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Good to know:
- Time difference: UTC/GMT +13 hours
- Capital: Apia
- Currency: Samoan tālā (WST)
- Language: Samoan, English
- Voltage: 230 volts
With an abundance of natural beauty spread over 10 islands, Samoa is a tropical paradise with pristine scenery and friendly and hospitable locals. The two main islands are Upolu and Savai’I, with a 90 minute ferry ride running between the two, while American Samoa includes the islands of Tutuila and the Manu’a group of islands and atolls.
American Samoa is a haven for eco-tourists where you can hike through lush tropical rainforests in the beautiful National Park of American Samoa. Stroll along secluded beaches, swim, snorkel and kayak or experience the country’s rich and strongly held culture.
Halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii, you’ll find (formerly Western) Samoa with each of her islands offering very distinct environments waiting to be explored. Stock up on the region’s mouth watering tropical fruits at the Maketi Fou or food market in Apia. Visit the homestead and museum of Robert Louis Stevenson, author of Treasure Island or his final resting place set high in the hinterland.
When you’re not admiring endless vistas of rugged volcanic mountain peaks draped in lush, green rainforest, you can go into the fertile valleys and behold the tropical vegetation and gorgeous waterfalls. Swim with green turtles at the Savaii’s Satoalepei village wetland sanctuary or mingle with the locals and learn how they fish, weave and go about their day on Manono Island. Witness the power of the Alofaaga blowholes, swim through underwater caves and splash around in one of many idyllic swimming holes surrounded by prolific tropical gardens. Walk around the fascinating Saleuala Lava Field and see where five villages were buried by a volcanic eruption. If all that sounds too much like hard work, put up your feet and relax on one of many palm fringed beaches.
More Information on Samoa
The Pacific's Best Kept Secret
Samoa is the kind of destination that changes the way you think about a holiday. You might spend a morning swimming in a turquoise ocean trench carved into volcanic rock, share an afternoon feast with a local family under an open-air fale, then fall asleep to nothing but waves and warm air. The two main islands, Upolu and Savai'i, are lush, volcanic and run on fa'a Samoa, the Samoan way of life, which shapes everything from how meals are shared to how strangers are welcomed. You will notice it the moment you arrive: the hospitality is genuine, the landscape feels untouched in ways that are increasingly rare, and the natural attractions here are unlike anything else in the Pacific.
Samoa Holiday Packages
Our Samoa holiday packages can cover return flights, accommodation, transfers and often daily breakfast, so the logistics are sorted before you land. We can set you up with a beachfront resort on Upolu, a quieter retreat on Savai'i, or a combination of both islands. Whether you want a resort week with day trips built in, or a more active itinerary that covers both islands, we can shape the package around how you want to spend your time.
Things to Do in Samoa
The standout is To Sua Ocean Trench, a giant natural swimming hole surrounded by gardens on Upolu's south coast. It is one of Samoa's most iconic natural attractions, and swimming in it is every bit as good as the pictures suggest. Beyond that, Piula Cave Pool offers a unique freshwater swimming experience through an underground cave beneath a historic church, and the coastal roads on both islands pass through villages, waterfalls and stretches of reef-fringed coastline.
On the cultural side, Samoa offers some of the most genuine experiences in the South Pacific. Attend a traditional 'ava ceremony, join a Sunday to'ona'i feast with a local family, or watch a fire knife dance performance that puts resort entertainment elsewhere to shame. The connection to culture here is not performative. It is daily life.
Upolu and Savai'i
Most Samoa holidays start on Upolu, the more developed of the two main islands and home to the capital, Apia. The south coast has the best beaches, including Lalomanu, widely considered one of the finest beaches in the Pacific. Samoa resorts range from international-standard properties near Apia to smaller beachfront stays further along the coast.
Savai'i is the bigger island but far quieter. The ferry from Upolu takes about 90 minutes and drops you into a place where villages are smaller, the jungle is thicker and the pace drops another notch. It is also where you will find some of Samoa's most dramatic natural scenery. Spending a few nights on each island gives you the best sense of the country, and we can include the ferry crossing or inter-island flights in a custom itinerary.
FAQs
When is the best time to visit Samoa?
May to October is the dry season and the most comfortable time to visit, with lower humidity and warm temperatures. November to April is wetter and more humid, but prices tend to be lower and the islands are quieter. Samoa is warm year-round, so there is no bad time to go.
How long is the flight from Australia to Samoa?
Around five to six hours from Sydney, with Brisbane similar. Adelaide travellers should allow eight to nine hours including a domestic connection.
What should I know before visiting Samoa?
Samoa has strong cultural customs that visitors are expected to respect. Dress modestly when visiting villages, covering your shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering a fale, and be mindful of Sunday, which is a day of rest in most communities. The locals are incredibly welcoming, and a little cultural awareness goes a long way.
Can I visit both Upolu and Savai'i in one trip?
Yes, and we would recommend it. The ferry runs daily and the crossing is quick. Alternatively, inter-island flights are available. A week split between both islands gives you a solid taste of each.
How can I book a Samoa holiday?
We can build a Samoa package covering flights, accommodation, transfers and touring across both islands. Call us on 13 11 00 or submit an enquiry online.