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The South Pacific
Destination Guides:
Exclusive Resorts:
Samoa Activities and Attractions
If a contented holiday is more than just relaxing in the sun, you’ll find that your visit to Samoa can provide a plethora of things to do – from enjoying local music and dance, to visiting cultural attractions, to participating in a variety of active pursuits.
A good visit to Samoa combines a little of everything; providing guests with an opportunity to meet the friendly people of the island and appreciate their Polynesia past while also having fun both on land and in the water.
Favorite Samoa Activities
• Scuba Diving – While Samoa may not be the premiere diving location in the South Pacific, it does offer a number of wonderful dive opportunities. Because all the islands of the group are surrounded by a protecting reef, it’s a wonderfully pleasant place to dive. PADI centers are located on both main islands, though many boat dives will take guests out to the smaller islands of Samoa to do a little exploring. Green turtles are abundant in these waters as well as colorful reef fish. In addition, a few wrecks provide excellent places for scuba adventures.
• Snorkeling – The southwest coast of Upolu is known as the best snorkeling site in the country, particularly near the beaches of Aleipata. For something truly different, however, go snorkeling in a volcanic crater at Namua Garden on the island of Upolu. More than 50 species of fish inhabit the crater and the coral is vibrant and colorful. You’ll see Red Snapper, Butterfly Fish, Moorish Idol, Clown Fish, Fusiliers, Trumpet fish, Red Fire fish, Grouper, Parrot Fish, just to name a few. Most dive organizers also run snorkeling trips.
• Sea Kayaking – Explore Samoa’s uninhabited (or less-inhabited) islands by sea kayak, courtesy of a guided kayaking tour. The most popular destination is Manono Island, where the beaches are beautiful and perfect for a picnic lunch. Multi-day trips are available, with accommodation is provided in beach “fales”, open-plan thatched bungalows.
• Hiking/Trekking – The best places in Samoa to go hiking are in the national parklands, like Pupu-Pue on Upolu. Trails will take you through rain forests and along sea cliffs, offering spectacular views. The trek up to beautiful Lake Lanoto’o is also a popular choice with experienced hikers and the reward at the end is a dip in its refreshing waters.
Man-Made Attractions
• Apia – Samoa’s only true town – Apia – boasts a number of man-made attractions that are worth the time it takes to visit. There’s the small Museum of Samoa on the upper floor of the local courthouse, a number of interesting churches that date back to the times of the missionaries, and a charming but busy outdoor market that offers everything from kitschy souvenirs to fine handicrafts and local fruits and vegetables.
• Robert Louis Stevenson Museum and Grave – Storyteller Robert Louis Stevenson and his wife Fanny lived in Samoa from 1889 until the author’s death in 1914. Guests can visit Stevenson’s sprawling mansion on the slopes of Mount Vaea above Apia, named Vailima (Five Waters) for the five streams that flow through the property. The admission price allows guests to explore the opulent home on their own or to enjoy a guided tour, which is offered once each day.