Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive at Funafuti International Airport and settle into
island time with an orientation walk and first glimpse of the stunning lagoon.
Morning
Arrival at Funafuti International Airport
Touch down at one of the world's most remote airports. Clear customs and immigration, exchange currency if needed, and arrange transportation to your accommodation. The airport is small and processing is straightforward, though it may take time depending on flight passenger numbers. Take in your first views of the narrow atoll.
1-2 hours
$10-20
Arrange airport pickup with your accommodation in advance as taxis are limited
Lunch
A local guesthouse or small eatery near the airport area
Tuvaluan staples with fresh fish
Budget
Afternoon
Settlement orientation walk
Take a gentle walking tour of the main settlement area to orient yourself. Visit the local shops to purchase essentials, observe daily
island life, and locate key facilities like the telecommunications office and government buildings. Walk along the lagoon side to witness the stunning turquoise waters that will be your companion for the next two weeks.
2-3 hours
$0
Evening
Sunset watching and welcome dinner
Enjoy your first Funafuti sunset from the western lagoon shore, then have dinner at your guesthouse featuring local fish and root vegetables
Where to Stay Tonight
Main settlement area of Funafuti (Local guesthouse or lodge)
Staying in the main settlement provides easy access to shops, the lagoon, and helps you integrate into island life from day one
Adjust to
island time immediately - schedules are flexible here and patience is essential for a stress-free visit
Day 1 Budget: $90-110
Spend your first full day exploring the magnificent Funafuti Lagoon with snorkeling and swimming in crystal-clear waters.
Morning
Lagoon snorkeling expedition
Join a local boat operator for a morning snorkeling trip in the lagoon. The Funafuti Lagoon is approximately 18 kilometers long and 14 kilometers wide, offering spectacular coral gardens, tropical fish, and excellent visibility. Snorkel over vibrant coral formations and observe reef fish, sea turtles if fortunate, and the incredible underwater biodiversity of this protected atoll ecosystem.
3-4 hours
$40-60
Arrange boat trips through your accommodation the previous evening
Lunch
Packed lunch on the boat or a simple meal at a lagoonside spot
Sandwiches, fruit, and snacks
Budget
Afternoon
Beach relaxation and swimming
Spend the afternoon at one of the lagoon beaches, swimming in the calm, warm waters. The lagoon side offers safe swimming conditions with minimal waves and stunning clarity. Bring a book, relax under a palm tree, and embrace the peaceful atmosphere. The water temperature typically ranges from 28-30°C year-round, making it perfect for extended swimming sessions.
3-4 hours
$0
Evening
Traditional dinner and stargazing
Enjoy dinner featuring pulaka (taro) and fresh fish at a local guesthouse, then spend time stargazing from the beach with minimal light pollution
Where to Stay Tonight
Main settlement area of Funafuti (Local guesthouse or lodge)
Continue staying centrally for easy access to boat operators and lagoon activities
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a rashguard for sun protection during extended water activities
Day 2 Budget: $85-115
Engage with local culture through visits to community areas, observe traditional handicraft production, and learn about Tuvaluan customs.
Morning
Community center visit and cultural exchange
Visit the community gathering areas where locals congregate. Observe or participate in traditional activities such as mat weaving, coconut husking, or fish preparation. Tuvaluans are generally welcoming to respectful visitors interested in their culture. Learn about traditional navigation, fishing techniques, and the challenges of atoll living. Take time to understand the impact of climate change on this low-lying nation.
2-3 hours
$0-10
Lunch
A small local eatery in the settlement
Traditional Tuvaluan dishes with coconut and fish
Budget
Afternoon
Handicraft observation and shopping
Visit areas where local women create traditional handicrafts including woven mats, fans, and bags made from pandanus leaves. These items represent important cultural traditions and provide income for families. Purchase authentic handicrafts directly from artisans, ensuring your money supports local families. Observe the intricate weaving techniques passed down through generations.
2-3 hours
$20-40
Evening
Sunset walk and quiet dinner
Walk along the lagoon at sunset, then enjoy a simple dinner at your accommodation
Where to Stay Tonight
Main settlement area of Funafuti (Local guesthouse or lodge)
Remaining in the same location helps build relationships with local hosts and community members
Always ask permission before photographing people or their activities, and be prepared for friendly curiosity about your home country
Day 3 Budget: $75-105
Cycle the length of the atoll's main
island, exploring villages, ocean-side beaches, and experiencing the narrow geography of this unique landform.
Morning
Bicycle rental and northern exploration
Rent a bicycle and ride north along the main road. The narrow atoll rarely exceeds 200 meters in width, meaning you're never far from water on either side. Stop at small villages, observe local life, and visit the ocean side to see the contrast between the calm lagoon and the powerful Pacific waves. The flat terrain makes cycling easy and enjoyable.
