Samoa Beach: Which South Pacific Shore Is For You?

Samoa boasts over 400 kilometers of coastline, dotted with some of the most beautiful beaches in the South Pacific. From powder-white sands to black volcanic shores, Samoa’s beaches offer a diverse range of tropical experiences. Whether you’re a sun-seeker, a snorkeling enthusiast, or a surf fanatic, there’s a perfect Samoa beach waiting for you.

Before we dive into the details of each Samoa beach, here’s a quick look at the top beaches in Samoa and what makes them special:

Samoa Beach Name	Island	Best For	Features
Lalomanu Beach	Upolu	Scenery, Swimming	Postcard-perfect views, iconic Samoa beach experience
To Sua Ocean Trench	Upolu	Unique Experience	Natural swimming hole, one of Samoa’s most photographed spots
Salamumu Beach	Upolu	Surfing, Snorkeling	Black sand Samoa beach with volcanic rocks, less crowded
Aganoa Beach	Savai’i	Surfing, Seclusion	World-class surf breaks, secluded Samoa beach paradise
Lefaga Beach	Upolu	Family-Friendly	Famous Samoan beach, filming location for “Return to Paradise”
Tanu Beach	Savai’i	Cultural Experience	Traditional beach fales, authentic Samoa beach life
Vaiala Beach	Upolu	Convenience, Snorkeling	Easily accessible Samoa beach near Apia, great for quick visits
Falealupo Beach	Savai’i	Sunsets, Snorkeling	One of the last beaches in Samoa to see the sunset each day
Manase Beach	Savai’i	Turtle Watching	Quiet Samoan beach atmosphere, chance to see turtles
Vavau Beach	Upolu	Seclusion, Day Trips	Secluded and stunning, off-the-beaten-path Samoa beach

Looking for more travel guides, insider tips, or even full itineraries for your next adventure? Visit destination.com for expert advice and detailed guides to top travel destinations worldwide.

Now, let’s explore each of these amazing Samoa beaches in more detail!

1. Lalomanu Beach: A Top Samoa Beach

Lalomanu Beach is arguably the most famous beach in Samoa, and for good reason. Located on the southeast coast of Upolu Island, it’s about an hour and 15 minutes drive from Apia, the capital city. The journey to this stunning Samoa beach is part of the adventure, with winding roads offering beautiful views along the way.

When you arrive at Lalomanu, you’ll understand why it’s considered one of the best beaches in Samoa. The sand is incredibly white and soft, and the water is a mesmerizing shade of turquoise. It’s an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing, showcasing the beauty of Samoan beaches.

One unique feature of Lalomanu Beach is the traditional Samoan beach fales lining the shore. These open-air huts provide an authentic way to experience Samoa beach life, whether you’re staying for a day or overnight.

Here’s what you need to know about staying at this top Samoa beach:

• Taufua Beach Fales: About 120 WST per person per night, includes breakfast and dinner
• Litia Sini Beach Resort: About 245 WST for two adults, includes meals
• Aga Reef Resort: More upscale, starts at 580 WST per night

Note: 1 US dollar is about 2.8 WST as of September 2024.

Lalomanu offers classic Samoa beach activities like snorkeling to see colorful fish, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the sand. Just be mindful of strong currents when swimming far from shore.

2. To Sua Ocean Trench: Samoa’s Natural Swimming Pool

While not a traditional beach, To Sua Ocean Trench is one of Samoa’s most unique coastal attractions. The name “To Sua” means “big hole” in Samoan, which perfectly describes this incredible natural swimming hole.

Located on the southeast coast of Upolu, near the village of Lotofaga, To Sua is about a two-hour drive from Apia. This Samoa beach attraction is a must-visit for anyone exploring the islands. Here’s what you’ll pay to enter this natural wonder:

• Adults: 20 WST
• Kids (6-11 years): 10 WST
• Children under 6: Free

The highlight of visiting To Sua is the descent into the water. A long wooden ladder stretches 30 meters down to the water’s surface – that’s about as tall as a 9-story building! While the ladder might look daunting, it’s secure and safe if you take your time.

Once you’re in the water, you’ll find yourself in a natural swimming pool unlike any other Samoa beach, surrounded by lush greenery and volcanic rock formations.

To Sua is open from 8:30 AM to 5 PM most days, opening later at 12:30 PM on Sundays. For the best experience at this unique Samoan beach attraction, visit during the dry season from May to October when the weather is most favorable.

3. Salamumu Beach: Black Sand and Rocks

Salamumu Beach offers a different kind of Samoa beach experience. Located on the southern coast of Upolu, this Samoan beach is known for its unique black sand and impressive volcanic rock formations. It’s about an hour’s drive from Apia.

Unlike some of the other popular beaches in Samoa, Salamumu is less crowded, offering a more peaceful getaway. The black sand of this Samoa beach creates a striking contrast with the blue ocean, making it a favorite spot for photographers looking to capture the diverse beauty of Samoan beaches.

