6 Best Surf Operators & Guides in Samoa 🌊 [2023]
6 Best Surf Operators & Guides in Samoa 🌊 [2023]

7 Best Surf Operators & Guides in Samoa 🌊 [2024]

© Pxhere

Where to Find Surf Guides, Boats and Camps in Samoa

With barrelling waves along the reefs helped along with both north and south swells, Samoa is an enticing prospect for the seasoned surfer. But, as any seasoned surfer does indeed know, getting to reef breaks isn’t always the easiest, so you’ll need a surf boat, as well as the expertise of a surf guide to select the waves according to the conditions. The selection of surf operators and guides in Samoa is pleasingly small, so take a look at some to ride with in this list!

For more tips on customary surf fees, Sunday surf rules and more, take a look at The Ultimate Guide to Surfing in Samoa.

1. Manoa Tours

Samoa’s premier surf guide, Manoa Tours specialise in taking experienced surfers to all of the south coast’s famous surf spots: Coconuts, Salani, Boulders, Nu’usafe’e Island, etc. They are the go-to operator when you book surf tours through resorts like Coconuts Beach Club, Sinalei Reef and Ocean Club along Maninoa Beach, or you can always give them a call yourself (with The Best SIM Card in Samoa for Travellers, you’re welcome). Manoa Tours is also just about the only surf guide in Samoa equipped to give surf lessons for beginners, which you can learn more about in The Ultimate Guide to Surfing in Samoa.

Location: Maninoa, south coast of Upolu.

6 Best Surf Operators & Guides in Samoa 🌊 [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

2. Salani Surf Resort

Stay at this boutique surf resort and you’ll have access to the surf boats, guides and expertise needed to make the most of Upolu’s south coast waves. Salani Surf Resort, with its eight elevated units boasting estuary views, is even within paddling distance of breaks such as Salani Left and Salani Right. When you’re not making use of the surf boats and guides taking you to the most pumping waves, retreat to the resort’s saltwater swimming pool, dine at the restaurant specialising in fresh and responsibly sourced food or hop on one of the resort’s island excursions. Learn more about Samoa’s surf camps in the 7 Best Surf Resorts & Lodges in Samoa.

Location: Salani, end of Salani Road, southeast coast of Upolu.

6 Best Surf Operators & Guides in Samoa 🌊 [2023]© Pxhere

3. Aganoa Lodge

One of the most premium lodgings and surf camps on the island of Savai’i, Aganoa Lodge not only has epic waves just off its beach but boats and guides to take you to the real pumping stuff. The lodge is even home to Savai’i’s only beginner’s wave, which you can find out more about in the 6 Best Places to Surf in Savai’i. As for the accommodation offerings, which also include yoga, massages and all-inclusive dining, check out the 10 Best Lodges in Samoa.

Location: Aganoa Lodge, signposted off the main road in Fa’a’ala village on the southeast coast of Savai’i.

6 Best Surf Operators & Guides in Samoa 🌊 [2023]© Samoa Tourism Authority

4. Samoa Surf Secrets (Vaiula Beach Fales)

Another excellent surf operator for the south coast of Upolu, Samoa Surf Secrets boasts surf boats and guides to take you to breaks like Tafatafa and Nu’usafe’e Island on its doorstep, as well as other iconic south coast surf breaks. The team operate out of Vaiula Beach Fales, one of your most affordable surf camps in Samoa, and provides tours whether you’re an overnight guest or just a day visitor. There’s also a cafe and bar on-site, giving you the option to refuel after a morning or afternoon ripping those barrels.

Location: Tafatafa Beach (not in Tafatafa village). The turnoff to the beach is signposted along Main South Coast Road at the Latter-Day Saints Church in Malaemalu on the south coast of Upolu.

6 Best Surf Operators & Guides in Samoa 🌊 [2023]© Vaiula Beach Fales

5. Maninoa Surf Fales

Combine surf guides and accommodation at Maninoa Beach with Maninoa Surf Fales. Offering complete packages of airport transfers, breakfast and dinner, hotel-style or beach fale accommodation, and daily boat transfers and guides to the best south coast waves according to the conditions, there couldn’t be an easier surf stay on Upolu’s south coast.

Location: Maninoa, south coast of Upolu.

6 Best Surf Operators & Guides in Samoa 🌊 [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

6. Rainforest Runaway Ecotours

Laidback, authentic and extremely knowledgeable, Rainforest Runaway Ecotours offers an excellent alternative surf guide for exploring the southern breaks of Upolu. Join Manu for a day of doing your style of adventure, whether it’s surfing mixed with snorkelling or day-tripping to Nu’usafe’e Island or the black sand Aganoa Beach. You’re also in safe hands, as your tour guide is trained in senior first aid, while the rest of his knowledge when it comes to the local culture, flora and fauna helps you get much more out of the sights you’re visiting. For more nature-focused tours, take a look at the 10 Best Eco Tours in Samoa.

Location: Maninoa, central south coast of Upolu.

6 Best Surf Operators & Guides in Samoa 🌊 [2023]© Pixabay

7. Troppo Fishing Adventures Samoa

Unsurprisingly, these guys are primarily a fishing charter, but book Troppo Fishing Adventures for a few days as a liveaboard and they’ll take you to a number of breaks that you can enjoy straight from your “floating fale”. Troppo offers liveaboard charters for up to four guests and can give advice on where to surf according to the swell. Needless to say, you’ll be encouraged to drop a line in between breaks. Learn more about the liveaboard in the 20 Most Unique Accommodations in Samoa.

Location: Apia Marina, Apia.

6 Best Surf Operators & Guides in Samoa 🌊 [2023]© Samoa Tourism Authority

More About Surf Operators and Guides in Samoa

That’s it for our guide to the best surf boats, guides and camps in Samoa. Now that you know about the best surf operators in Samoa, here’s more advice to help plan an effortless surf-cation:

Finally, when you’re not surfing, make sure you tick some of these off the 101 Best Things to Do in Samoa: The Ultimate List.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Samoa and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Our editorial standards: At Samoa Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

Author

Robin C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Samoa Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin works and consults regularly with the Samoa Tourism Authority, a local government body representing the tourism industry. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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