10 Days In Samoa

Day 6: Swimming With Giant Clams

Day six will take you to the western side of Upolu’s south coast. Your goal is to make it to Savaia Village and if you take the bus, you’ll need to change lines in Apia. Savaia Village is a tranquil seaside village where the evening curfew (sa’a) is observed. This just means that every day from 6-7 pm, villagers must stay indoors and either do their evening prayer or have some quality family time. Don’t let that scare you, Savaia is home to the best sunsets on the islands and Le Valasi’s Beach Fales. Helen, Taula the Orator, and their family will take excellent care of you. If you stay with them on a Sunday, you’ll get the real Samoan experience (scroll to the final paragraphs).

Giant Clams

Savaia is also home to the Giant Clam Sanctuary (5T entrance). Put your snorkeling gear and swim to the protected area for a close encounter with colorful giant clams. Their meat is highly sought after in Australia and New Zealand, but the clams in these waters are protected.

Return To Paradise

If you feel like doing a bit of relaxing, you can do so in Savaia or head to the Return To Paradise Resort. Your T25 ticket can be redeemed at the beach bar, which is just perfect considering the view. The beach was the filming spot for the 1953 hit movie ‘Return To Paradise’. These days, the beach is home to a family-friendly resort though it’s a bit rough swimming-wise. So have a drink, something to eat and relax on the beach before heading back to catch the sunset.

Day 7: Tropical Beach Hopping

Today, you’ll either use a hired car or the free bicycles from Le Valasi’s Beach Fales to visit a few tropical beaches. If you’re cycling, take plenty of water, a hat, and be prepared for off-road cycling as the beaches are always a few kilometers from the main road (T2-10 entrance fees are collected at the turnoff).

Morning

Start with Salamumu Beach, watching young fishermen trying their luck before reaching the end of the line at the Sa’Moana Resort. It’s an excellent resort for those seeking this kind of holiday, but daytrippers can use this oasis for a fresh drink under the gazebo shade.

Afternoon

The next beach is Matareva Beach, which is a series of beaches culminating in a crescent-shaped stretch of blindingly white sand. Does it get any better than this?

For lunch or if you didn’t come here yesterday, stop at the Return To Paradise Resort for the final beach in this tropical beach hopping day.