Futuna North Wall (Pointe Vele) - Futuna

55m Max

25-50m Vis

boat

Site Overview

Futuna North Wall at Pointe Vele is the dramatic volcanic drop-off on the north coast of Futuna and the signature site of the Futuna & Alofi - Volcanic Walls & Seamounts region. The reef here falls steeply into the deep blue, smothered in massive gorgonians and patrolled by grey reef sharks, dogtooth tuna, wahoo and the occasional oceanic whitetip in a strong current. Depths reach about 55 m with an average near 25 m, and visibility can stretch past 45 m in the dry season. The exposed north coast means conditions are weather-dependent, but on a good day the wall delivers classic Pacific pelagic action with almost no other divers in the water. The topography is rugged volcanic rock clad in coral and gorgonians, and the blue beyond holds the promise of roaming predators. Conditions suit advanced drift divers, and access is by private boat from Pointe Vele or Leava. With no dive centre and virtually no diving history, the wall is pristine and the fish abundant, making Futuna North Wall a genuine frontier for intrepid Pacific explorers. With the volcanic rock plunging into the blue and scarcely another diver for hundreds of kilometres, the wall is the clearest expression of why Futuna remains one of the wildest dive edges in all of Polynesia.

Dive Briefing

"The dive at Futuna North Wall begins with a skipper briefing on the swell and tide, because the exposed north coast is only diveable in calm windows. The boat positions off Pointe Vele and the group rolls in together for a controlled descent to the wall at around 15 to 20 m. From there the volcanic drop-off falls away, and divers drift along the gorgonian-clad wall as grey reef sharks patrol the blue, dogtooth tuna and wahoo flash past and trevally stack in the current. The maximum depth reaches about 55 m while the average sits near 25 m, so a computer and disciplined gas planning keep the profile safe. Current is typically strong, and the guide chooses the entry time to make the most of slack or light flow, using a reef hook or surface marker when needed. Neutral buoyancy protects the fragile coral and the group stays close to manage depth and any surge. The safety stop is completed in open water on a surface marker, and the boat follows the bubbles to collect divers. The wall is best dived from May to October, and a slow, well-buoyed dive rewards the patient observer with both wall detail and blue-water drama."