While swimming might be challenging due to the rocky seabed, Salamumu Beach excels in other areas. It’s one of the best beaches in Samoa for surfing, with good waves for experienced surfers. The calm, clear waters also make it an excellent spot for snorkeling, where you can explore the marine life that calls this Samoan beach home.

If you’re planning to stay near Salamumu, consider Sa’Moana Beach Bungalows. Here’s what you can expect:

• Beachfront stay costs about 700 WST per night
• They offer equipment rentals for activities like kayaking and paddleboarding
• You can try traditional Samoan activities like coconut husking and fire dancing

Planning tip: bring water shoes if you have them – the volcanic rocks can be sharp on this Samoa beach!

4. Aganoa Beach: Best for Surfing 

Aganoa Beach, located on Savai’i Island, is a hidden gem among Samoa’s beaches. It’s known primarily as a surfing paradise, but it’s also a beautiful spot for anyone who loves nature and quiet beaches in Samoa.

To get to this Samoan beach, you’ll need to take a ferry from Upolu to Savai’i, landing at Salelologa. From there, it’s a short drive to Aganoa Beach. Renting a car is your best bet, as public transport on Savai’i is limited.

What makes Aganoa one of the best beaches in Samoa for surfing are its two main breaks: Aganoa Right and Aganoa Left.

These world-class waves are just a short paddle from the shore. But don’t worry if you’re not a surfer – the lagoon inside the reef offers calmer waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Most visitors to this Samoa beach stay at the Aganoa Beach Lodge. Here’s what you need to know:

• A 6-night stay for two people costs about 12,600 WST
• This includes meals and some activities
• For a budget option, you can rent a beach fale for about 20 WST per day

As of 2024, it remains one of the less touristy beaches in Samoa, making it perfect if you want to experience unspoiled Samoan beach beauty.

5. Lefaga Beach: Hollywood’s Top Choice

Lefaga Beach, also known as Return to Paradise Beach, is a beautiful stretch of white sand on the southwest coast of Upolu. This Samoa beach gained fame as the filming location for the 1953 movie “Return to Paradise,” and when you see it, you’ll understand why it was chosen as a Hollywood backdrop.

Getting to this Samoan beach is relatively easy. It’s about a 50-minute drive from Apia or 30 minutes from Faleolo International Airport. The road to Lefaga Beach takes you through picturesque Samoan villages, adding to the experience.

What makes Lefaga one of the top beaches in Samoa is its combination of natural beauty and amenities. The white sand beach is dotted with interesting rock pools and lava formations. The lagoon is great for snorkeling, especially at low tide, where you might spot colorful fish and even turtles.

If you’re looking to stay at this famous Samoa beach, the Return to Paradise Resort offers several options:

• Ocean Breeze Room: About 530 WST per night
• Beachfront Room: About 705 WST per night
• Maeva Honeymoon Suite: About 1,060 WST per night

These rates include breakfast and access to resort amenities like snorkeling gear and an outdoor gym.

6. Tanu Beach: Authentic Samoa Beach Life

Tanu Beach, located on the northern coast of Savai’i, offers one of the most authentic Samoan beach experiences you can find. This stunning stretch of coastline is known for its traditional beach fales and beautiful ocean views, providing visitors with a genuine taste of Samoa beach life.

To reach this slice of Samoan paradise, you’ll need to take a ferry from Upolu to Savai’i, then drive about 45 minutes from the Salelologa ferry terminal. The journey to Tanu Beach is part of the adventure, taking you through lush landscapes and traditional villages.

What sets Tanu apart from other beaches in Samoa is its simplicity and cultural immersion. The beach itself is a quiet stretch of white sand, perfect for swimming and relaxing. The calm, shallow waters make it an ideal Samoa beach for families.

If you’re looking to stay at Tanu Beach, here’s what you can expect:

• Accommodation at Tanu Beach Fales costs about 70 WST per person per night
• This includes breakfast and dinner, offering great value for your Samoa beach holiday
• Children under 12 can stay for 40 WST, while kids under 5 stay free

One of the highlights of this Samoan beach is the chance to stay in a traditional open-air fale right on the sand. It’s a unique way to experience Samoa’s beaches, falling asleep to the sound of waves and waking up to stunning ocean views.

7. Vaiala Beach: Near Apia for a Quick Trip

If you’re looking for a Samoa beach close to the conveniences of the capital, Vaiala Beach is your best bet. Located just a 5-minute walk from Apia’s town center, this beach offers a quick and easy escape to the sea.

Vaiala Beach stands out among Samoa’s beaches for its accessibility and blend of urban and natural environments. The shoreline is a mix of white sand and black volcanic rocks, creating an interesting and photogenic Samoan beach landscape.

