11 Best Eco Tours in Samoa

1. Lalotalie ECAT Ventures

Working closely with the local village of Falease’ela to preserve the natural environment and local traditions, Lalotalie ECAT Ventures (ECAT standing for Eco Cultural Adventure Tourism) is your true ecotourism venture in Samoa.

Their village has many incredible conservation stories that you can read on newspaper clippings on display at their base, perhaps while waiting to do their signature Falease’ela River Walk?

Less of a “walk” than it is a canyoning expedition along the gorge with never-ending cascades of waterfalls, the 3-4-hour experience is an epic excursion for the adventurous! The team will gladly take you through the gorge with each waterfall getting more grandiose (and higher) than the next!

If you’re feeling brave, the boys can show you the best jumping spots – even as high as 20 m/66 ft (they’ll certainly be doing it) – but you’re in no way pressured to do the crazy if you prefer to swim and take in the rainforest scenery that is preserved as a conservation area.

Alternatively, ask about their full-day coastal tour hike to untouched beaches or paopao (canoe) ride through the oldest mangrove forest in Samoa.

Location: Falease’ela village in Lefaga Bay on the southwest coast of Upolu. Lalotalie ECAT Ventures’ base is beside the ford on Main South Coast Road.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

2. Manoa Tours

Manoa Tours offers an eco-friendly turtle-watching experience on Upolu that respects these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Instead of swimming with turtles, you’ll observe them from a safe distance, ensuring minimal disruption to their environment.

After the turtle encounter, the tour whisks you away to some of the most mesmerising snorkelling spots accessible only by boat. Here, you’ll have the chance to marvel at vibrant fish, intricate coral formations, and other curious sea creatures.

The adventure begins at Siumu, conveniently located near many of Upolu’s central south coast resorts. Book the Turtle Watching & Snorkelling Boat Tour on Manoa Tours’ site.

For more underwater experiences, check out the 10 Best Snorkelling Tours in Samoa. And if you’re keen on more turtle-spotting opportunities (both ethical and otherwise), don’t miss our guide to the 10 Best Places to See Turtles in Samoa.

Location: Siumu on the central south coast of Upolu. Tours usually depart from Coconuts Beach Club Resort, signposted off the Main South Coast Road.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

3. Coconut Tours

Embark on a truly special adventure with the “Bird Watching Tour” by Coconut Tours, designed for nature lovers, researchers and curious explorers alike.

Led by experienced local guides from the Samoa Conservation Society, you’ll explore Upolu’s most biodiverse areas while spotting vibrant species like the mao, Samoan whistler and Pacific imperial pigeon.

They provide binoculars and cater to all levels of birding experience. Enjoy a fresh lunch mid-day amidst nature before continuing your meaningful journey through Samoa’s natural beauty.

According to our very own travel manager, Robin, “This tour not only offers stunning photo opportunities but also directly supports local conservation efforts.”

Your guide will choose up to three prime locations based on recent sightings, which may include Malololelei Recreational Site, Le Pupu-Pu’e National Park, and Lake Lanoto’o National Park. Best of all, a portion of every booking goes directly to bird conservation efforts in Samoa.

Location: Various locations across Upolu, including highland forests, coastal cliffs and conservation areas. Pick-up from your accommodation available.

© Coconut Tours

4. Outdoor Samoa

For a low-impact way to explore Samoa, hit up the team from Outdoor Samoa which offers a range of day tours to multi-day holiday packages to explore the country by kayak or by bike.

It doesn’t take a genius to work out that you’ll be saving a significant amount of carbon emissions by choosing to ride the island roads by mountain bike or e-bike compared to hiring a car or even jumping on a guided driving tour.

Multi-day packages have you staying in authentic beach fales; one of the most sustainable accommodation types also.

Book your adventure on the Outdoor Samoa site.

Otherwise, jump more into the details of a cycling tour or freedom bike hire in The Ultimate Guide to Mountain Biking in Samoa, while more on kayaking is detailed in Kayaking in Samoa: Top 10 Kayak Tours & Places to Kayak.

Location: Outdoor Samoa is based in Mulifanua, along the Main West Coast Road, west coast of Upolu. Some multi-day tours include airport transfers.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

5. Samoa SUP Tours

Another low-impact way to enjoy a day in paradise, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a peaceful and enjoyable way to explore the coast. With Samoa SUP Tours, paddle over the butter-flat waters surrounding the uninhabited islets of the Aleipata Islands or opt for a hike up to Lake Lanoto’o with your inflatable SUPs in your backpack.

A good in-between is a peaceful paddle through mangrove forests, with a rotation in locations in order to keep the impact on these fragile ecosystems to a minimum.

For something truly unique, Samoa SUP Tours also offers night SUP experiences, which you can learn more about in the 10 Things to Do in Samoa at Night.

As for more SUP options, take a look at the SUP in Samoa: 5 Best Paddleboarding Tours & Locations.

Location: Tours depart from Apia with Apia pick-ups included.

© Pixabay

6. Uafato Bird Hide Trail

One of the oldest geological areas in Samoa, the Uafato Conservation Area encompasses 2,500 ha (6,178 acres) of native forest containing some 380 species of plants and 19 species of birds, including Samoan’s national bird, the manumea (tooth-billed pigeon).

A fantastic eco-tour of the area is from the remote village of Uafato where guides of the Uafato Bird Hide Trail can take you on a 25-minute one-way walk through the forest to a specially constructed bird hide elevated on a high ridge in the forest.

This protected area is included in the Coconut Tours‘ “Bird Watching Tour“.

Learn more about bird watching in the 5 Best Places for Bird Watching in Samoa.

