Ideal for all experience levels, breaks vary in size from small to large and are reliable in every season. Unlike many surfing hotspots around the islands, surf breaks are within easy paddling distance and don’t require boat access.

With waves breaking on the exposed coral reef generating large and small barrels, Salani is known for good wave conditions all year, even outside the trade wind season.Ī popular host destination for surfing competitions, Aganoa Beach offers a surf reef break in the waters just off the beach. Breaking off a lava cliff and swinging into a coral reef, the location is best accessed by boat, and you’ll need to be careful of rocks in the water.Ī long paddle from the shore, Salani is usually accessible by boat as part of a guided surfing expedition. On one of the southernmost tips of Upolu island, Boulders is an exposed left hand reef break with dependable surfing conditions and big waves throughout the year. Tiavea Bay is best accessed by four-wheel drive which means it might be best experienced as part of a guided tour.

While the most experienced surfers might venture further out to catch the big waves, the most ‘playful’ area can be found in front of the river mouth. Situated on the north-east coast of the island, there are a few breaks on offer here offering varying degrees of difficulty. Here’s an overview of some of Samoa’s best surfing locations and experiences. On Savai’i, popular surfing destinations include Aganoa Beach, Manase, Lano, and Fagamalo. You’ll discover some of Upolu’s best surfing spots from Apia east on the north of the island to Cape Utumau’u, and on the south of Upolu, from Maninoa to Matatufu. While many hotels and resorts will offer a limited selection of surfboards for hire, your best hire options will be around the capital of Apia on Upolu island. If you don’t want to bring your own surfboard to Samoa, especially if you’re only planning a one-off surf trip, or even if a surfing experience is a lastminute idea once you arrive, you’ll always be able to find a board to hire. The southern hemisphere summer, which starts around November and goes through to January, generates swells in the North Pacific which travel to Samoa and make the north shores of Upolu and Savai’i more favourable for surfers. The months of February to April usually bring the most picture-perfect conditions as dwindling trade winds create sparkling rolling seas and glassy conditions. Throughout April to October (northern hemisphere summer), consistent swells develop in the Southern Ocean which hit the southern shores of Upolu and Savai’i creating excellent surfing conditions. You’ll find great surf in Samoa all year round, but each season brings its own character which might affect where you choose to go at different times of the year. With so many top surfing spots around the archipelago, you’re guaranteed to experience something new every day – and better still, without the crowds.

Offering world-class waves, warm clear waters, and a stunning tropical island backdrop, Samoa should be on every surfer’s bucket list of places to visit. With their sprawling coastlines, countries like the US, Australia, and South Africa are well trodden surfing destinations, but there’s something extra special about surfing around the islands of Samoa. Surfs Up! Planning a Surfing Holiday in Samoa

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