Tepuka Islet

Tepuka lies on the western rim of Funafuti lagoon inside the conservation area, an uninhabited islet with coconut and native scrub on it, beach on both the lagoon and ocean sides and reef around. Seabirds nest and turtles come ashore on the seaward beach. Boats run out from Funafuti when the weather allows and it is the standard day trip from the capital. The crossing takes around an hour from Fongafale depending on the boat and the wind.

The landscape

• The two shores - lagoon on one side, open ocean on the other.
• The seabird nesting - the colonies on uninhabited ground.
• The turtles - the animals coming ashore on the seaward beach.
• The reef - the coral around the islet inside the conservation area.

When to go

May to October is drier and calmer for the crossing. Boat trips depend on lagoon conditions. November to April is the cyclone season.

What to expect

There are no facilities and everything must be carried. Boats must be arranged and trips are cancelled in weather. Conservation area rules restrict what may be taken or disturbed.

Nearby

Funafuti Conservation Area is around it, and Fongafale is east.