American Samoa
Country/State Data
Regions
1
Breaks
16
Coastline
116 KM
Cost of living
Capital
Pago Pago
Current Time
Security
Health
Positives
- Reliable south pacific swells
- Uncrowded powerful reefbreaks
- South coast spot density
- Tropical warm waters
Negatives
- No north coast spots
- Super-shallow reefs
- Exposed to SE trades
- Expensive access
Where to surf in American Samoa
The only American land below the Equator, the territory of American Samoa consists of seven beautiful, tropical, volcanic islands.
Tutuila
is the largest island and also has the biggest population. Its nearest neighbour is Samoa, only 25 minutes away by plane is well documented in the surf media, while Tutuila has mysteriously remained in the shadows for decades, despite being surfed by Americans since the early '60s. In terms of scope little has changed; the surfing population is still ex-pat, few locals surf, and no surf camp has been erected.
The north coast of Tutuila is mostly sheer, black lava cliffs and most breaks are located on the south coast where a relatively flat volcanic platform with fringing reefs and submerged coral banks, produces many surfable breaks. The waves are powerful reefbreaks with world-class potential, but the reality is that the surf is way too exposed to prevailing SE trades making conditions pretty fickle and the spots are dangerously shallow.
Manu'a Group
Of the remaining islands to the east two are uninhabited coral atolls (Rose and Swains) while Ta'u, Olosega and Ofu, known as the Manu'a group, are volcanic and dominated by high peaks.
Surf spots in American Samoa
Research the 16 surf breaks in American Samoa and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 16 breaks in American Samoa.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to American Samoa
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 20,000
- Population
- 55,191
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- USD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = $1 USD USD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +1 684
- Dialing out
- 011
- Emergencies
- 911
- Language
- Samoan, English
Electricity
- Plug Type
- abfi
Visas
USA nationals can come and go freely with no visa required. Most European countries plus OZ and Canada get a 30 day entry permit on arrival. Other nationalities should check requirements before travelling.
Getting There
Only Hawaiian Air flies direct to Pago Pago (PPG) from Honolulu. Polynesian Airlines and Samoa Air operates inter-island flights from Samoa to Pago Pago with fares on a per kilo basis.
Getting Around
Aiga (pronounced Eye-Ing-a) are brightly coloured, “family” local buses that run cheap ($2 max), unscheduled services. The main road from Fagamalo to Onenoa is 50km (32mi). Rental cars cost $85/day! Drive on the right with 25mph speed limit. Taxis cost around $1 per mile – negotiate price first and say a nice “Talofa” to avoid being overcharged!
Accommodation
In built-up Pago Pago the 3 star Sadie's by the Sea has rooms at $140/dble while in the more authentic Samoan area of Vaitogi, The Turtle and Shark Lodge has rooms fr $120/n. Local BBQ and stone baked breadfruit, pork, chicken and bananas are the local dish; expect $10 for a meal.
Activities
Climb lofty Mount Alava to view Pago Pago's natural harbour. Tutuila is covered in dense tropical rainforest, home to unique animals like the flying fox or the Pacific boa, much of it protected by National Parks. The 'turtle and shark' legend is performed in Vaitogi. Check Tisa's Barefoot Beach & Bar in Alega.
Hazards & hassles
Be ready to airdrop into some shallow, square bowls: reef cuts are a given. There is a good hospital in town. Much of the coast around Pago Pago is quite developed. Religious beliefs dictate no surfing on Sunday apart from Sliding Rock.
Handy Hints
Bring at least two boards including a strong semi-gun. 90% of the population are native Samoans, they wear a lava lava (cloth wraparound) and dig Fa’a Samoa - the Samoan way. The int'l dateline passes west of Samoa; it's a day behind the rest of the world.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.
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