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Samoa Beach Guide
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South Pacific Beach Holidays
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South Pacific Honeymoons
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Samoa beach locations are amongst the most exquisite in the South Pacific, although few have facilities (not even drinking water), none have lifeguards and most are almost totally secluded except those alongside a local village. Don't be surprised if a local turns up asking for money for use of the beach - land in Samoa is family owned and although you won't find signs saying 'keep out' or 'private property', the local owner has the right to charge a 'custom fee', usually from ST$2 to $5 per person. If you are looking for a pleasant beach resort to stay for a week or so, there are only a dozen or so throughout the islands (view Samoa Beach Resorts). The alternative is to stay at one of the many beach fales or traditional thatch bungalows (reviewed below) which are owned and operated by local villages.
Upolu Island
Apia Town has a small featureless beach at Vaiala, a short walk from the town centre and swimming here is OK.
The north coast of Upolu, the main island, has few nice beaches, with much of the coastline being rocky with steep mountains. There are a couple of exceptions, being a black / greyish sand beach near the village of Letoga about 20 minutes drive east of Apia and the tiny beach settings at Solosolo facing Albatross Island, but neither are worth spending much time out.
Without doubt, the best beaches on Upolu are along the south coast. The Aleipata District in the south east corner has some stunning beaches and turquoise lagoons at the backdrop of tropical mountains. Lalomanu beach has fine white sand and excellent swimming and snorkelling . There are four beach fale properties in Lalomanu village between the coastal road and the beach, each one operated by a local family (stay at Taufua Beach Fales).
Facing this region are four offshore islands, all uninhabited, within the main reef about 10 minutes by boat off the Upolu coastline. One of the most romantic locations is to stay on the uninhabited Namua Island which has traditional beach fale accommodation (stay at Namua Beach Fales) with the on-site land-owner preparing 3 meals a day for her guests. Namua has a gorgeous secluded palm fringed swimming beach with good snorkelling, and a nice forest interior which is good fro exploring. Views of American Samoa can be seen on a clear day and looking back to the main island of Upolu is a peaceful experience.
A little further along the south coast is Saleapaga which has another beautiful beach setting next to the village, with forest trails nearby and beach fale accommodation along the coastal road.
Hidden off the road is one of the most gorgeous secluded beaches in Samoa - Vava'u beach is divided into two by a large outcrop of rock and another smaller one and has created a sheltered bay which is excellent for swimming and snorkelling (stay at Vavau Beach Fales). Utulaelae Beach a little further on, sits beside a small village and offers great coastal views and some good offshore surfing.
The black sand beach at Aganoa, about half way along the south coast, is reached by 4 WD vehicle only in a remote area beside O Le Pupu Pu'e National Park and is good for beachcombing.
Nearby at Siumu Village, on the main road beside the intersection of the cross island highway to Apia, you'll find an unusual red sand beach. A short ride along the coast takes you to Maninoa Beach, with its fine white sand and tropical palm fringed scenery, with several small luxury resorts (stay at Coconuts Beach Resort or Sinalei Reef Resort) and a budget beach fale (stay at Maninoa Beach Fales).
The finest stretch of secluded beaches is on the south west coast from Sa'anapu to Lefaga. This stretch of coastline is off the main road but can be reached from either Sa'anapu or Salamumu. Both have excellent sandy beaches with the finest sand at Lotoalofa which also boasts excellent snorkelling. The two mile walk from Salamumu to Return to Paradise beach is one of the finest in the South Pacific.
Manono Island, a fifteen minute boat ride from the west coast of Upolu, can be walked around in a few hours with several small secluded beaches along the way and a small cove beach and shallow lagoon at Vaotuua Beach Fales.
Savaii Island
Savaii island, an hour and a half by ferry from Upolu, has two main beach areas, but plenty of other interesting spots. The east coast of Savaii has some nice beaches alongside village settings but the only place to stay is at Faga Village where there is excellent snorkelling. On the north east coast at Fagamalo there is a pleasant fine sand swimming beach with lovely mountain views and the only up-market resort on island (Le Lagoto Resort). A mile along the coast is Manase Village, the premier beach hang-out for budget travellers with several independent beach fales to choose from (stay at Vacations Beach Fales). The beach at Manase extends for almost one mile and has good swimming with average snorkelling.
The western tip of Savaii has several stunning beaches, notably at Falealupo-tai with its spectacular setting but most of the beach fales this side are well and truly run down. One of the best fale accommodation in Samoa is at Satuiatua on the south west coast of Savaii with excellent swimming and snorkelling and some offshore surfing. The best surf is a little further along the south east coast at Aganoa Beach, particular when the big winter swells arrive from Dec to April (stay at Aganoa Beach Fale). Picturesque Lano beach on the east coast has good summer surfing. For Samoa's genuine black sand beach, head along the south coast to Nuu Beach.
American Samoa
One of the finest beaches in Samoa is in the remote and seldom visited Manu'a Group of American Samoa. Ofu beach is a stunning 2-mile stretch of white sand backed by endless coconut palms and mountains. Unfortunately there is virtually no tourist infrastructure here and no reliable accommodation.
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