A hidden gem remoted within the distant Pacific, Samoa is a paradise simply begging to be found.
From tropical forests to world-class seashores, wealthy heritage points of interest to unbelievable underwater adventures, there’s a lot to do throughout a visit to this small island nation that my checklist of issues to do there simply didn’t appear to cease rising!
As a result of earlier than my journey to Samoa, I actually had little or no thought about simply how various and pleasant this place can be.
With my expectations of tropical island journeys dominated by a concern giant, impersonal resorts so widespread within the Caribbean, I used to be delighted to search out in Samoa one thing completely completely different.
A tremendous nation with a vibrant cultural identification, distinctive atmosphere and robust impartial spirit, it might come as no shock to you due to this fact that I rapidly fell in love with this place and its very genuine, right down to earth and private environment.
Yup, there’s no denying it, Samoa’s obtained some severe soul, and couple this with its stunning seashores, loopy coral reefs, great waterfalls and critically off the crushed observe vibes and you bought your self a winner women and gents!
So right here they’re, the 21 epic issues to do in Samoa…
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My journey to Samoa was kindly sponsored by Samoa Tourism, however, as all the time, all views are my very own.
Costs listed are appropriate on the time of publication.
This web page accommodates affiliate hyperlinks which means Huge World Small Pockets might obtain a small fee on any purchases at no further price to you.
#1 Hit the Seaside
Chopping straight to the chase, there’s no query that among the best issues to do in Samoa is hit the seaside!
With a number of the most stunning stretches of sand I’ve ever seen and many to select from too, I actually suppose you can hit a number of completely different seashores every day throughout your travels in Samoa and nonetheless not see all of them!
Most lodging throughout the Samoa islands is both on, or near, the seaside and this would be the least expensive stretch of sand so that you can hit.
In any other case, seashores in Samoa are typically privately owned, so you’ll have to pay as much as 5 Tala to go to them.
That mentioned, with seashores on Samoa like Lalomanu – as soon as voted one of many high seashores on this planet – it’s a value value paying I reckon!
Price: Free the place you’re staying, in any other case varies
#2 Uncover the Lava Fields
And to show to you early on simply how various these islands’ panorama are, coming in at quantity 2 on this checklist of issues to do in Samoa is go to the lava fields.
Sure from sand to hardened molten rock in just some minutes, who knew Samoa was nonetheless house to an energetic volcano?
Not me earlier than I went there that’s for certain!
Nonetheless discovering the lava fields – an incredible place the place an deserted church sits on high of an outdated molten stream that all of a sudden determined to choose up velocity, plough via and destroy it a few years in the past – it was clear this volcano positively means enterprise when it desires to!
Price: 5 Tala per grownup
#3 Benefit from the Sliding Rocks
And from seashores to volcano paths to jungle cascades, quantity 3 on this checklist of the most effective issues to do in Samoa has to go to the incredible Papaseea Sliding Rocks.
Mountaineering down 100 steps to get to those pure cascades will reveal a lovely forest glen full with pure swimming pools which are good for cooling down in.
The luxurious jungle surrounds aren’t dangerous as a backdrop both!
The braver ones amongst you may select to slip down these pure waterslides, though please take care as I used to be warned it was not completely secure!
Price: 5 Tala per grownup
#4 Be Amazed on the Snorkelling
And sticking with the watery enjoyable theme, you merely can’t go to Samoa and never strive a little bit of snorkelling when you’re there.
With a number of the finest coral I’ve ever seen in simply waist-deep water, Samoa’s marine life is on one other stage when it comes vibrancy and vitality.
Reefs appear to dot the shoreline nearly all over the place and usually simply swimming out from the seaside for a couple of metres, typically proper in entrance of your lodging, will give you a number of the most wonderful snorkelling experiences ever!
And sure, there’s turtles!
2 species actually!
Price: Free if you happen to deliver your individual snorkelling gear, in any other case many lodging suppliers provide rental units, generally without cost if you happen to’re staying there
#5 Take a Dip on the Ocean Trench
But when the colors of the ocean round Samoa weren’t sufficient, it’s about to get much more paradisaical care of the unimaginable To Sua Ocean Trench.
As a result of this actually is next-level paradise!
Primarily a big sinkhole full of ocean water, climbing down into this gap within the earth to splash round in a number of the most crystal clear, glowing water I’ve ever seen, is certainly among the best issues to do in Samoa, if not the world!
Appears an exaggeration, nevertheless it’s not!
Price: 20 Tala per grownup and price each cent
#6 Go to the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
Who knew that Robert Louis Stevenson, writer of Treasure Island, lived and died on Samoa?
Not me!
Yup, simply one other shock in Samoa’s nice arsenal, this well-known author additionally fell in love with this Pacific paradise (spot the theme right here individuals!) and constructed a grand outdated house right here for him and his fam to sit back out in.
Lovingly restored, now you can go to this stunning plantation-style residence come museum to be taught extra concerning the lifetime of Stevenson and to see some unimaginable, historic photos taken throughout his time on the island.
