samoa
Take a dive and explore the beauty of the underwater world in Samoa. This tropical destination is not just famous for holiday-goers in search of a relaxing escape. It is also a haven for those in need of an adrenaline rush as there is an abundance of marine life to explore.
scuba diving samoa
Samoa is home to a wide range of dive spots that vary in terms of the marine environment and the species that you will encounter. Majority of the dive spots are located on the islands of Savai’i and Upolu, but there are many smaller islands that are worthy of being checked out too.
Samoa is surrounded by reefs with beautiful lagoons offering easy access to most of these diving sites. In fact, many diving enthusiasts come to Samoa in order to obtain their diving certification because there are different types of diving levels for all types of divers.
The dive spots in Samoa are home to over 900 fish species, as well as 200 types of coral. There is also a strong effort to promote conservation of these diving spots. Not only are the existing coral reefs the focus of the conservation efforts, but also the promotion of new growth.
There are many tour operators in Samoa to choose from if you want to go diving. But some of these operators also offer snorkeling trips, for those interested. Whether you dive or snorkel, there is an expansive list of species to see including manta rays, dolphins, whale sharks, leopard sharks, silvertip sharks, humpback whales, wrasse, butterfly fish, and more.
best dive sites
Palolo Deep National Marine Reserve
This dive site is located just outside of Samoa’s capital, Apia. It is a beautiful and large natural aquarium that is home to some of the best dives in Samoa. It boasts of shallow reef drops that showcase a gorgeous underwater paradise.
In this dive site, you will also get the chance to encounter colorful coral environment and rich marine life. Among the marine creatures you will encounter are sea turtles, reef sharks, and tropical fishes.
Juno
This dive site is located on the island of Savai’i – the other major island in Samoa. It is great for beginners to go to because it is easily accessible – about 5 minutes from the shore. There is also an incredible wreck on the site, which is a former missionary sailing ship.
The ship sank in 1881 and has since been filled with corals and various marine life such as parrot fish, turtles, yellow fish, and trumpet fish.
Apolima Gardens
The Apolima Gardens is a famous dive site in Samoa located on the Apolima Island. It is filled with technicolour coral garden with an initial 8-meter depth, which eventually develops into a 40-meter dive site
When you dive the Apolima Gardens, expect to find reef sharks, blue fin trevally, lobsters, sea turtles, and unicorn fishes.
When diving in Upolu, don’t forget to visit The Rock. This fabulous dive site is best known for the giant clams and hard corals. This plateau descends up to 18 meters below the water surface. . There is a great level of water visibility on this site.
The shark sightings on The Rock are sought after by diving enthusiasts. But you can also find a variety of species such as fusiliers, tuna, clown trigger fish, and napoleon.
Best Time to Dive
The diving conditions in Samoa are good all year round. But if you want to experience optimal conditions during your dive, you must book your diving trip from July to September. The timing of your dive will also have an impact on what marine creatures you will encounter.
Highlights of Samoa
Samoa is an ideal tropical holiday destination whether you have an adventurous spirit or seek out laid back relaxation. There is something to do for people of all ages and types of travelers.
If you want to indulge in the picturesque beaches of Samoa, you will have plenty of options available. Get the chance to unwind in paradise at Lalomanu Beach, which is one of the most beautiful beaches in Samoa. The Manono Island in Samoa is another destination for beach lovers, especially those looking for quiet and secluded beaches.
If you’re into cultural destinations, there are plenty of those in Samoa, too. The Lepuiai Village is located on the southwest portion of Manono Island and in here you will find an archaeological site known as Grave of 99 Stones. These stones represent the wives of the chiefs on the island.
You can also learn about the history of Samoa in the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum. Or, if you are looking for animal encounters during your trip, head to Savai’i. There are many tours on the island that gives you the opportunity to visit wetland sanctuaries.
You need to add these must-see destinations on your list: Alofaaga Blowholes, Maketi Fou, Papase’ea Sliding Rocks, Samoa Cultural Village, and the Pulemelei Mound, to name a few.
geography
Samoa is a nation belonging to the South Pacific region. It is comprised of two main islands: Savai’i and Upolu. There are four smaller islands that is also part of this island nation. The first history of settlement on these islands was recorded about 3,500 years ago.
Samoa sits below the equator within the Polynesian region. It has a total land area of approximately 2,842 square kilometers. About a third of Samoa’s entire population inhabits the island of Opulu and particularly in the capital city of Apia.
The islands of Samoa were formed out of volcanic activity. Of all these islands that are volcanically formed, only Savai’i remains volcanically active today. It is also the westernmost island in Samoa.
In terms of climate, the islands of Samoa experiences equatorial or monsoonal climate. The average temperature across the islands is at 26.5 degrees Celsius. The rainy season is from November to April.
Travel information about Samoa
Samoa is located in the South Pacific Ocean and consisted of two large islands Upolu and Savai’i. The total area is 2,842 km and the population is more or less 192,342. Although Samoa is isolated, it has a natural beauty of paradise. There are also active volcanoes so Samoa is produced by volcanism.
Capital city of Samoa: Apia
Closest neighbors to Samoa: It’s halfway between Hawaii, USA and New Zealand.
Best times to visit Samoa: Best time of the year is during the dry season from May to October to avoid rainy days. You can do snorkeling, diving, and swimming.
How to get to Samoa: No direct flights from the US, you’ll have to take connecting flights to Pago-Pago and then to Honolulu
Visa requirements for Samoa: American citizens can enter, work, and live at Samoa indefinitely visa-free. Passport is needed.
Currency of Samoa: The currency is Samoan T?l?.
Official Language of Samoa: Official languages are English and Samoan.
UNESCO World Heritage sites in Samoa
There is no UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Samoa and 2 on their tentative list
- Fagaloa Bay – Uafato Tiavea Conservation Zone
- Manono, Apolima and Nuulopa Cultural Landscape
