Samoa Watersports
Seas of Adventure!
Upolu Island’s lush rainforest and beautiful national park have long attracted walkers, but a watery world of adventure awaits along the stunning coastline of Samoa’s main island. Surfers will find their own dedicated resorts and the clear lagoons and rich coral reefs are a paradise for divers, kayakers and
snorkellers.
KayakingKayaking is one of the most rewarding options for exploring the fringing reefs, especially if you like to travel under your own steam. Several adventure companies offer kayaking tours and, with a knowledgeable guide close at hand, this is the ideal way to explore some Upolu’s smaller offshore islands.
DivingDiving is growing in popularity on Upolu, and several companies offer charters. Palolo Deep Marine Reserve in Apia and Aganoa on the south coast are accessible from the shore, and there are some good sites on the island’s south coast. Colourful colonies of clown fish, and turtles, can be seen at The Aquarium, where the outcrops and bommies are cloaked in lettuce and brain corals. The fringing reef of Nuusafee has a couple of popular sites – The Terraces, with its schools of tropical fish, and the Garden Wall, a densely packed wall of hard corals where schools of fish and spotted eagle rays can be seen.
SnorkellingSnorkelling is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the island’s lagoons and reefs. One of the best and safest spots is Apia’s Palolo Deep National Marine Reserve. The big attraction here is a stunning deep blue hole flanked by steep coral walls that are home to a myriad of brilliantly coloured tropical fish. Onshore, there are shady spots for a picnic as well.
Along the island’s south coast there is good snorkelling at the lovely coves around Matereva, at Saoluafata and Lalomanu, and in the east along the Aleipata coast, known for its deep turquoise waters. More experienced swimmers can venture out to the superb snorkelling around the islets of Nuutele and Nuulua, and to Nuusafe islet, which has some of Upolu’s most diverse corals and fish.
BeachesOf course, if you prefer to laze away the day on dazzling white sand with a picnic and a good book, there are plenty of choices. Palm-fringed beaches stretch down the south coast of Upolu, and in the east, Aleipata district has some of the island’s most beautiful beaches. But for sheer tropical heaven, nothing beats the ‘Return to Paradise’ Beach in Lefaga district. Made famous by the 1951 Gary Cooper film, the powder white sands are where Mr Morgan first kissed Maeva, and the perfect place to soak up some of Upolu’s special magic.
Fact File
- Surfing is for experienced surfers only and there are often strong currents, so it’s always best to go with an operator. In some villages, it is not permitted to surf on Sunday.
- Snorkelling is usually best at high tide. Wear some reef shoes or old sandshoes if you don’t have fins and avoid swimming where there is an obvious current, or near breaks in the reef.
- You can hire snorkelling gear at Palolo Deep National Marine Reserve. The dive centres also run organised snorkelling trips to sites around Upolu.
- When using the beaches for surfing, swimming or snorkelling, always ask permission at the local villages. A small fee is usually charged.
Operators
Further information