3-4 hours
$5-10
Lunch
A village rest area or return to the main settlement
Packed lunch or simple local food
Budget
Afternoon
Southern atoll exploration by bicycle
Continue cycling south to explore the opposite end of the atoll. Visit the ocean-facing coastline where waves crash against the reef, providing a dramatic contrast to the lagoon's serenity. Stop at churches, local schools if appropriate, and observe the coconut plantations that dot the landscape. The entire rideable length can be covered in a day with leisurely stops.
3-4 hours
$0
Evening
Rest and recovery dinner
Relax after your cycling day with a hearty meal at your guesthouse featuring grilled fish and tropical fruit
Where to Stay Tonight
Main settlement area of Funafuti (Local guesthouse or lodge)
Return to your familiar base after a day of island exploration
Start cycling early to avoid midday heat, and bring plenty of water as shade can be limited along the road
Day 4 Budget: $70-95
Take a boat trip to the Funafuti Conservation Area, a protected marine zone with exceptional snorkeling and pristine coral ecosystems.
Morning
Boat trip to Funafuti Conservation Area
Depart early for the Funafuti Conservation Area, established to protect the lagoon's marine biodiversity. This protected zone on the western side of the lagoon features some of the healthiest coral reefs in the atoll. Spend hours snorkeling among abundant fish species, pristine coral formations, and possibly sea turtles. The conservation area represents
Tuvalu's commitment to protecting its marine resources.
4-5 hours
$50-80
Book this trip at least one day in advance through local boat operators
Lunch
Packed lunch on the boat or at a conservation area beach
Sandwiches, fruit, and drinking coconuts
Budget
Afternoon
Extended snorkeling and beach time
Continue exploring the conservation area with more snorkeling or simply relax on uninhabited beaches. The area offers some of the clearest waters and most vibrant marine life in the lagoon. Observe the delicate balance of atoll ecosystems and appreciate the importance of conservation efforts in this climate-vulnerable nation.
2-3 hours
$0
Evening
Return journey and dinner
Enjoy the boat ride back at sunset, then have dinner sharing stories of the day's marine encounters
Where to Stay Tonight
Main settlement area of Funafuti (Local guesthouse or lodge)
Return to your established accommodation after a full day on the water
Bring an underwater camera or waterproof phone case to capture the incredible marine life
Day 5 Budget: $95-130
Take a slower day to rest, attend local church services if it's Sunday, and observe everyday
island rhythms.
Morning
Church service attendance or quiet morning
If it's Sunday, consider attending a church service to experience the beautiful harmonious singing Tuvaluans are known for. Churches play a central role in
island life, and visitors are typically welcome. If not Sunday, enjoy a leisurely morning reading, walking, or simply relaxing. Use this time to rest from more active days and recharge.
2-3 hours
$0-5
Lunch
A relaxed meal at your guesthouse
Traditional Sunday meal or simple lunch
Budget
Afternoon
Lagoon swimming and reading
Spend a quiet afternoon at the lagoon beach with a book, swimming periodically to cool off. Use this downtime to reflect on your experiences, journal, or simply appreciate the tranquility of
island life. Watch local children playing in the water and families enjoying their leisure time. This slower pace matches the natural rhythm of Funafuti.
3-4 hours
$0
Evening
Casual dinner and early rest
Have an early dinner and enjoy a peaceful evening, perhaps playing cards or chatting with your hosts
Where to Stay Tonight
Main settlement area of Funafuti (Local guesthouse or lodge)
Continue at your familiar accommodation to maintain routine and relationships
Sundays are quiet days in
Tuvalu with most businesses closed - plan accordingly and respect the day of rest
Day 6 Budget: $65-85
Join local fishermen for a traditional fishing experience and learn about the vital role of fishing in Tuvaluan life.
Morning
Traditional fishing expedition
Arrange to join local fishermen for a morning fishing trip, either in the lagoon or outside the reef depending on conditions and boat availability. Learn traditional fishing techniques, try your hand at line fishing, and understand how Tuvaluans sustainably harvest the ocean's resources. Fishing is both subsistence and cultural practice here, and participating offers genuine insight into
island life.
3-4 hours
$40-60
Arrange through your guesthouse host, as fishing trips are typically informal arrangements
Lunch
Fresh fish lunch prepared from the morning's catch
Grilled or coconut-cooked fresh fish
Budget
Afternoon
Fish preparation and cooking observation
If possible, observe or participate in traditional fish preparation and cooking methods. Learn about coconut milk-based dishes, underground oven cooking, and preservation techniques. Understanding food preparation provides insight into resourcefulness and culinary traditions. Alternatively, spend the afternoon resting after the morning's early start.
