake up refreshed and prepared for the chillier evening hours.
Visit the Airstrip
In Funafuti, even the airstrip doubles as a social hub. Used only two mornings a week, it transforms in the afternoons into a makeshift sports ground, where you can join locals for a game of soccer, volleyball, or touch football, or simply enjoy the cooling breeze and watch life unfold against the backdrop of Tuvalu House and the solar-powered power station.
Take a Ride on Fongafale
Get your bearings by renting a motorbike for $10 a day and riding along Fongafale, the main island. Since the island is long and narrow, the “road trip” involves riding to one end and then turning around to explore the other. It’s a simple yet delightful way to take in daily life on the island, home to about half of Tuvalu’s 11,000 residents.
Step into history
Although a hole in the ground may not seem exciting, David’s Drill is a unique landmark associated with a historic experiment. In the late 19th century, scientists drilled here to test Charles Darwin’s coral atoll formation theory. While the results were inconclusive, the site offers a fascinating glimpse into Tuvalu’s scientific legacy.
Experience a Traditional Sunday
Christianity is central to life in Tuvalu, and Sundays are a special day. Attend a church service—often conducted in either English or Tuvaluan—and afterward, join a family for a “tonai” lunch, where you can sample dishes like fresh fish, breadfruit loaf, and sweet coconut apple. Just remember to wait for Grace before digging in.
Stay at an Eco-Lodge
For an eco-friendly retreat, book a stay at Afelita Island Resort on Mulitefala Island. This solar-powered lodge offers beachside rooms and activities like kayaking, fishing, and weaving lessons. Run by Lita and Afelee, a former Tuvaluan ambassador to the UN, the resort is both welcoming and deeply rooted in local culture.
Learn About Merchant Seamen
The Tuvalu Marine Training Institute on Amatuku Island offers a glimpse into the lives of Tuvaluan seamen-in-training. The island hosts a training facility for young cadets preparing for careers on international cargo ships. The London Missionary Society built Tuvalu’s oldest building, a coral hut, in 1904, and visitors can explore the campus.
Discover Tuvalu’s Cultural Rhythms
Fatele, a traditional dancing song, is a vibrant expression of Tuvaluan culture. These performances often happen in family homes or public meeting spaces called Maneapa. Be sure to ask your guesthouse host where to attend one of these lively events.
Stamp Collectors’ Delight
For philatelists, Tuvalu Post is an undiscovered treasure. Browse an array of rare and beautiful stamps commemorating events like the American Civil War and royal weddings. If you’re lucky, you might find a collector’s piece to take home as a unique souvenir.
Tuvalu maintains a relaxed pace, unencumbered by the demands of contemporary tourism. The charm lies in its simplicity, its people, and its natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring its history, soaking in its culture, or simply relaxing, Tuvalu promises an adventure unlike any other. And if you are interested in other locations in the Pacific where you can visit for a relaxing vacation, check out our other recommendations as well.
