Kayaking in Samoa: Top 10 Kayak Tours & Places to Kayak

1. Lotofaga Mangroves and Peninsula with Outdoor Samoa

When it comes to kayaking in Samoa, your first go-to should be Outdoor Samoa. Their “Turtle Kayak Day” tour offers a unique opportunity to see 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 island-hopping, check out the 10 Island Day Trips & Island-Hopping Tours in Samoa.

Location: Tours typically depart from Lotofaga, southeast coast of Upolu. Alternatively, Outdoor Samoa is based in Mulifanua, Main West Coast Road, west coast of Upolu.

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2. Asaga Mangroves

Experience the tranquil beauty of Asaga Mangroves on a guided kayak tour through this glorious forest on Savai’i. This unique adventure is best arranged through Amoa Resort, which can organise staff to accompany and facilitate your journey.

As you paddle through the serene waterways, you’ll have the chance to observe the intricate ecosystem up close. The relaxed 10-15-minute journey culminates at a refreshing freshwater spring, perfect for a cooling dip!

While there’s no English-speaking guide available, the resort staff can help smooth any language barriers, ensuring the tour organisation goes smoothly.

Location: Tours depart from the road bridge in Asaga village (there is a sign for the Asaga River Pool and Beach Fales) on the northeast coast of Savai’i.

© Samoa Tourism Authority

3. Clams Tour with Return to Paradise Resort

Although the Savaia Giant Clam Reserve is open for anyone to visit with their own snorkelling gear, the nearby Return to Paradise Resort offers an alternative experience on their “Clams Tour”.

Departing from the resort, the tour includes transfers, snorkelling gear and your choice of kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) to explore the reserve in a unique way.

Entry fees and a tour guide are also included, so you won’t miss the best displays of these giant molluscs.

Learn more about this epic snorkelling spot in The Best Snorkelling in Samoa: Top 10 Places to Snorkel.

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

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4. Lalomanu

Upolu‘s most popular beach just happens to be an excellent place to kayak if you can organise rental equipment.

Explore the blue lagoon just off the idyllic white sands, with plenty of spots to don your snorkelling gear.

Kayak rentals are available from Taufua Beach Fales and Litia Sini Beach Resort, but be mindful that there may be an odd broken paddle or kayak to avoid and only a couple of kayaks available. Nearby, guests at the Aga Reef Resort have access to kayaks should they want to paddle along the coast to Lalomanu.

For more must-visit beaches, check out the 10 Best Beaches in Samoa.

Location: Lalomanu village, along Main South Coast Road on the southeast coast of Upolu.

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5. Lano and Faga

These neighbouring villages on the east coast of Savai’i boast the largest stretch of the lagoon to explore from the island, making for one of the best places to kayak in Samoa.

Guests of the Amoa Resort have access to kayaks that they can launch from the manmade “Lagoon Deck”.

Location: Lano and Faga villages, Main North Coast Road, east coast of Savai’i.

© Samoa Tourism Authority

6. Vaisala and Asau Bays

Along the north coast of Savai’i, Asau Bay and the neighbouring Vaisala Bay offer respite from lava field shores. A paddle in the bays very often results in turtle spotting, while those in Asau Bay can paddle to a tiny islet at the far end if they’re feeling energetic.

Kayaks for exploring Asau Bay can be hired from Va-i-Moana Seaside Lodge. Otherwise, guests at the Vaisala Hotel have access to traditional paopao canoes to explore the lagoon just off the white-sand beach.

Location: Asau, Auala and Vaisala villages, Main North Coast Road, northwest coast of Savai’i.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

7. Mulifanua and Apolima-uta

Explore the lagoon, watch the ferries come in and out, or even paddle all the way to Manono Island by kayak from Mulifanua and Apolima-uta villages along the northwest coast of Upolu.

Le Vasa Resort has kayaks for hire to explore the lagoon directly between Upolu and Manono.

Location: Mulifanua and Apolima-uta villages, Main West Coast Road, on the northwest coast of Upolu.

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8. Taumeasina (Apia)

If you’re looking for a place to kayak in the capital, Taumeasina Island Resort has relatively sheltered kayaking from its manmade island.

Kayak hire is complimentary for guests and day visitors, so explore the lagoon and enjoy getting an alternative form of exercise within the confines of the reef.

Location: Taumeasina Island Resort, Taumeasina Road, Apia.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

9. Faleapuna

On the northeast coast of Upolu, LeUaina Beach Resort offers prime kayaking territory off its shores along with the kayak rentals and safety gear to go with it.

The lagoon and reef are interesting to explore, for snorkelling also, so make sure you take your mask too!

Location: Faleapuna village, Main East Coast Road, northeast coast of Upolu.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

10. Fagamalo

Finally, easy kayaking can be enjoyed from Le Lagoto Resort and Savaii Lagoon Resort sitting side-by-side on the shores of Fagamalo village.

This other decent location for kayaking from Savai’i offers pockets of staghorn coral to explore, as well as white sand beaches. Both resorts offer free kayak hire for guests.

Location: Fagamalo village, North Coast Road, northeast coast of Savai’i.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com