Ever visited a tropical island and wished you’ve got to explore it 10, 20, even 30 years earlier? Before the over-tourism, before the massive hotels, before the million bars, before the souvenir stalls at every corner, before that crowd of millennials waiting in line to get that insta shot?

Well, Samoa is your chance to see a tropical paradise in its true, unspoilt glory.

 

13 reasons why you should travel to Samoa

Samoa is a tropical paradise in the South Pacific consisting of two main islands, Upolu and Sava’i, and several small islets. It is one of the most underrated and undiscovered destinations in Oceania but it has so much to offer, and here’s why we think Samoa should be on your bucket list. The sooner, the better!

1. The incredible To Sua Ocean Trench

Climbing down this ladder was the scariest and dodgiest thing we’ve done in a while, but we’d do it again and again because the reward really is worth it!

To Sua means giant swimming hole, but this hole might as well be called Paradise, trust us!

Read Next: Your guide to To Sua Ocean Trench

To Sua Ocean Trench is a 30m deep beautiful hole connected to the ocean by an underwater cave, filled with crystal clear warm water and surrounded by lush jungle hanging down the edges of the trench. No Samoa holiday is complete without a dip in this wonderful ocean trench.

PS. Samoa may or may have not made it’s way onto our bucket list because Zi saw a picture of this very spot!

 

2. You can swim with wild sea turtles

No enclosures, no torture, no luring them in with bait, no dragging them on the beach. Just grab your mask, go for a swim and there they are. In Samoa reefs and sea turtles are plentiful.

Swimming with wild sea turtles might just be the highlight of your Samoa vacation.

3. Waterfalls. So many waterfalls!

As you drive down the road in Samoa you’ll see two things on a regular basis: piglets roaming free and signs pointing to yet another waterfall. And somehow, each one of them is even better and more beautiful than the previous one!

Some of these Samoan waterfalls are perfect for a refreshing swim and others you can only see from a viewpoint on the other side of the valley, but they will all make your jaw drop.

 

4. The nicest and kindest people

The Samoan islands are home to the happiest, kindest and most humble people we’ve ever met. Samoans are big not just in stature but also in the size of their smiles and their hearts.

They will wave as you drive past, stop to say hi and offer to help when you need anything. They will even invite you to their home and although they don’t have much, they will share everything with you.

Community and family are valued above anything else and a Samoan’s door and arms are always wide open.

5. The world class beach resorts

The Samoan coast is scattered with some of the nicest and most authentic beach resorts we’ve ever seen. They’re not the sleazy kind you might find in overly touristic locations. The beach resorts in Samoa still have a soul and they’re often run by local families who will make yo feel welcome and cared for.

Read Next: Where to stay in Samoa – the best resorts

And then theres the poolside cocktails, the authentic Samoan decor and often a quirky little detail that sets each resort apart, like the daily letter from aunty Pisupo at Return to Paradise, the resident turtles at Stevensons or live music with breakfast at Taumeasina.

 

6. The most beautiful beaches and the clearest warmest waters

Lalomanu beach has been voted one of the top 10 beach destinations of the world by Lonely Planet, and is not even the most beautiful beach we’ve visited in Samoa!

The beaches in Samoa offer something for everyone; from long stretches of soft white sand lined with palm trees and colourful fales (a traditional samoan hut) to rough volcanic cliffs, to small secluded lagoons and back to long sandy beaches, but this time the sand is black, then to beautiful bays sheltered by a reef, to awesome surf breaks and back to volcanic shores and rock pools.

 

7. Some of the best snorkelling in the world

As a tropical destination, Samoa offers some of the best snorkelling opportunities and features reefs of all shapes, sizes and colour. Sea turtles and colorful reef fish are plentiful, you can see giant clams, stingrays, swordfish, puffer fish and so much more just a few meters off the coast.

 

9. The culture, the food and Fia Fia

Samoans are proud of their heritage and their culture, based on Fa’a Samoa – the Samoan way. Samoan people love sharing their stories and traditions with others and they love food. Boy do they love a good feast!

This all comes together at Fia Fia nights. Fia Fia can be translated as ‘celebration,’ but it can also be translated as ‘feast day’ … so you get the picture, right?

 

10. Samoa is like a trip to Mars …

In 1905 Mt. Matavanu erupted and covered big parts of Savai’i in ashes and lava. Then it kept coughing up more ashes and more lava for the next 6 years. Terrifying, I know, but the surreal landscape it created is breathtaking and it seriously feels like a walk on Mars.

 

11. And then it turns into Jurassic Park

So we’ve got the volcanic soil courtesy of Mt. Matavanu and then we have the warm and humid tropical climate which can only mean one thing – thick lush green jungle!

The landscapes in Samoa are so very diverse and always absolutely gorgeous.

 

12. The sweetest coconuts

No joke, the coconuts in Samoa are small but so much sweeter and so much better than anywhere else.

 

13. Samoa is the hidden jewel of the Pacific

While tourism in Samoa is certainly on the rise, for now it’s still a fairly unknown destination unspoilt by tourists and crowds. Samoa is pristine, it’s authentic and it is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful.

Samoa is the perfect destination for a tropical holiday known for it’s beautiful beaches and warm weather.

But even if relaxing on a sunbed isn’t your thing, there are plenty of things to do and see to keep your heart content. From chasing waterfalls, snorkeling, hiking, to heritage and culture, Samoa has it all and you should place travel to Samoa at the very top of you bucket list right about … now!

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Keep it handy and pin this to your travel inspo board

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Did we convince you? Are you booking your Samoa holiday yet?

Let us know in the comments below!

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