The Islands of Samoa

Samoa lies neat the equator so has a pleasantly tropical climate with a year round average temperature of 28 degrees Celcius. The warmest months are December to April, the southeast trades making May to November cooler and drier. The surrounding waters remain warm all year round, thus there is little or no necessity to bring any type of wetsuit. The beaches and reefs all around Samoa are home to brilliant tropical fish and colourful coral. The beaches also provide a picture perfect view of a tropical paradise with fine white sand on coconut tree lined beaches all along the coast.

Samoa is a country of natural, unspoiled beauty with so much to offer its visitors. You can 'do your own thing' or there are several tour companies who will help you experience Samoan customs and show you the sights. Picture postcard, white sandy beaches, rugged mountains, virgin rainforest and plantations, sparkling waterfalls, lava fields and blowholes; there's something for everyone and a wide range of activities to enjoy.

The Island of Upolu

Upolu is home to Apia the business centre, most of the residents and the major hotels and resorts. Traditional open beach fales, operated by families or villages, dot the coast and give the visitor a chance to enjoy their own piece of paradise.

Some points of interest on Upolu include the Robert Louis Stevenson museum, Vailima, the Botanical Gardens and Mt Vaea reserve where he is buried; Falefa Falls and the Piula Freshwater Cave Pool an ideal swimming, snorkelling and picnic spot is open 6 days.

The road over the Le Mafa Pass takes you to the Aleipata district on the southeast coast and the white sandy beaches and coves of Lalomanu, Vavau, Fagatele and Tafatafa; and numerous waterfalls including the Togitogiga cascade and freshwater pool. For a change of pace visit Manona Island, see the Visitors Bureau for information.

Discover famous Lefaga, or 'Return to Paradise' beach and Salamumu on the island's southwest coast via the Cross Island Road. Just 6km from Apia, slide down a waterfall into a deep freshwater pool at the popular Papase'ea Sliding Rocks.

For water sport enthusiasts Palolo Deep Marine Reserve, just minutes from Apia is a deep, blue pool with coral and colourful fish; ideal for snorkelling, diving and swimming. In the evening relax and be entertained by the colour, excitement and movement of the Samoan people at a traditional fiafia night.

--> more about the capital Apia

The Island of Savai'i

Savai'i is the third largest island in Polynesia, behind New Zealand and Tahiti. Largely unpopulated Savai'i is scattered with ancient archeological sites many covered by jungle and dramatic lava landscapes. Since the coast is more exposed with fewer reefs than Upolu, there are some good surfing spots. There's world class diving at Lalomalava and Savai'i has numerous sandy beaches with fales for picnicing or overnighting and freshwater pools and springs. Savai'i is dotted with conservation areas and boasts two rainforest reserves that have earned Samoa a place on the ecotourist's map. Tafua is Samoa's most accessible rainforest and is home to a colony of flying foxes and the rare Samoan tooth-billed pigeon believed to be the closest living relative of the dodo.

On the north western peninsula is the Falealupo Rainforest Preserve with a spectacular canopy walk - an eco experience for everyone. A 24m swing bridge spans the forest floor 9m below and culminates at the top of a banyan tree where if unique experiences are your thing you can stay the night.

The Taga Blowholes are said to be the most powerful in the world and most spectacular of the natural phenomena in Samoa.

Savai'i is a fascinating island, with many points of interest and the local people live life at an easy and gentle pace. It's easy to get there with Polynesian Blue and various tours are available or stay and discover this special place for yourself.