12 Island Day Trips & Island-Hopping Tours in Samoa

1. Manono Island Excursion – Golden Eco Tours

Step back in time with Golden Eco Tours‘ “Manono Island Excursion (Full Day)“. This car-free island adventure is a true highlight, offering an authentic glimpse into traditional Samoan life.

Your journey begins with a scenic boat ride to Manono, where local families warmly welcome you. As you walk around the entire island, your guides share fascinating customs and stories, immersing you in their way of life.

The tour’s crowning moment? Sharing a delicious home-cooked Samoan lunch with a welcoming Manono family. It’s an experience that’ll leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Samoan culture.

While the Manono tour is the star, Golden Eco Tours offers other fantastic experiences. Their “Sightseeing & Cultural Tour of Upolu” and “Snorkeling Tour – Giant Clams & South West Upolu” are also worth checking out. They even have excursions to Savai’i, which you can explore on the Golden Eco Tours website.

Location: Tours depart from Apia with hotel pick-up included.

© Golden Eco Tours

2. Turtle Kayak Day – Outdoor Samoa

For an unforgettable adventure on the water, look no further than Outdoor Samoa‘s “Turtle Kayak Day” tour. This fully guided kayak trip offers a unique opportunity to see giant turtles in their natural open sea environment.

Your journey begins at the village base in Lotofaga, where you’ll get a quick practice session in the pond before paddling down a mangrove-lined stream. As you explore the complex root systems, keep an eye out for the many varieties of orchids in this diverse ecosystem.

Once you reach the lagoon, you’ll paddle out to the edge of a postcard-perfect beach-lined peninsula where you’ll have the opportunity to land on the beach, relax, swim and enjoy some local snacks.

After more paddling and, hopefully, turtle sightings, the day concludes with a quick swim in the spring-fed pool at the base, followed by a late lunch on the balcony of the open fale, where you can enjoy views of daily village life.

This fully guided trip requires no kayak or snorkelling experience, but participants should be confident in the water. Lifejackets (PFDs) are supplied and must be worn.

Book your adventure on the Outdoor Samoa site. Otherwise, for more about kayaking in Samoa, take a look at the 10 Best Kayak Tours & Places to Kayak in Samoa.

Location: Tours typically depart from Lotofaga, southeast coast of Upolu.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

3. Namu’a Island Day Trip – Namu’a Island Beach Fales

From spotting turtles on the boat journey across the lagoon to combing the sands of an uninhabited island, a day trip to Namu’a is one of both excitement and relaxation.

Boats run daily (except Sundays) from Mutiatele village, taking you to a stunning island with walks, amazing snorkelling and beach fales for Samoan-style relaxation.

There are toilets on the island but no other facilities, so make sure to bring any lunch or snacks with you.

For more information, check out The Travel Guide to Aleipata Islands.

Location: Take the ferry from Mutiatele (check in at the shop opposite the wharf), Main South Coast Road on the east coast of Upolu.

Alternatively, guided experiences with lunch, hotel transfers and additional stops at Namu’a, Lalomanu Beach and Togitogiga Waterfall are available with Samoa Holidays & Events – check out their tours!

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4. Bat Island Escape – Le Vasa Resort (Island Ventures Tours)

Definitely the most complete tour to this tiny islet off the western shores of Upolu, Le Vasa Resort offers two options for experiencing Nu’ulopa Island, also known as “Bat Island”.

There’s the “Bat Island Escape” tour, which includes return boat transfers, as well as time to snorkel off the beach, try a natural whirlpool, sunbathe or relax under the fale. A picnic lunch and drinks are included. The tour requires a minimum of two people in order to go ahead.

Alternatively, try the “Bat Island Culture Experience“. Not only do you get to experience Nu’ulopa but you’ll go with a guide who will teach you how to husk a coconut, make fresh coconut cream and weave your own basket. You’ll then enjoy watching a Samoan dance and learn a few moves yourself. The tour also includes around 30 minutes of snorkelling, as well as a picnic lunch and drinks. Note that the tour requires a minimum of four people in order to go ahead.

For more ways to explore Bat Island, take a look at The Travel Guide to Nu’ulopa.

Location: Le Vasa Resort, Apolima-uta, Main West Coast Road, west coast of Upolu.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

5. Nu’usafe’e Snorkel Tour – Manoa Tours

Specialising in snorkelling and surfing tours along Upolu’s south coast, it’s no wonder that the idyllic islet of Nu’usafe’e is one of the items on the Manoa Tours activities list!

Although Neil and his friendly team take keen snorkelers to where the conditions are best, Nu’usafe’e is sometimes on the agenda.

Operating out of Coconut’s Beach Club Resort but easily accessible from Sinalei Reef, Ocean Club, Sina PJ Beach Fales and other accommodations on the central south coast, the boat operator makes getting to this little piece of paradise easy.

All ages are welcome on these tours, where you’ll snorkel in the clear blue waters surrounding the island and even do some turtle spotting along the way.

Book your experience on Manoa Tours’ site and learn more about ways to experience this piece of paradise in The Travel Guide to Nu’usafe’e.

Location: Siumu, central south coast of Upolu.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

6. Savai’i Eastside Tour – Coconut Tours

Should you want to experience Samoa’s other big island in just a day, hopping over from Upolu, then check out the Savai’i tours with Coconut Tours. On their “Savai’i Eastside Tour“, venture on a full-day exploration of Savai’i’s most culturally significant and naturally beautiful sites!

Your journey starts with a pick-up from your Upolu accommodation and a scenic ferry ride to Savai’i. Then, visit the bustling Salelologa Market and the historic EFKS Monument in Sapapali’i, the landing site of the first missionaries.

