Samoa
Country/State Data
Regions
1
Breaks
18
Coastline
403 KM
Cost of living
Capital
Apia
Current Time
Security
Health
Positives
- Year-round consistent swell
- Powerful barrels
- Warm and uncrowded
- Samoan culture
Negatives
- Many blown out-days
- Remote, difficult access
- Sharp, shallow reefs
- No surfing on Sundays
Where to surf in Samoa
The Independent State of Samoa sits atop two ancient volcanic cones rising up from the ocean bed. They are amongst the largest of the South Pacific islands, with a dramatic and mountainous terrain that ample rainfall keeps lush and green. Upolu and Savai’i are well situated to receive numerous swells from both the N and the S creating very hollow, powerful waves, breaking over shallow barrier reefs around 500m offshore.
Upolu
Eastern Upolu is the more developed of the two islands with the majority of the resorts and decent surf spots for experienced surfers.
Savai'i
The western island, Savai’i is much wilder with fewer known breaks and one-quarter of the coral reefs but potential for discovery. Generally, the waves are very hollow and powerful, breaking over shallow barrier or lava reefs usually within 500m of the shore. In a few spots, big gaps in the barrier reefs allow the surf to break on lava reefs fringing the shore. The southern facing coasts hold the best quality waves, which are uniformly shallow and more suited to expert surfers. The north coast has fewer spots despite extensive fringing reef from Apia to the island of Manono and receives less swell, making it more suitable for intermediate level surfers.
Apolima Island is far too steep with sheer cliffs dropping into the sea. Recent lava flows have engulfed large areas of land and reef around Mt Matavanu on the NE coast of Savai’i, wiping out some potentially prime surfing real estate by icing the reef in rugged igneous rock.
Surf spots in Samoa
Research the 18 surf breaks in Samoa and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 19 breaks in Samoa.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Samoa
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 164,000
- Population
- 198,414
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- WST
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 2.65 WST WST
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +685
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- Samoan, English
Electricity
- Plug Type
- i
Visas
Europeans get 90 days visa free and the rest of the world gets 60 day visa free. They can be stricter on issues like onward ticket, sufficient funds and no criminal record than other countries so take note of that before arriving.
Getting There
Samoa Air operates frequent domestic services between Fagalii and Faleolo on Upolu and Maota and Asau on Savaii as well as inter-island to Pago Pago (American Samoa) with fares on a per kilo basis. The ferry service to Savai’i from Upolu leaves from Mulifanua and takes 1h (fr $5 passenger; $35vehicle). Most resorts do pick-ups from the airport which is 40kms west of Apia.
Getting Around
The reliable, unscheduled bus service reaches most of the mainland spots, but boards will be a hassle if crowded. Renting a car is expensive from $45/d. Hitch-hiking is possible. Most resorts have a tour vehicle and often tow a boat to more remote spots. For offshore spots a boat is needed, costing from around $30/rtn from local tour operators (Manoa Tours) or fishermen.
Accommodation
Samoa is one of the cheapest countries in the South Pacific. If you're willing to rough it then there is accommodation fr $20 a night for a falé (thatched hut). To maximise water time, stay at one of the major surf camps on the south coast; Salani Surf Resort, Vaiula Beach, Maninoa, Coconuts, Samoana, Manoa Tours and Aganoa Beach on Savai'i. In Apia try the Samoan Outrigger Hotel. Green bananas, breadfruit, taro, fish, and lu'au are cooked on the stone fire (umu). Samoan sushi is called oka.
Activities
Most Samoans attend church and Sunday surfing near villages is frowned upon. Diving, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, hiking, waterfalls (Papapapa Tai, Sauniatu, Sopoaga, Falefa), exploring caves, blowholes and lava tubes, To Sua Ocean Trench, Papase'ea sliding rock and all watersports. There's very little to do at night.
Hazards & hassles
Many of the reefs are super-shallow and dangerous and hospital care is fairly rudimentary. Infections from reef cuts are a problem. Mosquitoes are plentiful, but there's no malaria. Drink only bottled water.
Handy Hints
Bring all surf gear including spare board(s), reef boots, rash vests and antiseptic for reef cuts. The wilds of Savai'i are best seen on an organised tour with Manoa Tours or Savai'i Surfaris. Boats to offshore spots, cost around $20/rtn/p from local tour operators (Manoa) or fishermen.
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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