2-3 hours
$0-10
Evening
Seafood dinner celebration
Enjoy a special seafood dinner featuring the day's catch, prepared in traditional Tuvaluan style
Where to Stay Tonight
Main settlement area of Funafuti (Local guesthouse or lodge)
Stay at your established base where your hosts can facilitate fishing arrangements
Fishing trips often depart very early (before sunrise) so be prepared for an early wake-up call
Day 7 Budget: $85-110
Take a boat to one of the small uninhabited islets within the atoll for a pristine beach picnic and snorkeling.
Morning
Boat journey to uninhabited islet
Depart for one of the small uninhabited islets that dot the Funafuti Atoll. These tiny sand cays offer absolute tranquility and picture-perfect beaches. The boat ride itself provides beautiful views of the lagoon and opportunities to spot marine life. Upon arrival, claim your spot on the pristine beach and begin exploring this miniature paradise.
Book the full-day islet trip through local boat operators at least one day ahead
Lunch
Picnic lunch on the deserted islet
Packed lunch with local specialties and fresh fruit
Budget
Afternoon
Snorkeling and beach exploration
Spend the afternoon snorkeling the reefs surrounding the islet, walking the circumference of your temporary
island home, and relaxing in complete solitude. These islets offer some of the best snorkeling with easy reef access directly from shore. Collect shells (only empty ones), observe seabirds, and experience true
island castaway feelings in this remote setting.
3-4 hours
$0
Evening
Return journey and dinner
Boat back to the main
island in late afternoon, then enjoy dinner recounting your desert
island experience
Where to Stay Tonight
Main settlement area of Funafuti (Local guesthouse or lodge)
Return to your familiar lodging after the day trip
Bring everything you need for the day as uninhabited islets have no facilities - shade, water, food, and sun protection are essential
Day 8 Budget: $95-125
Dedicate today to learning traditional Tuvaluan skills like coconut processing, weaving, or traditional games.
Morning
Coconut processing workshop
Learn the many uses of coconuts in Tuvaluan life. Observe or participate in husking, opening, grating, and extracting coconut cream. Coconuts provide food, drink, oil, and materials for countless purposes. Understanding coconut processing reveals the resourcefulness required for sustainable atoll living. Local families may demonstrate these skills if you express interest through your hosts.
2-3 hours
$10-20
Lunch
A local meal featuring coconut cream-based dishes
Tuvaluan coconut curry or fish in coconut milk
Budget
Afternoon
Weaving lesson or traditional games
Arrange a basic weaving lesson with local artisans, learning to work with pandanus leaves to create simple items. Alternatively, learn traditional Tuvaluan games and sports that children and adults play. These cultural exchanges create meaningful connections and provide skills-based memories beyond typical tourism. Your participation, however clumsy, will be appreciated and often met with good-humored encouragement.
2-3 hours
$15-25
Evening
Community dinner
If possible, arrange to share a meal with a local family for authentic cultural exchange
Where to Stay Tonight
Main settlement area of Funafuti (Local guesthouse or lodge)
Your established relationships at your accommodation help facilitate these cultural experiences
Bring a small gift when visiting families - items from your home country or useful goods purchased locally are appropriate
Day 9 Budget: $80-105
Explore the dramatic ocean side of the atoll where Pacific waves meet the reef, contrasting with the calm lagoon.
Morning
Ocean-side coastal walk
Walk along the ocean-facing side of the atoll, observing the powerful waves breaking on the outer reef. The ocean side presents a completely different character from the lagoon - rougher, wilder, and more dramatic. Observe how the reef protects the atoll, watch seabirds fishing, and understand the vulnerability of these low-lying islands to rising seas. The coastal defenses and erosion patterns tell stories of climate adaptation.
2-3 hours
$0
Lunch
A settlement eatery or packed lunch
Simple local food
Budget
Afternoon
Tide pool exploration and beachcombing
During low tide, explore tide pools on the ocean side where small marine creatures create miniature ecosystems. Beachcombing often reveals interesting shells, coral pieces, and sometimes debris from across the Pacific, illustrating ocean currents and connectivity. Observe hermit crabs, small fish, and the hardy organisms that survive in this challenging intertidal zone.
2-3 hours
$0
Evening
Sunset viewing and dinner
Watch sunset from the lagoon side, then enjoy dinner at your guesthouse
Where to Stay Tonight
Main settlement area of Funafuti (Local guesthouse or lodge)
Continue at your established accommodation
Never swim on the ocean side - currents and waves are dangerous; the lagoon is the safe swimming area
Day 10 Budget: $70-90
Venture to deeper lagoon areas for advanced snorkeling over drop-offs and channels with larger marine life.
Morning
Deep lagoon snorkeling expedition
Join a boat trip to the deeper channels and areas of the lagoon where the bottom drops away and larger fish congregate. These areas offer different marine life than shallow reefs, including larger reef fish, occasional pelagic species, and impressive coral formations. The deep blue water provides a thrilling snorkeling experience for confident swimmers. Visibility is typically excellent in these areas.
