8 Unique Natural Wonders to Visit in Samoa
Are you an avid nature lover on the hunt for your next travel destination? If so, we think it’s time to add Samoa to your bucket list.
Despite its small size, the islands of Samoa hide a vast array of unbelievable natural attractions. Whether you holiday on the main island of Upolu or venture out to the more rugged Savai’i, Samoa is home to everything from dramatic waterfalls and ancient volcanoes to freshwater swimming holes and thriving marine reserves.
Here are eight unique natural wonders you need to visit on your next trip to Samoa.
To-Sua Ocean Trench
We’re sure you’ve already seen photographs of the magical To-Sua Ocean Trench. Located on the main island of Upolu, this coastal sinkhole is easily the most iconic natural wonder in Samoa and a must-add to your bucket list.
Surrounded by emerald rainforest and vines, the crystalline turquoise waters of To-Sua Ocean Trench appear straight out of a postcard. After snapping the perfect shot for your Instagram account, climb down the narrow 30-metre wooden ladder into the clear waters below. This may just be the world’s most beautiful swimming pool!
Alofaaga Blowholes
The Alofaaga Blowholes are perhaps the most explosive of Samoa’s natural wonders. Positioned on the southwest coast of Savai’i, find yourself mesmerised as these blowholes explode with high-pressure water bursts each time a wave comes in. For an extra thrill, drop a coconut into one of the blowholes and watch it shoot into the air!
Nearby the Alofaaga Blowholes is the Pa Sopo’ia Cave, an intriguing spot believed by locals to be an ancient pathway where ancestor spirits travel through before entering the Spirit World. Be sure to the local chief to show you the way here.
There’s not many places in the world where you can drop a coconut into a blowhole and watch it shoot into the air!
Palolo Deep Marine Reserve
It’s no secret that the clear waters and vibrant coral reefs surrounding Samoa are perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving. In fact, Samoa is home to one of the world’s most accessible marine reserves, Palolo Deep Marine Reserve. Better yet, this magical snorkelling spot is just 100 metres from the shores of Apia!
Hire a mask and snorkel and dive into this underwater trench, which is absolutely teeming with thriving staghorn coral and hundreds of tropical fish species. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some sea turtles!
Saleaula Lava Field
Also located on Savai’i Island, the Saleaula Lava Field offers an intriguing blend of natural and human history. This lava field is the remnant of the destructive Mt Matavanua volcanic eruption in the early 1900s, which swallowed five different Samoan villages.
One of the field’s most striking features is the LMS Church, which sits in ruins with a two-metre lava flow solidified right through its arching entrances. Also make sure to check out the ‘Virgin’s Grave’, where it’s believed that the lava flow avoided the final resting point of a young girl.
Papase’ea Sliding Rocks
Brave Mother Nature’s waterslides at the Papase’ea Sliding Rocks. Thousands of years of water rushing over these rocks have formed four beautiful cascades along the Papase’ea Stream. Just 20 minutes from the Samoan capital of Apia, these natural water holes are a popular swimming spot amongst locals and tourists alike.
You can easily spend hours zooming down these smooth slippery rocks into the cool waters below. Divided into adults and kids slides, the bravest of adventurers can’t miss the ‘Men’s Slide’, which boasts a near-vertical five-metre drop. Time your visit for the wet season for the best sliding action.
Only 20 minutes from the capital of Apia, an adventure to Papase’ea Sliding Rocks is perfect for every traveller.
Piula Cave Pool
While the islands of Samoa are fringed with stunning golden beaches, if you head inland, you’ll discover plenty of secret swimming spots hidden amongst the rainforest. Amongst the most popular of these is the Piula Cave Pool, located along the East Coast Road on Upolu.
The Piula Cave Pool is a stunning duo of freshwater swimming holes formed from an old lava tub. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the sapphire waters filled with fish and, if you’re feeling brave, swim between the two caves via a three-metre underwater passage.
O Le Pupu Pu’e National Park
Explore a range of unique natural wonders while tackling the Coastal Walk of O Le Pupu Pu’e National Park. Along the way, you’ll discover a range of postcard-perfect viewpoints, so be sure to have your camera at the ready.
This trail across Upolu’s south coast winds its way through lush pandanus forest before emerging on rocky lava cliffs. From here, you can admire Samoa’s magnificent coastal arches and look out to the islands of Nu’usafe’e and Nu’utele. The Coastal Walk is an easy path to follow and should only take approximately one hour to complete.
Afu Aau Waterfall
Thanks to its mountainous landscape, Samoa is home to a host of spectacular waterfalls that are fed each year during the wet season. Hire a car or join a tour to go chasing the many waterfalls that can be found along Upolu’s south coast.
If you’re also visiting Savai’i, don’t miss the chance to swim beneath Afu Aau Waterfall. Located at the end of a lush jungle trail, the Afu Aau Waterfall plunges 15 metres into a freshwater pool, the perfect spot for a refreshing dip.
Set amongst the lush jungle, Afu Aau Waterfall is by far one of the most impressive waterfalls in Samoa, just waiting for you to dive into the freshwater pool below.
Discover these natural wonders with My Samoa
Get ready to delve into the endless natural wonders of Samoa. Our Samoa Experts have handcrafted a range of exclusively packaged holidays, including return flights, resort stays and exclusive bonus extras you won’t find anywhere else!
Beautiful Samoa is waiting to be discovered by you – find your perfect holiday package today!
