Tuvalu, in the South Pacific, is an independent island nation within the British Commonwealth. Its 9 islands comprise small, thinly populated atolls and reef islands with palm-fringed beaches and WWII sites. Off Funafuti, the capital, the Funafuti Conservation Area offers calm waters for diving and snorkelling among sea turtles and tropical fish, plus several uninhabited islets sheltering sea birds.
Day 01: Arrive Tuvalu
Arrive Tuvalu meet and assist transfer to Hotel. leaving you the whole day to adjust to the tropical heat and humidity, starting with an early lunch under the swirling fans at the Hotel. The hotel is right across the road from the airport terminal and adjacent to the solar-panelled government building.
Do as the locals do in the heat of the day and take some “Pacific exercise” – it’s Tuvaluan for “siesta”. When the day starts to cool down, it’s time to explore. Ask at your guesthouse about renting a motorbike, then head out on a self-guided island tour.
Make sure you end your island “tour” back at the unfenced airstrip (see Airstrip afternoons), where everyone gathers to walk or play sport in the hour before sunset. Then return to your guesthouse for a home-cooked meal in the dining room; chances are you’ll be the only guest there.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 02: Tuvalu
To be honest, Fongafale isn’t the prettiest island in Funafuti atoll. To reach those you have to rent a boat (again, ask your guesthouse owner to arrange this) and head across the lagoon to its western rim. A day trip to Funafuti Conservation Area means a day in and on the water: island-hopping, swimming, snorkelling and birdwatching.
Overnight in Hotel
Day 03: Tuvalu
Today is a good chance to take in a few of Fongafale’s sights during business hours (remembering to rest during the heat of the day, as always). There’s Tuvalu Post – yes, it’s a post office, but it has a large glass-topped table displaying hundreds of special issue stamps, many of which you can buy.
Overnight in Hotel
Then there’s David’s Drill, a hole in the ground with an interesting backstory.
Staying in various family-owned guesthouses is a great way to meet more locals. Try Esfam Lodge and Hotel Filamona throughout your stay. (Filamona is a good place to stay on your last night because it’s right on the airstrip and so close to the airport you can virtually reach the check-in counter from the breakfast buffet.)
And if you have a chance, get along to a “Fatele” traditional dance-song performance; there’s often one going on in the hall across the road from Filamona.
Overnight in Hotel
Day 04: Tuvalu
If you flew in on Thursday, today is Sunday, which means one thing in Tuvalu: church. There are several churches of various denominations on Fongafale. Some run their services in English, the rest in Tuvaluan. Not that you’ll have much say: your guesthouse host will take you to their church, usually on the back of their motorbike.
She or he might also invite you to join them for Sunday lunch, called a “tonai”, afterwards. This is a must-do and an authentic Tuvaluan family experience. (Just remember to wait for someone to say grace before eating.)
After some post-prandial “Pacific exercise”, pack your bags for an overnight excursion. A small boat will pick you up for the 10-minute transfer to a small eco-lodge on a tiny island off the northern tip of Fongafale, Afelita Island Resort.
Day 05: Tuvalu
You’re really on island time now. Wake early with a walk on the beach, and maybe a swim, before spending the day at Afelita Island Resort, which aims to give guests a back-to-nature experience, Tuvaluan style, with activities such as weaving and fishing.
In the late afternoon, you’ll head back to “the mainland”, stopping en route to visit Tuvalu Marine Training Institute, where many young Tuvaluans prepare for life at sea.
Overnight in Hotel
Day 06: Tuvalu
Day free to rest and relax on the beach.
Overnight in Hotel
Day 07: Departure Tuvalu
Departure transfer to airport to catch the flight for onward journey.
| Place | Night (s) | Hotels |
| Tuvalu | 06 | Afelita Island Resort |
- Welcome on arrival with fresh flower garlands.
- Meet to attend airports / hotels by our office representative.
- 06 nights in accommodation as per the program.
- Daily breakfast, Lunch and dinners.
- Guide Services ( English language )
- Entrance fees to the monuments.
- All taxes.
• International flights
• Personal Expenses.
• Camera / Video Camera Fees.
• Medical Aid.
• Tipping.
• Travel Insurance.
• Visa If any.
• Accommodation in good hotels.
• Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
• Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost. – Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
• A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
• If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
• Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
• In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
• In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
• While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
• Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
• In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.
