Samoa tours & holidays

For the best weather, we recommend visiting Samoa during the dry season as this is when you'll experience the beaches and vibrant Samoan culture in their full glory. That said, Samoa's dry season coincides with the peak tourist season, so if you're looking for a quieter, more relaxing experience, you might be better off travelling in the shoulder months of May and October when things are still heating up. Travelling in the wet season (November to April) isn't off the cards, but you'll have to be prepared for higher temperatures, humidity and rainfall, and maybe even the occasional cyclone or typhoon.

Samoa boasts warm, tropical weather all year round. Add that to the fact you'll probably spend most of your time relaxing on pristine beaches or in stunning lagoons, you don't really need to pack much! Light, summery clothing, swimwear, sun protective gear and thongs are essential. As are a pair of runners or hiking boots if you intend on walking or cycling along the coast. Here are the essential items to pack for Samoa:

• small backpack for day tours
• camera
• waterproof bag to protect your gear during water activities
• swimwear
• reef-friendly sunscreen
• sunglasses and sunhat
• comfortable walking shoes
• reusable water bottle
• insect repellant
• quick-dry towel
• reef shoes or waterproof sandals
• light sweater for cooler evenings

The tālā is the currency used in Samoa. The prices below are shown in USD for ease of comparison:

• Glass or bottle of beer = USD 3
• Cup of coffee= USD 4
• Simple lunch at a local cafe = USD 7
• Dinner at a restaurant = USD 17

Tipping isn't expected in Samoa, but if you're particularly happy with a service and you'd like to show your appreciation, a tip will be very welcomed.

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Samoa does not require a visa if you visit solely for tourism or recreation purposes. However, all travellers aged 12 and over must pay a departure tax.

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. It's important to understand that each country you visit may have its own specific entry requirements, and some destinations mandate travel health insurance for all foreign travellers, regardless of their nationality.

We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation, but minimum coverage may differ from trip to trip, so make sure you check the Travel Insurance section in your Essential Trip Information. You will not be permitted to join the group until your leader has sighted your insurance policy number and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number, and these details will be recorded on the first day of your trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is an essential part of every journey.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or the USA, the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form, recognising personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

Read more about travel insurance

Located in the central South Pacific Ocean, roughly halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii, the options of getting to Samoa align with its far-flung tropical island aesthetic.

The only way to get there – unless you're travelling on a cruise or a private boat – is to fly.

Faleolo International Airport (APW) is Samoa's main airport, located around 30 kilometres from the capital city of Apia on Upolu.

We take the health and safety of our travellers seriously and take every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and inclusive for everyone. When you travel with us, you have access to our global support network and local on‑ground leadership, and you can rest easy knowing we have a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination.

We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure. The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Travelling from Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to: Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to: Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to: US Department of State

Learn more about safe travels with Intrepid