Samoa tours & holidays
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Tropical rainforests, lava fields and rich culture await in Samoa
People throw around the words ‘tropical paradise’ a lot, but that's exactly what Samoa is. Our Samoa tours offer a good mix of R&R and adventure. There’ll be time for lolling about on the beach sipping coconuts (or cocktails), but your leader will also take you to markets and villages to learn about Samoan culture, or to waterfalls and waterholes that'll make you feel like you've stepped into a remote island adventure novel. There’s no doubt you’ll fall for Fa'a Samoa – ‘The Samoan Way’ – by the end of your trip.
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Explore tailor-made tripsSamoa at a glance
CAPITAL CITY
Apia (on the island of Upolu)
POPULATION
201,000
CURRENCY
Samoan tālā (ST $)
LANGUAGE
Samoan and English
TIME ZONE
Apia Standard Time (GMT+13)
CALLING CODE
+685
ELECTRICITY
Type I
Learn more about Samoa
Eating and Drinking
Fresh fruit and vegetables including taro, banana and coconut (in all forms) are the staples of Samoan cuisine. As is seafood, which isn't surprising when the islands are surrounded by rich waters home to abundant marine life. Samoans also have a sweet tooth, and you'll find plenty of delicious desserts on the menu, many of which are made with coconut and banana.
Like other island nations in the South Pacific, the traditional way of cooking is in an umu – a shallow pit filled with hot volcanic rocks. One of the best opportunities to try Samoan food cooked in an umu is at a fiafia night – a night of celebration, traditional fire knife performances, dance and music followed by a huge feast.
Here are some popular Samoan dishes to try:
- Palusami – coconut milk and onions baked in young taro leaves
- Faiai eleni – Samoan fish bake made with mackerel, taro leaves, sliced onions, spices and coconut milk
- Fa’apapa – sweet and fluffy coconut bread, usually eaten for breakfast
- Kopai – sweet dumplings drenched in a gooey soup-like sauce made from coconut cream and brown sugar
- Sapasui – the Samoan version of chop suey made from vermicelli noodles, garlic, meat, veggies and soy sauce
- Pani popo – buns baked in a sweet coconut and syrup sauce
- Keke pua’a – a bao-type bun filled with pork or other meats such as chicken or lamb, onions, garlic and herbs
- Koko alaisa – cooked rice mixed with coconut milk and chocolate powder from Samoan cacao
Festivals and Events
Samoa has a rich culture and many ancient traditions and customs are still practised today. Below are some of the biggest festivals and holidays in the Samoan events calendar:
- Fire Knife Festival – Held every May, the Fire Knife Competition showcases some of Samoa’s best fire knife throwers. This ancient ceremonial dance is an important part of Samoan culture and was traditionally performed by warriors before going to battle. It's accompanied by chanting, drumming and singing.
- Independence Day – Although Samoa gained independence from New Zealand on 1 January 1962, the day is celebrated on 1 June in the dry season, as January is in the middle of the wet season. On this public holiday, spirits are high and celebrations take place all over the islands with traditional music and dance spilling onto the streets, and of course, huge feasts.
- Teuila Festival – Held in August or September every year, Teuila Festival is one of the biggest, most anticipated festivals in the South Pacific. It’s a chance to celebrate all the unique and beautiful things about Samoan culture from traditional dancing and tattooing demonstrations to cooking and local art exhibitions.
Weather in Samoa
Samoa has a tropical climate and experiences two distinct seasons: a wet season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. The weather is balmy all year round with average temperatures that range from 22°C to 31°C.
There is a slight increase in heat and humidity during the wet season, as well as a risk of tropical cyclones and typhoons. It's also not uncommon for flooding to occur after heavy rain, particularly in and around the capital city of Apia. The water temperature doesn't fluctuate much, with average temperatures lingering between 27°C and 29°C throughout the year.
Samoa travel FAQs
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.
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
Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
World Bicycle Relief
World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most.
Find out more or make a donation
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