Things to do in Samoa

Descend a dramatic ladder into a giant natural swimming hole, surrounded by lush tropical gardens and connected to the sea by an underwater lava tube.

Unwind on powdery white sand and swim in brilliant turquoise water at the most photographed beach in Samoa, backed by palm trees and traditional fale.

Swim through a deep blue hole in the reef just off Apia, teeming with colourful corals, giant clams, and tropical fish, accessible directly from the shore.

Explore a crystal-clear freshwater spring inside a natural cave beside the ocean, where you can swim through to an opening in the reef.

Watch seawater explode metres into the air as waves funnel through lava tubes, then toss a coconut in to see it shot skyward.

Get an adrenaline rush sliding over smooth, moss-covered rocks into cool freshwater pools, a natural waterslide tucked in the jungle near Apia.

Wander among eerie, black solidified lava that engulfed a village in the early 1900s, seeing the half-buried church and 'Virgin's grave' untouched by the flow.

Tour the beautifully restored colonial mansion of the famous author, filled with personal artefacts and set on the slopes where he lived his final years.

Participate in hands-on demonstrations of traditional weaving, wood carving, tapa cloth making, and watch an energetic fa'ataupati slap dance in central Apia.

Gaze at one of Samoa's tallest waterfalls as it plunges over a sheer cliff into a deep gorge, best seen from the roadside lookout on the cross-island road.

Cool off in the wide, multi-tiered cascade and its inviting pools, a scenic spot in O Le Pupu-Pu'e National Park once used by traditional warriors.

Trek through dense rainforest up to the crater lake known as the 'Goldfish Lake', home to introduced goldfish and surrounded by breathtaking volcanic ridges.

Descend carved steps into a steep rainforest gorge to find a stunning waterfall plunging into a wide, blue-green natural pool perfect for swimming.

Follow the steep trail through botanical richness to the grave of Robert Louis Stevenson on the summit, rewarded with sweeping views of Apia and the Pacific.

Immerse yourself in the colours and aromas of fresh tropical fruit, taro, breadfruit, and the scent of koko Samoa, while locals bargain in lively Samoan.

Savour beautifully plated dishes fusing local seafood and ingredients with Italian flair, in a relaxed waterfront setting overlooking Apia Harbour.

Enjoy healthy bowls, tropical smoothies, and umu-cooked dishes using organic Samoan produce in a tranquil garden café popular with visitors and residents alike.

Snorkel in shallow, protected waters to see enormous, vibrantly coloured giant clams up close, part of a community-run marine conservation project.

Cross a suspended bridge high in the treetops for a bird's-eye perspective of the rainforest, then climb a tower for panoramic views over Savai'i's lush interior.

Venture into a lava tube steeped in legend, where you can walk through a tunnel formed by an ancient volcanic eruption and learn Samoan myths of the mischievous dwarfs.

Stand at the westernmost point of Savai'i, once the final place on Earth to see the sunset each day, and gaze across the endless Pacific horizon.

Walk past the iconic Clock Tower, memorials, and colonial buildings along Beach Road, feeling the pulse of Samoa's only city as the harbour sparkles beside you.

Climb Polynesia's largest ancient stone pyramid, a mysterious mound hidden in jungle that dates back over a thousand years and feels like a lost temple.

Enter a natural ocean pool where rescued green and hawksbill turtles glide around you, allowing an intimate encounter in a responsible community-run setting.

Sleep in a traditional open-sided fale right on the sand, lulled by the waves and woken by the sunrise, experiencing authentic Samoan hospitality and village life.