Reefwander
Aerial view over deep blue ocean, a white line of surf on the barrier reef, two wooded islets and a turquoise lagoon, with the main island behind — Wallis Island (Uvea)

Wallis Island (Uvea) · Wallis and Futuna · Cave & cavern

Lava Tunnel

A 100 m lava tube from the island's volcanic origins

Area photo: Anna Vinet · CC BY-SA 4.0

The Lava Tunnel is a submerged cave in the southwest of the Wallis lagoon, between Passe Avatolu and the south pass. Divers come to swim through a tube left by the island's volcanic origins, a natural feature that most certified divers can reach.

Also known as Tunnel de lave.

Where it is and how deep

Depth profile of Lava Tunnel: typical dive to 18 m (to 60 ft) 18 m · Open Water30 m · Advanced40 m · Recreational limit18 mtypical dive
Depths on a shared scale to 40 m (130 ft); dashed lines mark common certification limits.

13.3300° S, 176.2742° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.

The dive

The dive centres on a submerged lava tube about 100 m (328 ft) long, lying at a depth of 18 m (59 ft). Its walls show the volcanic origins of the island in close detail, and the depth keeps it within reach of most certified divers.

Marine life and season

The sources we used don't single out particular species here.

Month-by-month season rating for Lava Tunnel
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
GoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGood

Season follows Wallis Island (Uvea): Diving runs all year; the sea is warmest in March and April at about 30 °C and coolest in August near 28 °C.

Sources

  1. 101 Best Things to Do in Wallis & Futuna — WallisandFutunaPocketGuide.com

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