The only way to reach Nanumea is on one of Tuvalu's two government inter-island vessels, the Manu Folau or Nivaga III, sailing north from Funafuti. Nanumea is the most distant atoll from the capital — about 480 kilometres — and the trip takes around a day and a half each way, longer in heavy seas.
There is no fixed schedule. Sailings depend on demand, cargo, and weather; the gap between voyages can be a month or more, and a trip out can easily turn into a stay of several weeks before the boat returns. Check with the Ministry of Communications and Transport in Vaiaku for the latest schedule, and book through the shipping office in person. No air service exists; the wartime coral airstrip is long disused.