Island-Hopping in Samoa: Exploring the Beautiful Islands of Upolu and Savai’i

A trip to Samoa may seem daunting if you’ve never visited the island before, but with these five steps to exploring Samoa, it will be a lot easier and more fun than you think! It’s impossible to see everything that Samoa has to offer in just one trip, but with these steps you’ll be able to explore some of the best places on each of the islands, Upolu and Savai’i. In this post, we’ll cover everything from planning your trip to packing your bag and finding great places to eat along the way! So let’s get started!

Hiking & Swimming In Fagaloa Bay

One of the most enjoyable things to do on the island of Upolu is hike through Fagaloa Bay. The bay itself is quite scenic, with its own beach that’s perfect for swimming. The hike itself is adventurous, as you’ll be winding your way through the jungle.

But it’s definitely worth it, as you’ll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful views on the island. There are many spots where you can stop and take pictures, so make sure to bring a camera! If you’re feeling more adventurous, keep going up the mountain until you reach the peak. From there, take a look around – there are numerous waterfalls and gorgeous beaches just waiting for exploration!

Snorkeling The Blue Hole

One of the most enjoyable things to do on the island is snorkeling The Blue Hole. The Blue Hole is a scenic spot off the coast of Upolu where you can see a variety of beautiful fish. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a turtle!

There are also many other things to do on the island, such as exploring the local villages, hiking, and swimming in the waterfall pools. As one of the largest islands in Polynesia, there’s plenty to explore on Upolu. You’ll find all sorts of amazing beaches and other natural wonders here! In fact, there are more than 60 pristine beaches located on this island alone.

Kayaking In The Big Blue Lagoon

The Big Blue Lagoon is one of Samoa’s most popular tourist attractions. And for good reason – it’s absolutely stunning! The lagoon is huge, and its turquoise waters are surrounded by lush, green foliage. Kayaking is the perfect way to explore this natural wonder.

You can paddle around at your own pace, stopping to swim or relax on one of the many small islands dotting the lagoon. It’s an amazing experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and renewed. If you’re looking for more adventure, you can always go deep sea fishing or hike up Mt Silisili (the tallest mountain in Samoa). There really is something for everyone here!

Scuba Diving In Tuasivi

It’s a great place to scuba dive, with clear waters and plenty of marine life to see. There are several dive operators in Tuasivi, so you can easily find a tour that suits your level of experience. The best time to scuba dive in Tuasivi is from May to October, when the water is at its clearest.

Diving close to shore isn’t advised as it may be too shallow for some divers. Be sure to bring lots of sunscreen, as the sun can be intense and there is little shade available. Also, be aware that many sea creatures in Samoa carry stingers or stings that should not be touched or handled without gloves. These include jellyfish, coral polyps, fire coral and Portuguese man o’ war. If stung by any of these creatures, rinse the area thoroughly with vinegar or fresh water and apply baking soda mixed with water to alleviate pain.

Cycling Around The Rainforest Waterfalls Of Vailima

There’s something special about getting around under your own power, and that’s especially true when surrounded by the natural beauty of Samoa. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to explore two of Samoa’s islands, Upolu and Savai’i, by bicycle. One highlight of my trip was visiting Vailima – the home of author Robert Louis Stevenson.

To reach this village from Apia, you need to take a ferry from the harbour across Pago Pago Bay. When we arrived at the dock, there were signs everywhere saying not to cycle on board. However, there were no signs for pedestrians so we ignored the warning and hopped on board with our bikes in tow. The crew welcomed us onboard with smiles and laughter; it seemed they didn’t mind one bit!

Turtle Watching At Matala Beach

One of the best things to do on the island of Upolu in Samoa is to go turtle watching at Matala Beach. Here, you can see these majestic creatures up close as they come ashore to lay their eggs. It’s an You’ll be able to see turtles coming out of the water with your own eyes.

Turtles will lay eggs from February until September each year, but only during low tide when it’s safe for them to crawl out of the water onto the beach. We went around 9am, when there was still a little bit of sea water left in the area so we could get closer. I recommend going early because if it gets too hot then the turtles will turn back into the ocean to wait for cooler weather – which means less chance of seeing one!

Go To Church & Eat Fish At Leai Village

If you’re island-hopping in Samoa, be sure to visit Leai Village on the island of Upolu. This picturesque village is home to a beautiful church as well as a delicious seafood restaurant. Be sure to try the fresh fish! After lunch, head up to the nearby caves for some stunning views of the coastline. And don’t forget to visit the waterfall too!

The lush greenery surrounding it will make you feel like you’re somewhere tropical. But that’s not all, there are also turtles, seabirds and dolphins swimming by as you walk along the coast. Don’t forget to pack your camera! You’ll want to take lots of photos because this place is so breathtaking. You’ll want to come back again and again just to see how much more beautiful it becomes each time.

Explore Apia Town, Visit Ariau Tuna Farm And Try Puffin Shooting

Apia Town is the lively capital of Samoa, and a great place to start your island-hopping adventure. From Apia, you can easily reach the Ariau Tuna Farm, where you can learn about how this delicious fish is raised. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at puffin shooting – a traditional Samoan activity that’s sure to get your heart pumping.

After exploring Apia Town, you can hop on a boat and head to the nearby islands of Upolu or Savai’i. Both offer gorgeous white sand beaches, fascinating history, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking through ancient rainforests or kayaking with humpback whales.