Not that you’ll need much convincing…
With steamy rainforests, powder-white beaches and hidden jungle waterfalls, Samoa is a paradise with a capital P. But if you think this South Pacific island country is your typical beach holiday destination, think again. You can totally sip cocktails in a resort if that’s your vibe, but Samoa ticks all the boxes if you’re looking for salt, sand and an extra splash of adventure.
Here are nine reasons to grab your swimsuit, slap on some sunscreen and jet off to Samoa ASAP.
1. Explore beaches galore
From kilometres of talc-white sand and hidden bays sheltered by coral reefs to black sand shores littered with volcanic rock pools, beach lovers will be in their element in Samoa. Spend your days snorkelling with giant clams, soaking up the sun in solitude or floating in bright blue lagoons. Top spots include Lefaga, Tafa Tafa and the gorgeous Lalomanu, which are often featured on many ‘world’s best beaches’ lists.
2. Go beyond the beaches
As stunning as the beaches are, you’ll want to peel away from your lavalava (sarong). The Samoan islands were formed thousands of years ago by epic volcanic activity which gave rise to diverse scenery from coast-hugging peaks to eerie lava fields, tube caves and fertile fruit plantations. Many of these landscapes are also an important part of Samoan culture, like Giant Moso’s Footprint – a lava crack said to be the footprint of a famous giant, Moso, from when he stepped across the Pacific Ocean to the other islands.
3. Take a dip in To Sua Trench
There are plenty of spots to cool off in Samoa, but they don’t get more idyllic than To Sua Trench. Formed by a lava eruption eons ago, this 30-metre-deep pool is surrounded by overhanging vegetation and filled with the clearest, bluest water you’ve probably ever seen.
4. Learn about one of Polynesia’s oldest cultures
The people of Samoa live by something called Fa’a Samoa, or The Samoan Way. Samoan culture is one of the oldest in Polynesia, and there are many opportunities to learn about ancient customs and traditions that continue to influence life today. Whether you’re spending the day with villagers, mingling with locals at markets or doing a traditional weaving or cloth painting workshop, you’ll find that Samoans are proud of their heritage and eager to share their culture.
Join Intrepid on an 8-day Samoa adventure
5. Travel to an offbeat place
A quick look on Google Maps will show you that Samoa is about as remote as it gets. Unlike many other tropical islands affected by overtourism, it’s also low on the tourist radar (for now). Say goodbye to mega resorts and crowded beaches, and hello to undisturbed sunsets and getting to know the locals. You heard it here first!
6. Swim beneath waterfalls
Samoa’s weather can be hot and sticky, but there are plenty of waterfalls to cool off. The water in these pools is also much cooler than the ocean. Some of the most pristine falls include Afu Aau, Sopoaga and Togitogiga.
7. Feast on fresh seafood
When you’re bored of chasing waterfalls and bathing in lagoons (said no one ever), fill your belly with delicious Samoan food. Surrounded by water, you can imagine the seafood here is top-notch, so be sure to sample daily fish specials. Other local favourites include palusami (taro leaves cooked in coconut milk) and umu, a traditional method of cooking in an earth oven.
8. Party Samoan style at a fiafia night
With a feast of local food, traditional dancing and a dazzling fa’ataupati (fire knife) performance, a fiafia night is the perfect way to celebrate Samoan heritage and culture. You’ll soon learn why Samoans are known as some of the South Pacific’s warmest and most welcoming folk.
9. Sleep by the ocean
Sure, snazzy resorts are nice. But for an authentic experience, you can’t beat a fale, an open-air beachfront villa. Fall asleep to the gentle crashing of waves and roll out of bed to head straight for the water.
Discover Samoa and other tropical islands on a small group trip in the South Pacific
