![Kayaking in Samoa: Top 10 Kayak Tours & Places to Kayak 🛶 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=Njk5OjM5Mg==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgNDIwIDY1MCIgd2lkdGg9IjQyMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSI2NTAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+ "Kayaking in Samoa: Top 10 Kayak Tours & Places to Kayak 🛶 [2024]")
![Kayaking in Samoa: Top 10 Kayak Tours & Places to Kayak 🛶 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NzAzOjM3OQ==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTIwMCA3ODkiIHdpZHRoPSIxMjAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc4OSIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Kayaking in Samoa: Top 10 Kayak Tours & Places to Kayak 🛶 [2024]")
Where to Kayak in Samoa
With sheltered lagoons, gorgeous sandy coastlines and a wealth of marine life to discover, Samoa is a paradise for kayaking. Enjoy casual paddling by hiring a kayak from your resort or beach fale or head out on a more elaborate excursion to Samoa’s surrounding islets or mangrove forests with a guided tour. Either way, we go through the best spots for kayaking, as well as kayaking tours, in this guide to kayaking in Samoa.
1. Manono, Nu’usafe’e and the Aleipata Islands with Outdoor Samoa
When it comes to kayaking in Samoa, your first go-to should be Outdoor Samoa. Boasting a wide range of kayaking tours, from day tours to Manono and Nu’usafe’e islands to 10-day tours visiting just about all of Samoa’s smaller islands, the team can guide you to just about every nook and cranny off the shores of Upolu! Tours are the complete package, including kayak and snorkelling equipment – ensuring you’re prepared for turtle swimming, a kayak guide, meals, filtered water and attraction entry fees if applicable. For more about island-hopping, check out the 10 Island Day Trips & Island-Hopping Tours in Samoa.
Location: Outdoor Samoa is based in Mulifanua, Main West Coast Road, west coast of Upolu.
![Kayaking in Samoa: Top 10 Kayak Tours & Places to Kayak 🛶 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NzY0OjM2MA==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODIiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjY4MiIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© Samoa Tourism Authority2. Asaga Mangroves
A very special experience if you can get it organised (book through the Savai’i Samoa Tourism Association or Samoa Tourism Authority), villagers at the Asaga Mangroves offer guided canoe/kayak trips through their glorious mangrove forest on Savai’i. Although guides are not often fluent in English, they’ll point out interesting aspects of the forest as they go. The relaxed 10-15-minute paddle terminates at a freshwater spring where a refreshing dip awaits!
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.
![Kayaking in Samoa: Top 10 Kayak Tours & Places to Kayak 🛶 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NzY5OjMxOA==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgODE5IDEwMjQiIHdpZHRoPSI4MTkiIGhlaWdodD0iMTAyNCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© Samoa Tourism Authority3. 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 included also, 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.
![Kayaking in Samoa: Top 10 Kayak Tours & Places to Kayak 🛶 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=Nzc0OjMzOQ==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© SamoaPocketGuide.com4. 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.
![Kayaking in Samoa: Top 10 Kayak Tours & Places to Kayak 🛶 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=Nzc5OjM1Nw==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© SamoaPocketGuide.com5. 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”. Otherwise, Joelan Beach Fales offers free hire of traditional outrigger canoes (paopao) for their guests.
Location: Lano and Faga villages, Main North Coast Road, east coast of Savai’i.
![Kayaking in Samoa: Top 10 Kayak Tours & Places to Kayak 🛶 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=Nzg0OjM1Mg==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA4MDIiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjgwMiIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© Samoa Tourism Authority6. 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.
![Kayaking in Samoa: Top 10 Kayak Tours & Places to Kayak 🛶 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=Nzg5OjMzNw==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© SamoaPocketGuide.com7. 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. Outdoor Samoa is also in the area, providing guided day trips in high-quality sea kayaks (see #1 above).
Location: Mulifanua and Apolima-uta villages, Main West Coast Road, on the northwest coast of Upolu.
![Kayaking in Samoa: Top 10 Kayak Tours & Places to Kayak 🛶 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=Nzk0OjMzNQ==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgODE5IDEwMjQiIHdpZHRoPSI4MTkiIGhlaWdodD0iMTAyNCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© SamoaPocketGuide.com8. 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.
![Kayaking in Samoa: Top 10 Kayak Tours & Places to Kayak 🛶 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=Nzk5OjM1OA==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© SamoaPocketGuide.com9. 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.
![Kayaking in Samoa: Top 10 Kayak Tours & Places to Kayak 🛶 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=ODA0OjMzNQ==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODQiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjY4NCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© SamoaPocketGuide.com10. 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.
![Kayaking in Samoa: Top 10 Kayak Tours & Places to Kayak 🛶 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=ODA5OjM0NQ==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© SamoaPocketGuide.comMore About Kayaking in Samoa
Now that you know where to kayak in Samoa, how about more amazing watersports to try?!
- SUP in Samoa: 5 Best Places for Stand-Up Paddleboarding
- Kitesurfing in Samoa: The Top 5 Places to Kitesurf
- 10 Best Boat & Sailing Tours in Samoa
Finally, plan more experiences beyond watersports in the 101 Best Things to Do in Samoa: The Ultimate List, as well as the logistics of your whole trip using The Best Samoa Travel Guide.
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:
- Samoa Tourism Authority (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Tourism Authority Corporate (Tourism news - Updated [2024])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Hotels Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Meteorological Division (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2024])
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
- Ministry of Customs & Revenue (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2024])
- Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
- Land Transport Authority (Tourist driver’s license info - Updated [2024])
- Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
- Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
- Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At Samoa Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
![10 Best (& Reef-Safe) Sunscreens for Samoa 🧴 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTAxNTozMTM=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTYwMCAxMDY4IiB3aWR0aD0iMTYwMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxMDY4IiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg== "10 Best (& Reef-Safe) Sunscreens for Samoa 🧴 [2024]")