Here’s what makes Vaiala one of the interesting beaches in Samoa:

• It’s perfect for a quick swim or snorkel if you’re short on time
• The beach is lined with palm trees, offering natural shade
• It’s close to Apia’s restaurants and hotels, making it convenient for tourists

When visiting any Samoa beach, keep in mind that there are no lifeguards, so swim carefully. It’s also important to wear proper footwear since the volcanic rocks can be sharp. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to October.

8. Falealupo Beach: Great for Sunset Viewing

Falealupo Beach, located on the western tip of Savai’i, holds a special place among Samoa’s beaches. It’s known as one of the last places on Earth to see the sunset each day, making it a truly unique beach experience in Samoa.

Getting to this remote Samoan beach is an adventure in itself. After taking the ferry to Savai’i, it’s about a two-hour drive from the Salelologa ferry terminal. The journey takes you through beautiful Samoan landscapes, building anticipation for the beach ahead.

What makes Falealupo one of the best beaches in Samoa:

• Over a kilometer of soft white sand
• Crystal clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling
• The chance to watch some of the world’s last sunsets each day

For accommodation at Falealupo Beach, you have a couple of options. Falealupo Beach Fales costs about 70-100 WST per person per night, including meals. Se’eti Beach Fales offers similar pricing and amenities.

9. Manase Beach: Samoa’s Turtle-Watching Paradise

Manase Beach, located on the northeast coast of Savai’i, is one of the most popular beaches in Samoa, and for good reason. This Samoan beach is known for its pristine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and the unique opportunity to see sea turtles in their natural habitat.

To reach this beautiful Samoa beach, you’ll need to take the ferry from Upolu to Savai’i, then drive about 45 minutes from the Salelologa ferry terminal. The journey to Manase Beach showcases the lush beauty of Savai’i Island.

What sets Manase apart from other beaches in Samoa:

• It’s one of the best places in Samoa to see turtles in their natural environment
• The beach offers a perfect balance of relaxation and activities
• Traditional beach fales provide an authentic Samoan beach experience

For those looking to stay at this top Samoa beach, you have several options:

• Tanu Beach Fales: About 70-100 WST per person per night, including meals
• Tailua Beach Fales: Similar pricing and amenities
• Stevensons at Manase: A more upscale option, starting at about 250-400 WST per night

Activities at this Samoan beach include swimming, snorkeling, and of course, turtle watching. The best time for snorkeling is usually in the morning when the water is calmest. If you’re keen to see turtles, ask the locals about the best spots and times.

10. Vavau Beach: A Hidden Spot in Samoa

Our final stop on this tour of Samoa’s beaches is Vavau Beach, a hidden treasure on the south coast of Upolu. This Samoan beach is less well-known than some others, which means you might have this slice of paradise almost to yourself.

To reach Vavau Beach, you’ll need to drive along the Main South Coast Road between the villages of Lotofoga and Vavau. Look for the sign to Vavau Beach Road. The journey to this secluded Samoa beach is part of the adventure, taking you through lush landscapes and small villages.

What makes Vavau one of the unique beaches in Samoa:

• Soft white sand and a shallow lagoon dotted with small islands
• Tall cliffs covered in green vegetation surround the beach, creating a secluded cove feeling
• It’s primarily set up for day visitors, offering a more untouched Samoan beach experience

To enjoy this beautiful Samoa beach, you’ll need to pay a small fee:

• About 5-10 WST per person
• Or 20-30 WST per car

This fee goes towards maintaining the beach and supporting the local community, ensuring this Samoan beach remains pristine for future visitors.

Activities at Vavau Beach include snorkeling in the lagoon, where you can see many colorful fish. If you have your own kayak or stand-up paddleboard, this is a great Samoa beach to use it. You can paddle out to the small islands in the lagoon for a real Robinson Crusoe experience.

Best Time to Visit Samoa’s Beaches

The best time to visit Samoa’s beaches is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This period offers warm weather, clear skies, and calm seas, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and other beach activities.

During this time, you’ll experience lower humidity and less rainfall, providing perfect conditions to explore Samoa’s natural beauty.

Here’s a quick look at the best months to visit Samoa and what to expect:

Month	Weather	Activities	Tip
May	Warm, low humidity	Snorkeling, hiking	Start of the dry season
June	Pleasant, sunny	Swimming, beach activities	Peak tourist season begins
July	Hot, dry	Surfing, diving	Best for water sports
August	Clear skies, calm seas	Beach activities, kayaking	Great for family trips
September	Warm, less crowded	Snorkeling, sunbathing	Shoulder season, fewer tourists
October	Warm, low rainfall	Swimming, hiking	End of dry season, fewer crowds

If you’re looking for quieter beaches and fewer tourists, consider visiting in September or October. The weather remains pleasant, but the crowds thin out as the peak season ends.