Discover the mangroves and clear water of the Asaga River Pool and Beach Fale before venturing to the mysterious Lava Field and Virgin Grave.

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of the island’s reputable resorts before visiting the historical and refreshing Mataolealelo Pool and exploring the unique Peapea Cave in Letui village.

Inclusions with Coconut Tours are lunch, snacks, bottled water/coconuts, accommodation pick-up, ferry tickets, towels and entry fees.

They also offer a full-day “Samoa Bird Watching Tour“, where you can spot native birds in lush rainforests, volcanic coastlines and conservation areas on Upolu and Savai‘i.

Coconut Tous also offers comprehensive tours of Samoa’s capital, Apia, the main island, Upolu, and even the west side of Savai’i, which you can check out on the Coconut Tours‘ site.

Location: Tours depart from your Upolu accommodation.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

7. Savai’i Highlights: Blowholes, Waterfalls & Market – Sunshine Samoa Tours

Whatever you want to do and whatever you want to see, chances are Silu, Nanasi and the family from Sunshine Samoa Tours can make it happen.

Offering personalised tours of Upolu and Savai’i, Sunshine Samoa Tours is a very flexible and affordable tour company that can plan itineraries ranging from half days to multiple days! Otherwise, their “Savai’i Highlights: Blowholes, Waterfalls & Market” tour follows more of a set itinerary to the Alofa’aga Blowholes, two epic waterfalls and the option to do a cultural siapo (tapa) demonstration and visit the bustling Salelologa Market – all of this with lunch included!

Along the way, you’ll receive down-to-earth yet engaging commentary from your knowledgeable guide, who will teach you more about the Samoan culture and history, resulting in a very fulfilling experience.

Find out more about adding more “sunshine” to your tour at the Sunshine Samoa Tours website. 

Location: Tours depart from any accommodation on Upolu.

© Sunshine Samoa Tours

8. Northern Savai’i Day Trip From Upolu – Tai’s Native Experience

Experience the Northern Tour of Savai’i from Upolu with one of the “chief” tour guides (literally!) on Tai’s Native Experience.

Your adventure begins with a scenic 80-minute ferry ride, offering glimpses of Manono and Apolima islands.

On Savai’i, explore the historic Sapapali’i site, where Christianity first arrived in Samoa. Marvel at the eerie Saleaula Lava Fields, a testament to nature’s power.

At Sato’alepai, visit a turtle sanctuary where you can feed and swim with these gentle creatures.

Finally, unwind at Stevensons at Manase, savouring Samoan cuisine with ocean views.

Don’t miss the chance to snorkel in the pristine reef before your return journey. For a different perspective, check out and book the Southern Tour too on Tai’s site!

Location: Tours depart from Apia, central north coast of Upolu.

© Tai's Native Experience

9. Southern Tour of Savai’i – Samoa Scenic

Another day trip to Savai’i is available with Samoa Scenic. After an early pick-up from your resort, take the 8 am ferry to Salelologa, where you’ll begin your journey either along the south or north coast, depending on the tour you’ve chosen.

The “Southern Tour of Savai’i” includes stops at the iconic Alofaaga Blowholes and Afu Aau Waterfall, as well as a cultural experience at the Siapo Demonstration.

Although there is the “Northern Tour of Savai’i” also to choose from, we don’t condone the unethical turtle attraction they visit, as explained in the 10 Best Places to See Turtles in Samoa.

For more day trips to Savai’i, take a look at the 10 Best Day Tours of Savai’i.

Location: Tours depart from Apia, central north coast of Upolu. Pick-ups outside of Apia incur an additional charge.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

10. Samoa Adventure – Intrepid Travel

For a complete island-hopping holiday incorporating both the islands of Upolu and Savai’i, choose this multi-day tour with Intrepid Travel.

Their “Samoa Adventure” tour treats small groups of up to 12 travellers to eight days of breathtaking beaches, stunning swimming holes, and curious culture. Almost all meals are included in the tour, as are transport, accommodation and entry fees to some of Samoa’s top attractions that are no doubt on your bucket list.

Accommodation is in a mix of hotel rooms, beach fales and villas.

Location: This tour starts straight from your arrival at Faleolo International Airport with airport transfers included.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

11. Savai’i Island Full Day Tour – Return to Paradise Resort

A small selection of resorts on Upolu offers island day trips to Savai’i including your ferry transfer. For example, Return to Paradise Resort‘s “Savai’i Full Day Tour” makes it easy to explore the “big island” for guests of this remote resort on Upolu.

The tour mainly explores the south coast of Savai’i, including the must-see Alofaaga Blowholes on the way to the gorgeous white sands and historical sites of Falealupo Beach. The itinerary is ever-changing, so be sure to inquire at the resort’s tour desk.

Location: Tours depart from Return to Paradise Resort, Lefaga, on the southwest coast of Upolu.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

12. Savai’i Island Tour – Discovery Rentals

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Discovery Rentals‘ Savai’i Island Tours! Choose between the North and South Island adventures, both packed with incredible experiences.

On the North Island tour, you’ll swim with turtles and explore the mysterious Pe’ape’a Cave. The South Island tour showcases the impressive Alofaaga Blowholes and refreshing Afu Aau Waterfall. Both tours include visits to the vibrant Salelologa local markets and fascinating cultural demonstrations.

For the ultimate Savai’i experience, opt for the full island tour, running from 4 am to 6:30 pm.

Whether you prefer a group tour with customisable itineraries or a private day trip tailored to your interests, Discovery Rentals has you covered.

Location: Tours depart from Apia, central north coast of Upolu.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com