Location: Uafato village, approximately 13 km (8 mi) off Richardson Road on the east coast of Upolu.

Note that the road is unsealed and a 4WD or a high-clearance vehicle is the most suitable for access.

There is an information panel about the trail in the village with contact details for the hike (760 5200). Otherwise, ask at a fale near the sign to make arrangements.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

7. Laauoleola Cave and Nature Walk

Rainforest, caves and unique wildlife: Laauoleola Cave has it all for the nature-lover! Follow your local guide along a well-maintained 15-minute forest trail through mahogany, ifilele, teak, kava, eucalyptus and banyan trees.

As you begin to approach the entrance of Laauoleola Cave, also known as A’opo Cave, you’ll hear the unusual clicking of swiftlets flying past your head. Then, it’s up to you to decide how far you walk through the large lava tube that is said to span 5 km (3.1 mi) under the surface!

It’s a short flat walk (with a few muddy patches) through the cave to the first descent, which the guides can organise a ladder should you want to continue – let them know you would like to do this before you begin the tour.

The walk is fully (and casually) guided. The guide has a torch but you might want to also bring your own.

Laauoleola is not the only cave, so get more of your subterranean fix in the 10 Best Caves in Samoa.

Location: A’opo village, signposted off the Main North Coast Road, central north coast of Savai’i.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

8. SummerWind Samoa

SummerWind is the new kid on the block, bringing fresh energy to Samoa’s cultural and adventure tour scene. You’ll love their commitment to sustainability – bring your own water bottle or snag a cool metal one from them.

What’s more, Summerwind works directly with local families. Fancy a visit to a family house in Lalomanu? Or how about learning the art of coconut husking from the experts? (Trust us, it’s harder than it looks!) Their tours are a perfect mix of natural wonders and cultural immersion.

Don’t miss the chance to take a dip in the stunning To Sua Ocean Trench or explore the mystical Piula Cave Pool.

Whether you’re up for a full-day adventure or just a half-day escapade, Summerwind has got you covered. With five different tours to choose from, all based on the beautiful island of Upolu, you’re spoilt for choice.

Most tours kick off from Apia, but if you’re feeling extra adventurous, why not hop on their Manono tour? It comes complete with a boat transfer – how’s that for island hopping? And let’s not forget the little touches that make all the difference. Fresh coconuts on every tour to avoid packaged drink bottles? Yes, please!

Book your experience with SummerWind Samoa today!

Location: Pick up from Upolu hotel can be arranged.

© SummerWind Samoa

9. Savaia Giant Clam Sanctuary

Giant clams might have been introduced to establish an aquaculture industry in Samoa, but the village of Savaia has put aside a marine reserve in their lagoon in order for visitors to encounter these magnificent creatures through snorkelling.

Pay your entry fees, rent snorkel gear if needed, go down the steps, and slip on your mask, snorkel and fins for an adventure with giant clams at the Savaia Giant Clam Sanctuary! You’ll be amazed at how gargantuan these molluscs can get as you explore the waters beyond the buoys – best admired at high tide, might we add.

First, you’ll need to swim over a section of sand before reaching the white buoys that cordon off the marine reserve area. You’ll see hundreds of small clams forming a pleasingly shelly pattern on the floor, while you might also be lucky to see a turtle or two.

Swim around a little bit more (keeping an eye on a reference point on land, as there can be a little bit of current) and it won’t be long until you find the giant clams! Needless to say, you shouldn’t touch these feisty shellfish…

Note that local regulations require you to apply sunscreen at least one hour before swimming with the giant clams, so slap it on early.

For more amazing snorkelling spots, also take a look at The Best Snorkelling in Samoa: Top 10 Places to Snorkel.

Location: Savaia village along Main South Coast Road (near Savaia Beach Fales) on the southwest coast of Upolu.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

10. Mt Silisili Guided Hike

Samoa’s highest mountain and a multi-day adventure, Mt Silisili provides an awesome eco-excursion on Savai’i. As long as you have your own tent, food, jacket as it gets cooler as you go up in altitude, and any other gear you usually hike with, A’opo village can supply the guide for this low-impact experience.

The trail encompasses plantations, the lush A’opo Conservation Area rainforest, and an impressive crater ridge with orange and white moss clinging to fragile lava rocks.

Check out the 6 Best Walks & Hikes on Savai’i for the full track details.

Location: A’opo village on the north coast of Savai’i. Organise guides through the Savai’i Samoa Tourism Association.

© Samoa Tourism Authority

11. Golden Eco Tours

Golden Eco Tours stands out as a premier eco-tourism business in Samoa, offering immersive cultural experiences with minimal environmental impact. This family-run enterprise is passionate about sharing Samoan traditions while supporting local livelihoods.

Their “Sightseeing & Cultural Tour of Upolu” takes you on a journey deep into Samoan culture. You’ll enjoy personal connections, traditional ceremonies and captivating storytelling, all while travelling in a comfortable air-conditioned van.

Water enthusiasts will love the “Snorkeling Tour – Giant Clams & South West Upolu“. This full-day adventure combines the awe-inspiring Giant Clam Sanctuary with cultural narratives and local flavours, showcasing Samoa’s natural wonders responsibly.

Our top pick is the “Manono Island Excursion (Full Day)“. Step back in time on this car-free island, where local families guide you through their customs and way of life. You’ll enjoy a scenic boat ride, walk the entire island, and share a home-cooked Samoan meal with a welcoming Manono family.

Golden Eco Tours also offers eco-friendly excursions to Savai’i, which you can explore on the Golden Eco Tours website.

Location: Pick-ups in Apia.

© Golden Eco Tours