The only American land below the equator, the territory of American Samoa, consists of 7 beautiful tropical and volcanic islands, two of which are uninhabited coral atolls (Rose and Swains). Tu’u, Olosega and Ofu, known as The Manu’a Group, are volcanic islands and they are dominated by rather high mountains. Tutuila is the largest island and also has the highest population rate. It is only 25min by plane from its neighboring Western Samoa. Come with us to discover all the surf spots in Samoa!
Surfing in Savaii and Upolu is now well documented in the surf media, but Tutuila has mysteriously remained unknown for decades, despite being surfed by Americans since the early 1960s. There are no clubs in the population and no surf camps. The waves are powerful world-class quality reefbreaks, but the reality is that the conditions are quite unstable and most of the spots are very shallow, so they are quite dangerous. Almost all the spots are located on the south coast, too exposed to the prevailing winds from the SE while in most of the north coast there are black lava falls. Fortunately, the south coast has a volcanic platform with submerged reefs and coral reefs that create many surfable waves.
The final part of the west coast is the best surf area with a magnificent road that runs alongside many quality spots. With occasional swells from the north, Poloa could be great but beware of close-outs at low tide. Amanave bay is one of the classic bays in the South Pacific, where waves have been surfed but without consistency. In Nua you find lefts only in SW swell conditions and SE winds. Asili Point reveals its enjoyment with the N winds, along with the breaks in the Sliding Rock area. The rides are very long and it is advisable to surf them at high tide. Marine Reserve is a hotspot for divers and for nature lovers. Faganeanea is a left that becomes beautiful in the rare NW winds and Fatuuli Rock offers long right with a tubing section in the inner side. Coral Head is a spot that only receives small waves.
Pago Pago bay is exposed to winds, the best being Lauli’ituai with extraordinary left and right, ideal for tube “hunters”. Two other spots to check out are the left bowls of Leia Point, further east, and Amouli which entertains a long left working at high tide, plus a right on the other side. Otherwise Aunu’s Island isn’t easy to check as it takes 15min by ferry from Auiasi. Aunu’u lefts can be world-class with the last session well protected from the winds. With W-NW winds check Aloa or Tula ; traditional American Samoa villages, they can be quite consistent creating pleasant conditions for surfing.
Tariff per person, starting from:
| Departure | Double |
|---|---|
| From 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020 | € 557 |
Notes
Samoa has a great swell exposure, taking all of the SE-SW that the South Pacific has to offer. The best conditions come with the combination of clean S swells and rare N winds. The NE enhances lefts while the NW favors right. Summer (from December to March) is the season of the cleanest conditions but the swells aren’t as numerous and the rains are frequent.
How to get there : The Tourist Visa costs $ 45 but most nationalities don’t need it. Hawaiian Air flies direct to Pago Pago from Honolulu and Air Pacific provides flights to NZ, OZ, Fiji, Tahiti. Samoa Air flies to Tonga and Westen Samoa provides inter-island services. No tax on departure.
Getting around : Alga local Bus works without scheduled times and the longest route can cost you from $ 0.50 to $ 1. The main road from Tamalo to Onenoa is 50km (32mi). Renting a car costs $ 85 / day. Drive on the right. Taxi from Pago Pago to Leone is $ 15.
Accommodation and food: Like many South Pacific islands there are no shorebreak resorts but small hotels around Pago Pago. The Pago Airport Inn costs $ 95 / double. Barry B&B in Leone costs $ 40 / double. Local BBQ, tropical local fruit, chicken, pork, and bananas are the local dishes. Expect $ 6 for a meal.
Climate : Tropical climate with cyclonic potential; it is hot and very humid all year round. The rainy season runs from November to April and temperatures are around 30 ° C. This is also the cyclone season. The dry season runs from May to October and is cooler.
Nature and Culture : Climb Mount Alava to see the natural Pago Pago jetty. Tutulia is covered by a dense tropical forest, home to unique animal species such as the giant bat or the Pacific Boa.
Dangers and Annoyances : Be ready for coral wipeouts, reef cuts are guaranteed. There is a good hospital in town. The majority of the coast in Pago Pago is quite developed with equipment. There is no malaria or disease but it is furiously hot in the summer. Religious beliefs dictate no surfing on Sundays aside at Sliding Rock.
Tips : Bring at least 2 boards including a semi-gun. Contact The Dive Shop in Vaitogi for advice and repairs.
Exchange rate 1 EUR = 1.08 USD; 1 € = 1.51 NZD; 1 EUR = 1.41 AUD
Exchange rate variations (more than 3%) will lead to an adjustment of costs. They will be communicated within 20 days of departure.
The tariff does not include
Duration: 8 days / 6 nights
from € 242 - Excluding flights
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