Price: 20 Tala per grownup
#7 Sleep in a Fale
Fale is the title given to the standard Samoan buildings that you simply nonetheless see all over the place on the island, with most nonetheless in use.
Primarily spherical wood buildings with palm roofs, many have been now been upgraded to incorporate privateness blinds or curtains.
The centre of village life, fale have additionally now sprung up alongside the coast in Samoa and are the right lodging of selection for funds travellers.
Located actually inches from the lapping waves and infrequently on stilted platforms simply above the sand, that is one of the best ways to expertise a slice of conventional Samoan tradition and profit from this island’s blissful pure landscapes on the identical time.
Price: Numerous. Strive Faofao Seaside Fales or Matareva Seaside Fales for some nice offers
#8 Scream on the Blowholes
Actually, I’d forgotten simply how enjoyable a superb blowhole was, as a result of belief me, everyone seems to be diminished to a joyful child-like screaming state when these pure tidal sensations go off!
Primarily eroded holes within the ocean-skirting rocks, the acute tidal power of the good Pacific Ocean round Samoa, means seawater usually will get pushed via these holes with such power that the result’s a spring-like jet of water capturing all of a sudden excessive into the air.
Belief me, it’s much more enjoyable than it sounds and screaming alongside on the Alofaaga Blowholes on the island of Savai’i is certainly one of the vital epic issues to do in Samoa.
Price: 5 Tala per grownup
#9 Stroll the Cover Stroll
Additionally located on Savai’i, the second largest island of the Samoan assortment, is the great Cover Stroll, which is actually a suspended rope bridge within the jungle right here.
Plucking up the braveness to stroll throughout the swinging, elevated path is half the enjoyable, after which you’ll be able to climb up the wood staircase constructed across the trunk of an enormous Banyon tree.
Courageous it to the highest and also you’ll be rewarded with an epic forest lookout over the cover of the jungle all the way in which to the ocean.
Price: 10 Tala per grownup
#10 Pattern the Native Meals
Subsequent in, we will’t discuss journey in Samoa and never point out the meals.
Being a vegetarian I didn’t get to pattern the principle speciality right here, specifically the sensational recent fish, which these travelling with me positively loved to the max!
That mentioned, the taro and the coconut and the yam and the scrumptious recent fruits have been all great and greater than sufficient to maintain me blissful!
It could even be value stating right here, that it’s completely doable to journey as a vegetarian in Samoa, with most locations providing no less than one meat-free possibility and loads of salads.
Price: Numerous
#11 Forged a Line
Once more, not one for me as vegetarian personally, however an exercise that I do know a number of individuals will recognize on this checklist of the most effective issues to do in Samoa, is to solid out a line and reel in some fish!
With particular chartered crusing journeys out there, in addition to cheaper choices in conventional canoes or from the shore, this can be a nice one for all these fanatics on the market.
Price: Numerous. Shore casting costs begin from round 15 Tala per hour
#12 Hop on a Native Ferry
However, if like me, your thought of a superb boat journey is to not catch one thing, however to get someplace, then hopping on one of many native ferries that transport passengers, automobiles and cargo between a number of the Samoan islands is an excellent journey.
Chock stuffed with native individuals, and with some potential to identify whales throughout the best time of 12 months, I liked catching the ferry between islands throughout my time in Samoa – not just for the stellar sea views, however as a result of it was a really genuine and non-touristy expertise too.
Price: 12 Tala per grownup foot passenger on a a technique journey from Upolu to Savai’i
#13 Expertise a Sunday Service
And sticking with the genuine, native vibes, if you happen to weren’t conscious Samoans a) like to sing and b) are devoutly spiritual, which actually makes the Sunday companies that happen in each church on the island fairly the spectacle.
Gown in good, white garments if you wish to mix in with the locals and prepare for the roof to be raised!
Price: Free, with the choice to make a donation if you want
#14 Snap the Waterfalls
Heading again to the pure points of interest now, one of the vital epic issues to do in Samoa you’ll be able to’t miss is snapping a number of the nation’s sensational waterfalls.
The three largest and most spectacular are Sopoaga, Papapapai-Uta and Togitogaga, all examples of big our bodies of water tumbling over dramatic cliff edges amidst lush, tropical rainforest.
Recognizing a rainbow when you’re there solely provides to the magic after all!
Price: Varies, however roughly 10 Tala per grownup
#15 Uncover the Cultural Village
Samoa has a wealthy and distinctive cultural heritage with many sturdy, conventional practices which are nonetheless in use at the moment.
Studying extra about a number of the customs right here, together with the ritual tattoo ceremonies, the traditional manner of cooking and the standard arts of carving and weaving, in addition to dying and printing materials, will definitely praise your travels in Samoa and provide you with a higher appreciation for the nation’s deep heritage.
And the most effective place to do that is certainly the Samoan Cultural Village.
Set within the capital, Apia, the demonstrations listed here are given 3 occasions every week (on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) and can take you thru many conventional practices, together with music and dance performances, over various hours from 10:30am – 1pm.
Completely among the best issues to do on a funds, this wonderful spectacle is completely free!
