5 Best Bike Trails in Samoa

1. Mulifanua to Savaia (Giant Clams Ride)

Distance: 22 km (13.7 mi) one way
Average cycling time: 1h50mins (without stops) one way
Nearby bike rentals: Outdoor Samoa. See Cycle Samoa: Where to Rent Bikes & E-Bikes for more details.

Ride through quaint villages, alongside lagoons and over the scenic Falelatai Saddle to the mesmerising snorkelling spot of the Savaia Giant Clam Sanctuary.

Starting from the Outdoor Samoa base in Mulifanua, enjoy a leisurely ride on the flat roads through quintessential Samoan villages with their fales and grand churches on the first 14 km (8.7 mi) to Falelatai village.

The Catholic church at the base of the bush-clad mountain marks the end of Falelatai village and the beginning of the toughest part of this ride; 200 m (656 ft) within 2 km (1.2 mi). E-bikes are helpful for this section. Otherwise, experienced riders won’t break a sweat. Either way, be sure to stop at various vantage points on the way up and at the summit to enjoy views of clearly defined reef systems in the lagoon below. Then, it’s a fun downhill and across a ford to Falease’ela village where Lalotalie ECAT Ventures is based should you have the energy for an adventurous waterfall hike (see the 10 Best Adventure Tours in Samoa).

The final 3 km (1.9 mi) is a picturesque and flat ride alongside the lagoon of Lefaga Bay until you reach Savaia Giant Clam Sanctuary. Pay your entry fees and enjoy snorkelling with these giant molluscs – find out more in The Best Snorkelling in Samoa.

Outdoor Samoa offers return transport back to their base or you can ride back, stopping by Le Vasa Resort for lunch, as listed in The Best Places to Eat on Upolu.

© Google Maps

2. Matautu to Falease’ela

Distance: 14 km (8.7 mi) return
Average cycling time: 1h10mins return (without stops)
Nearby bike rentals: Return to Paradise Resort. See Cycle Samoa: Where to Rent Bikes & E-Bikes for more details.

From the remote shores of Return to Paradise Resort, this bike trail in Samoa gives you a gentler option to ride to Savaia Giam Clam Sanctuary and onwards to Falease’ela village where Lalotalei ECAT Ventures can take you on an epic waterfall and canyoning excursion.

The first 2 km (1.2 mi) of the ride takes you along the beaches and Matautu village where 1953’s Return to Paradise was filmed. Turn left after the Matautu Church and continue through villages and past a primary school – children will be eager to say hello.

Once you reach a T-junction, turn left towards the coast and you’ll come across Savaia Giant Clam Sanctuary. Pay your entry fees and enjoy snorkelling with these giant molluscs – find out more in The Best Snorkelling in Samoa.

It’s another 3 km (1.9 mi) from the sanctuary along the flat and scenic coastal road with the lagoon of Lefaga Bay ever in view. As you ride inland through the increasingly vegetated landscape, Lalotalei ECAT Ventures‘ base is located on your right, opposite the ford. See the 10 Best Adventure Tours in Samoa for more on this experience. After you’re done, return the same way. 

© Google Maps

3. Va-i-Moana to Vaisala Hotel

Distance: 6 km (3.7 mi) return
Average cycling time: 30mins return (without stops)
Nearby bike rentals: Va-i-Moana Seaside Lodge. See Cycle Samoa: Where to Rent Bikes & E-Bikes for more details.

A gentle ride from Va-i-Moana Seaside Lodge on Savai’i, this one takes you through villages and along the coast of Asau Bay to the neighbouring beach and historic hotel of Vaisala Bay along with its dining, beach and coastal walk.

From Va-i-Moana, enjoy a ride along the quiet main road with just a slight increase in elevation. Depending on the time of day, villagers will likely be playing volleyball in the afternoon or kids will be returning from school and will be keen to say hello.

After riding inland for a short section, look out for a billboard sign for the Vaisala Hotel that indicates an access lane. Ride down to this rustic hotel that has an a la carte menu for lunch and dinner. There are also paopao canoes to explore the lagoon, while it’s also worth a snorkel if you have brought your gear – see The Best Snorkelling in Savai’i: Top 8 Places to Snorkel.

To the eastern end of the beach is a concreted walk through the coastal forest that’s also worth exploring – see 6 Best Walks & Hikes on Savai’i for more details. Once you’re done, return the way you came.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

4. Savai’i Island

Distance: 200 km (124 mi) loop
Average cycling time: 16h40mins loop (9 days/9 nights)
Nearby bike rentals: Outdoor Samoa. See Cycle Samoa: Where to Rent Bikes & E-Bikes for more details.

Hire a bicycle or e-bike from Outdoor Samoa and transport it on the ferry for a self-guided multi-day adventure riding around Savai’i island. Outdoor Samoa has published a “Samoa Cycle Guide” to keep you on track with kilometre-by-kilometre directions but with one main coastal road, getting lost won’t really be an issue.

Self-guiding your way around Savai’i by bike means that you’ll need to organise your own accommodation. Check out your options in Where to Stay on Savai’i: The BEST Savai’i Accommodations. Plus, for attractions to check out along the way, be sure to also take a look at the 50 Best Things to Do on Savai’i.

© Google Maps

5. Upolu Island

Distance: 160 km one way (100 mi)
Average cycling time: 13h20mins one way (9 days/9 nights)
Nearby bike rentals: Outdoor Samoa. See Cycle Samoa: Where to Rent Bikes & E-Bikes for more details.

Similar to the experience above, hire a bicycle or e-bike from Outdoor Samoa and enjoy a self-guided excursion following the main coastal road around Samoa’s main island, Upolu. Again, the “Samoa Cycle Guide” is a good resource for planning your journey by the kilometre. For travelling between Apia and Faleolo International Airport at the end of your trip, Outdoor Samoa provides bike shuttles.

Self-guiding your way around Upolu by bike means that you’ll need to organise your own accommodation. Check out your options in Where to Stay on Upolu: The Best Upolu Accommodations. Plus, for attractions to check out along the way, be sure to also take a look at the 50 Best Things to Do on Upolu.

© Google Maps