Active vacation in Samoa - things to do, entertainment and nightlife

Sport is popular in Samoa. Local people are particularly fond of rugby, basketball, volleyball, and billiards – they dedicate much time to these sports. An interesting fact – local people also play Quidditch, a fictional game from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. This game is so popular in Oceania that there are even tournaments dedicated to it. Don’t be surprised to see young people with brooms, they simply play quidditch. Billiards is so popular that there are special billiards houses that stay open all night long. This is true about the capital only. In the countryside, people visit billiards tables installed in public areas to play.

It is possible to surf in Samoa. Samoan islands offer a broad perspective for this sport – long-zippering, A-frame, draining barrels, and many other types of waves are available to sportsmen here. Some waves are unique and quite rare, so they even have their own names, such as Pudding Rock. Hotels with private beaches often offer surfing equipment and training for their guests. Such popular and prestigious hotels as Sinalei Reef Resort and Coconuts Beach Club are among them.

Samoa is not the best choice for beginner surfers. Waves can suddenly change because of the reefs. Moreover, strong oceanic currents make it dangerous to surf alone. Tourists need to master the art of riding the waves together with a professional instructor or a local who knows the area and its currents well. In the capital, there are several kilometers of comfortable areas for surfing. They start near Apia and stretch to Cape Utumauu. There is also a nice surfing area near Matautu and Matatufu in the south. Travelers need to know that independent Samoa has communal land property. Many beaches belong to families or communities that live nearby. To visit these beaches, tourists need to pay a small fee as a donation to help a local school or community. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Coral reefs form lagoons with transparent water near the coast of Samoa. These areas are perfect for beginners and advanced divers. Roughly 900 species of different fish and several hundred types of corals paint the underwater world of the region into different colors. Manono Island offers spectacular scuba diving sites. This island is located between Upolu and Savaii, in the Apolima Strait. One of the safest places to dive in Samoa is located near Vaiala Beach in the capital, in the territory of Palolo Deep Marine Reserve.

The coastal water near Faleolo Airport resembles a giant naturally formed aquarium because this area is safely protected from the rest of the ocean by coral reefs. This site is ideal for snorkeling – swimming with snorkel masks and swimfins. Corals form beautiful underwater gardens that look like a steady and solid wall. Flocks of colorful tropical fish and other underwater creatures make the area alive. Local diving centers offer organized underwater excursions to the habitat areas of clownfish. Once again, if there is a village nearby, don’t forget to ask permission of the local community to use the beach. This is a rule in Samoa.

Warm (the temperature is no less than +24°C all year round) and clean waters of Samoa are pleasant and comfortable for diving. However, tourists shouldn’t forget about the basic precautions. Wear special reef shoes in order not to injure your feet (corals and sea urchins are sharp), do not touch any unknown objects, and beware of strong currents in the areas with no reefs. The Tourist Center in Apia (address: Beach Rd, Apia, Samoa, tel. +685 63500) provides detailed information on local diving centers and surfing clubs. This a very useful place for foreign guests because the tourist center offers free maps, bus schedules, a schedule of ferries to the nearby islands, a list of upcoming excursions, and much more. Moreover, information and brochures are free.

It is surprising to find nightlife in small, calm, and somewhat leisure Apia. However, the capital can offer nighttime entertainment, such as a nightclub at the Siana Hotel. How let’s talk about golf. Warm climate with relatively steady temperature (+25°C to +30°C) and green grass all year round are great for playing golf. Some hotels, such as the Sinalei Reef Resort, are located close to the golf courses. Kayaking is another interesting activity that tourists can try in Samoa. Only calm areas along turquoise lagoons are selected for kayaking. Tourists can see shallow beaches and small uninhabited islands during such kayak rides. Advanced and thrill-seeking riders can select complex routes in the ocean.

As Samoa has quality roads with the smooth asphalt surface, it is great to cycle here. Cycling on Upolu and Savaii is a popular activity. Moreover, some natural attractions cannot be accessed by car, so cycling to them is the only available option. The bicycle has one more advantage – cycling is a comfortable way to explore the areas with dirt roads and narrow forest paths. The Tourist Center has ready routes for cyclers with the list of guesthouses and hotels where they can stay at night. Some travel bureaus organize cycling tours.

Tourists do not need to stock up on food and water for several days. Multiple family-owned shops sell fresh fruit along the way. Refreshing coconuts are the best energizers. Traffic jams are rare on Upolu, and cars are almost absent on Savaii. This means that nothing can spoil your pleasant cycling adventure. If you want to stop at the side road and relax on the green grass, you do not need to worry about encountering a poisonous snake simply because there are no snakes in Samoa. Finally, the most important thing to mention – there are bike rentals for tourists, including female bicycles. Each bike comes with a gel saddle, basket for luggage, pump, repair kit, crash helmet, and lock.