Mata Utu - General Info
Description:
Wallis Island (Uvea in Polynesia) is a relatively flat island bordered by a lagoon and coral reef with four passes. The main pass (Honikulu) is on the south coast of the island and leads through a marked channel to Mata Utu which is the capital of the Wallis and Futuna Territory.
There are a number of anchorage options within the protected lagoon which is dotted, north, south and east with about 15 islets. The highest point is Mount Lulu, 151 m above sea level.
Cruiser Highlights:
Those who make the effort to visit these islands will experience a friendly Polynesian welcome, enchanting natural landscapes, astonishing historic sites and crystal clear waters for diving and snorkelling.
There are several protected and beautiful anchorages including off the uninhabited Il Faioa in the south-east corner of the lagoon.
The main anchorage is off the wharf at Mata Utu and there is easy dinghy access ashore.
There is an excellent supermarket that stocks a variety of French produce and a local market every Saturday.
Hitchhiking is an easy and accepted way to get around the island. The coastal road is 35 kms (21.7 miles) long and passes the crater lake Lalolalo which is surrounded by impressive cliffs, the fishing village of Vailala,on the northern tip of the island.
Wallis Radio is still operational. The operator, Michele, monitors VHF Channel 22 in the north and Channel 09 in the south, but scans all frequencies as well.
Entrance Notes or Cautions:
Entry is through the pass, off the south west corner of the island. It is simple at slack water and most, but not all, of the lagoon markers shown on French chart 6876 are still standing. Proceed to the main settlement of Mata Utu.
A new cable has been laid across the “old “anchorage area just south of the big wharf. Current Navionics charts show this, but older versions do not. Yachts are no longer permitted to anchor where Navionics has the suggested anchoring marks.
When anchoring off Mata Utu note that it is quite exposed to the strong SE winds.
If entering the pass too late in the day to make the transit to the Mata Utu anchorage, then it is possible to anchor in the lee of uninhabited Ile Faioa at 13 22.940 S, 176 10.460 W.
Position: 13° 23’42″S, 176° 13’11″W (entrance to the pass)
Position: 13° 17’ 17″S, 176° 10’ 01 ″W (anchorage at Mata Utu – off the wharf)
Last updated: November 2021
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Related to following destinations: Mata Utu, Wallis, Wallis and Futuna
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