Snorkel with Turtles — Manase Lagoon

Best stays in Savai'i, Samoa

Savai'i is the second-largest island in Polynesia and Samoa's quiet half — most travellers spend two or three nights here on a Samoa trip. Accommodation is mostly family-run: traditional beach fales along the coast, a handful of mid-range resorts, and a few eco-lodges set back from the road.

Best stays in Upolu, Samoa

Upolu is where most Samoa trips start. Faleolo International Airport, the capital Apia, and the bulk of the country's resort-tier accommodation all sit here. The south coast (Lalomanu, Lotofaga, Siumu) is the postcard side; the north has Apia and the working harbour.

Things to do in Samoa: tours, activities, and day trips

Samoa rewards travellers who get out of the resort. Most of the iconic photos (To-Sua, Lalomanu, Alofaaga blowholes, the canopy walk) are 60–90-minute drives from wherever you're staying — and the easiest way to see them is on a guided tour with a local operator who knows the village fees and the best swimming windows.

Best waterfalls in Samoa

Samoa is volcanic, mountainous, and perpetually green — which means waterfalls everywhere. A handful are big, dramatic, and reachable by sealed road; many are off-grid and require a local guide and a small village fee. Below are the ones worth the drive.

Kitesurfing in Samoa: lessons, rentals and where to base yourself

Samoa is not a famous kite destination, which is part of the appeal: one dedicated school, uncrowded water and lessons in English, French or Spanish. Seki Kitesurf at Sataoa, on the south coast of Upolu, is the country's only kiteboarding lessons and rental centre, run by an IKO-certified instructor.