Nanumaga
A northern island with landlocked ponds and a long-told story of a sea cave.
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Nanumaga is an oval island in the north of Tuvalu with two landlocked ponds in the middle of it and no lagoon at all, its reef closed all the way round. Islanders have long spoken of a large underwater cave off the coast, and divers have reported openings in the reef face there. Around five hundred people live on the island. Landing is through the surf by boat. The island is around three kilometres across and the village sits close to the landing.
What you actually see
- The landlocked ponds - water in the middle with no sea connection.
- The closed reef - a ring with no lagoon entrance anywhere.
- The reef face - the drop where the reported cave openings lie.
- The village - the settlement on the western side.
When to go
May to October is drier and calmer. Landings depend entirely on the surf. November to April is the cyclone season.
Honest expectations
Landing through the surf is often impossible and ships pass by. Sailings are infrequent and getting stuck is normal. There is no diving infrastructure of any kind.
Nearby
Nanumea is north, and Niutao is southeast.
What to pack for Nanumaga
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
