Nanumaga
Tuvalu · 5 m
Description
Nanumaga is a single raised island rather than an atoll, with no lagoon and no pass, so the ship stands off the reef and everything comes ashore by workboat through the surf. Two villages, Tonga and Tokelau, sit on the western side and a freshwater pond fills the middle of the island. Divers found charcoal and worked stone in caves now well below sea level here, which pushed the accepted date of settlement in this part of the Pacific back by centuries. Around six hundred people live on the island and outside visitors arrive perhaps a few times a year.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 6 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: June – September
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Submerged fire caves off the reef
- Villages of Tonga and Tokelau on the west side
- Freshwater pond in the centre of the island
- Maneapa meeting house and the island council
- Landing by workboat through the surf
- Pulaka pits and the taro gardens
- Ocean-side beaches and the pandanus coast
- Seabird colonies of the northern point
- Handline fishing off the reef drop-off
- Ship day at the reef with no lagoon (monthly)