Price: Free
#16 Kick Again in a Kayak
So we’ve lined the snorkelling, the swimming and the fishing, however we will’t miss out the kayaking on the gorgeous blue waters of Samoa too.
Good for recognizing these turtles, given the upper perspective you may get, many lodging suppliers have kayaks you should use without cost if you happen to keep there.
SUP-ing in Samoa can also be doable and each bit as wonderful as cruising via the waters of a tropical ocean on a board with a paddle sounds!
Price: Numerous
#17 Expertise a Native Bus
And transferring onto quantity 17, positively one of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Samoa is to expertise a neighborhood bus journey.
These decked-out, old fashioned buses make for fairly the scene as they cruise across the island, and discovering essentially the most vividly painted one with the loudest blaring music goes to be the right option to get into the total Samoan swing of all of it.
Price: A couple of Tala per journey
#18 Peruse the Markets
And yet one more option to expertise fashionable Samoan life is to go alongside to one of many native markets within the capital Apia to take a look at the wonderful array of vegatables and fruits, in addition to take pleasure in a spot of people-watching and native chatter too.
Many additionally provide some nice souvenirs, so that is the place to go if you wish to decide up a present or 2.
Price: Relies upon how restrained you’re!
#19 Deal with Your self to a Therapeutic massage
The following entry on my checklist of essentially the most epic issues to do in Samoa entails a bit of little bit of a splurge, however continues to be manner cheaper than most of us would pay at house.
Sure getting a standard Samoan therapeutic massage, which is sort of a deep tissue affair, is a should throughout your time right here if you happen to actually get to get the entire rest factor rounded off to a tee!
Most inns in Samoa provide a spa service, which is nicely value indulging in no less than as soon as I reckon.
Price: Numerous
#20 Lunch with a View
We’re nearly there with this mammoth checklist (I advised you it simply saved rising!), however I couldn’t miss having fun with lunch with a view off this checklist of the epic issues to do in Samoa.
Clearly you’ll be able to go loopy and have lunch on the seaside at one of many fanciest inns right here, however if you happen to’re on a funds, then the delightfully quaint Forest Café, makes the right different.
Set in some stunning jungle surrounds, you’ll be able to sit at a excessive desk right here, having fun with a smoothie and a sandwich and really feel completely immersed within the pure panorama.
Price: Lunch for beneath 15 Tala
#21 Marvel at a Samoan Sundown
And final however not least on this checklist of the 21 most epic issues to do in Samoa, is spherical off your island time in type with a Samoan speciality.
Sure I’m speaking a couple of sundown after all, as a result of this island actually is aware of do nicely!
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Price: Free
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Mini Journey Information to Samoa
The right way to Get to Samoa?
It’s no secret that Samoa is about as distant because it will get, which doesn’t make journeying to this island particularly simple or low cost.
That mentioned, it’s value each cent once you do get there!
A few of the least expensive flights to Samoa go direct from with Sydney or Auckland, so try Skyscanner for the most effective offers round.
How Lengthy to Spend in Samoa?
I assume the reply to that is actually, how lengthy have you ever obtained?
As a result of, if you happen to’re something like me, you’re in all probability going to wrestle to tug your self away from Samoa in all actuality!
However realizing that almost all of us need to journey on timeframes, I’m going to counsel every week is the minimal time it’s best to head to Samoa to be able to get a superb taste of what the nation has to supply and to justify the journey time to get there.
If you happen to can stretch to 10 days or 2 weeks, you’ll have loads of time to discover a number of the different Samoan islands, resembling Savai’i, in addition to get off the crushed observe on the principle island of Upolu extra too.
5 Packing Necessities for Samoa
#1 Dry Bag – I found dry luggage throughout my time in Southeast Asia and now I wouldn’t go anyplace with out one, particularly to not someplace like Samoa the place the water actions, seaside days and jungle adventures listed here are plentiful and the danger of your unprotected electronics getting moist due to this fact is excessive!
#2 Birkenstocks – A great pair of sandals are king in Samoa and I like my Arizona Birkenstocks that are good for maintaining my ft cool, supported and for kicking on and off simply once you hit the seaside. Actually wore all of them day, every single day on this island!
#3 Australia Energy Adapters – Samoa primarily makes use of the Australian sort energy shops, so be sure you come ready with a appropriate Skross adapter.
#4 Motion Digital camera – I like my GoPro Hero 7, which was preferrred for capturing all of the watery and energetic enjoyable of this various and pleasant paradise.
#5 Sarong – An incredible multi-purpose journey merchandise that may be brilliantly used via Samoa as a seaside towel or a gown to slide over moist swimwear. A great sarong is a tropical island journey must-have in my guide.
Journey Insurance coverage for Samoa
World Nomads gives easy and versatile journey insurance coverage. Purchase at house or whereas travelling and declare on-line from anyplace on this planet.
Alternatively, if you happen to’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent distant employee in search of journey well being cowl, try Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance coverage insurance policies.
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And there you’ve gotten it, my checklist of the 21 epic issues to do in Samoa.
Are you planning a visit to this island paradise?
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