Top Activities in Samoa

24 December 2012
Read Time: 1.7 mins

In the heart of Polynesia, discover the 'Treasured Islands of the South Pacific', Samoa, which comprises of two main islands, Upolo and Savai'i. Samoa is rich in culture and tradition; family is everything. Guests are treated with the utmost respect and without the usual tourist traps Samoa makes a great value island holiday destination. Experience a village homestay, an island excursion, sea kayaking, surfing, diving or fishing, and a visit to the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum.

 Savaii Island, Samoa

Samoa Village Stay
Experience the real Samoa when you stay with a local family during a Village Stay. Learn Samoan etiquette and customs, and play your part in Samoan daily life. Awaken at dawn to the sound of church bells ringing and eat with your extended family Samoan style. Help to harvest home grown vegetables and sample your host's fresh coconut cream. Learn key Samoan phrases from the children and sleep in a traditional open-air Samoan thatched hut. This is authentic Samoa for those who want to experience for themselves how this peaceful society lives.

Island Excursion
Discover the Samoan islands of Upolo, Savai'i and Manono during a guided tour that includes lunch and bottled water or opt for a self-guided tour and stop when and where you want to. From Manono visit the legendry Bali Hai and enjoy an hour's ferry ride to peaceful Savai'i, where you can take time out to relax in beach bungalows. Upolo offers a variety of dining and entertainment options in the small port town of Apia, and the home-turned-museum of famous author, Robert Louis Stevenson.

Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
Samoa's greatest claim to fame, other than its natural beauty is Robert Louis Stevenson's former home, 'Five Waters, Villa Vailima.' The mansion where the Stevenson's lived lavishly displays rare first editions of his works. Take The Road of Loving Hearts to Stevenson's grave, thirty minutes along a short, steep path or a more leisurely sixty minutes via a longer, easier path.

Sea Kayaking
For an unforgettable, fun-filled Samoan experience, try a full day or overnight sea kayak tour. Explore the smaller islands of Aleipata, the uninhabited islands located off the eastern end of Upolo. Spend the night on the marine protected Namua Island in a traditional Samoan beach fale. Enjoy a bit of beach combing, swimming and snorkelling, and while you're paddling offshore, keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles. Discover Manono Island, located in the lagoon between Upolo and Savai'i. Experienced kayakers will want to spend additional time on the open sea, on a thrilling seven-day kayaking trip.

Surfing, Diving, Fishing
Samoa boasts some of the best breaks in the world, without the heavy local presence and tourist crowds. Aptly named, Dragon's Breath, Pudding Rock and Devil's Island promise consistent waves and crystal clear water, making the region ideal for snorkelling and diving as well as the perfect offshore surfari. A deep-sea sport-fishing trip will allow more challenging diving and the rewards of big game fish such as yellow fin tuna.

Xanthe Coward

Xanthe's favourite travel destinations are the Greek Islands, Indonesia, Fiji and Vanuatu. With a background in performing arts, fine food, wine and good times, Xanthe enjoys travel that brings her close to the locals and their leisure activities. Being a theatre reviewer means that Xanthe will always do dinner and a show before checking out the late night city scene and still be up early to find the markets and a decent pot of chai.