3-4 hours
$45-65
Ensure your boat operator knows you want to visit deeper areas suitable for experienced snorkelers
Lunch
Lunch on the boat or at a lagoon beach
Packed lunch with fresh fruit
Budget
Afternoon
Shallow reef snorkeling and relaxation
After the morning's deeper adventure, spend the afternoon snorkeling shallower reefs or relaxing on a beach. The variety of depths and habitats in the lagoon means every snorkeling session reveals something different. Take time to simply float and observe, practicing your fish identification and appreciating the incredible biodiversity surrounding you.
2-3 hours
$0
Evening
Dinner and marine life discussion
Share observations of the day's marine encounters over dinner, perhaps with your boat operator or guide
Where to Stay Tonight
Main settlement area of Funafuti (Local guesthouse or lodge)
Return to your familiar base after a day on the water
Bring an underwater slate or waterproof notebook to record interesting fish species you observe
Day 11 Budget: $90-115
Engage in deeper cultural learning through storytelling, history, and understanding contemporary challenges facing
Tuvalu.
Morning
Historical and cultural storytelling session
Arrange time with knowledgeable community members or elders to learn about Tuvaluan history, traditional navigation, legends, and oral traditions. Understanding the Polynesian settlement of these islands, traditional governance systems, and the transition to modern nation-statehood provides essential context. Learn about
Tuvalu's unique position as one of the world's smallest and most climate-vulnerable nations.
2-3 hours
$10-20
Lunch
A local eatery in the settlement
Traditional Tuvaluan lunch
Budget
Afternoon
Climate change and adaptation learning
Learn about the very real impacts of climate change on Funafuti through observation of coastal defenses, high-tide flooding areas, and adaptation projects. Speak with locals about their concerns and hopes for the future. Understanding these challenges adds profound meaning to your visit and helps you become an advocate for climate action upon returning home.
2-3 hours
$0
Evening
Reflective dinner
Have a thoughtful dinner reflecting on what you've learned about Tuvaluan resilience and challenges
Where to Stay Tonight
Main settlement area of Funafuti (Local guesthouse or lodge)
Stay at your established accommodation where you've built relationships
Approach climate discussions with sensitivity and respect - these are existential issues for Tuvaluans, not abstract concepts
Day 12 Budget: $75-100
Spend your final full day enjoying the lagoon, revisiting favorite spots, and making final memories.
Morning
Sunrise swim and favorite spot revisit
Wake early for a sunrise swim in the lagoon, then revisit your favorite location from the past two weeks. Whether it's a particular beach, snorkeling spot, or viewpoint, spend time appreciating it one last time. Take final photographs, collect memories, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere that has characterized your stay.
2-3 hours
$0
Lunch
A favorite local spot you've discovered
Your preferred Tuvaluan dish
Budget
Afternoon
Final lagoon snorkeling and swimming
Spend your final afternoon in the water, snorkeling and swimming in the beautiful lagoon. Take your time, move slowly, and try to memorize the colors, sensations, and feelings of this special place. Collect any final shells or memories, and say goodbye to the marine environment that has been your daily companion.
3-4 hours
$0-20
Evening
Farewell dinner and gift giving
Share a special farewell dinner with your hosts, exchanging small gifts and contact information to stay connected
Where to Stay Tonight
Main settlement area of Funafuti (Local guesthouse or lodge)
Spend your final night at the accommodation that has been your home base
Purchase any final handicrafts or souvenirs today, as you'll have limited time tomorrow before departure
Day 13 Budget: $75-100
Final morning in Funafuti, packing, farewells, and departure from one of the world's most remote destinations.
Morning
Final preparations and farewells
Pack your belongings, ensuring you have all your purchases and souvenirs properly packed. Say farewell to your hosts and any friends you've made during your stay. Take a final walk if time permits, breathing in the salt air and imprinting final memories. Exchange contact information with people you've connected with, and express gratitude for the hospitality you've received.
2-3 hours
$0
Lunch
Light meal before airport departure
Simple food at guesthouse or near airport
Budget
Afternoon
Departure from Funafuti International Airport
Travel to Funafuti International Airport for your departure flight. Arrive with plenty of time as check-in procedures, though simple, should not be rushed. Clear departure procedures, and take final photographs of the atoll from the air as you depart. Reflect on your two weeks of genuine cultural immersion and the connections you've made in this remote Pacific nation.
2-3 hours
$10-20
Evening
In transit
Begin your journey home with memories of an extraordinary destination
Where to Stay Tonight
In transit (None)
Departure day
Flights from Funafuti are infrequent - confirm your departure time multiple times and arrive early at the airport
Day 14 Budget: $60-80