The largest and highest of Samoa’s islands, Savai’I is Polynesia’s largest landmass outside New Zealand and Hawaii. Sometimes referred to by Samoan people as Salafai, Savai’I is home to about 24% of the country’s population, and is made up of several small villages. The largest shield volcano in the South Pacific, with the last eruptions having occurred during the early twentieth century, Savai’I offers rainforests and many native flora and fauna species topside, plus splendid coral reefs and turquoise lagoons where the marine life is stunning. As you explore the many dive sites, around Savai’i, you will enjoy incredible visibility along with exceptional biodiversity. Here are just five of the best sites the area has to offer; dive Savai’I, and you’ll soon choose your own favorites.
Coral Gardens
Just a few moments from shore, Coral Gardens is a magnificent place to experience the majesty of the underwater world in all its splendor. Here, you’ll find massive mounds of cabbage coral and huge swaths of purple coral positioned along the reef wall, where leather coral and heads of brain coral jostle for space with bubble corals and massive patches of anemone where brilliantly colored clownfish make their nests. All along the reef, which features maximum depth at just 20 meters, you can find schooling parrotfish in iridescent shades of purple and aqua, magnificent snappers with tails moving in time with the light current, and lots of other reef fish, including the occasional titan triggerfish. Watch for smaller marine life here as well; everything from sea stars and sea cucumbers to colorful nudibranchs can be found in and among the coral and sponges. Out in the distance, watch for passing eagle rays, and keep an eye out for the occasional shark or turtle. Simply incredible, this site is not to be missed. With shallow areas suitable even for snorkelers, it is popular day and night, and offers something for everyone.
Canyon Pinnacle
Located about ten minutes from shore, Canyon Pinnacle features deep canyons where pinnacles rise up from the ocean floor at about 25 meters, to create huge coral covered surfaces where an abundance of marine life can be found. Besides these soaring geologic monuments, you’ll also find some fun swim throughs and get a view off into the blue distance, where you may see fleets of sleek barracuda grinning as they pass, or encounter larger jacks and trevally as they make their way from one feeding ground to the next. All along the reef, you’ll find little cracks and grottoes that are simply bursting with life, housing everything from little crustaceans and colorful nudibranchs to comical looking puffer fish, magnificent tropical fish in every color of the rainbow, and of course lots of lovely sponges and corals that are amazing even on their own. A photographer’s paradise, this site is best for intermediate divers and up. Don’t forget to watch for passing eagle rays as you explore.
Juno Wreck
A local favorite, the Juno Wreck is an old triple masted iron and wooden sailing ship which was sunk in Lelepa Bay in 1881. Now, after more than a century beneath the water, the old wreck hosts a gorgeous coral garden which is teeming with life. Wonderful for photography, with plenty of wide angle and macro photo opps, the site is home to trumpet fish and lots of snappers, plus big eyes, parrotfish, puffers, butterfly fish, angelfish, Moorish idols, and many other tropical species. Be very careful as you make your way around the wreck; there are well hidden stonefish here, along with scorpionfish that pack a powerful sting. Watch out for lionfish, as well, and keep a close eye out for the sharks that sometimes nap in the shelter of the wreck along the sandy bottom. Best for intermediate divers and up, the wreck features maximum depth at 25 meters. If you are very lucky, you may get the opportunity to take a night dive on this wreck.
Lelepa Bay
Ideal for beginning divers and the perfect place for a refresher, Lelepa Bay features a clean sandy bottom, a lovely reef, and maximum depth at just about 10 meters. Here, you’ll find lots of gobies and shrimp teaming up to beat predators, plus lizard fish, lovely Spanish dancers, and lots of brilliantly colored nudibranchs. Reef fish, both adult and juvenile, are here in abundance; the site is a well-known nursery for many species, including triggerfish and scorpionfish. Colonies of clownfish inhabit anemones in shallow water, and little Jenkins rays can be found in the sand. Perfect for diving day or night, the site is also ideal for a relaxing snorkel.
Avao Bay
Like Lelepa Bay, Avao Bay is suitable for all divers, and is ideal for snorkeling, too. With maximum depth at just 11 meters, and home to a wealth of colorful life including tropical fish, nudibranchs, and the occasional ray or turtle, it is perfect for night dives, when the crustaceans really put on a show, and when the Spanish Dancers flounce their way across the sand. Watch for octopus here, and keep an eye out for the small sharks that sometimes hunt in the area. As with the rest of the dive sites around Savai’i, visibility here tends to be better than 20 meters most of the time.
It is possible to dive at Savai’i all year, and as there are several different resorts to choose from, with varying levels of accommodation, it is possible to enjoy either a wonderfully luxurious vacation here, or spend less money while managing to sleep in comfort in more basic surroundings. Dive operators offer everything from equipment rentals to instruction, and even non-divers can enjoy accompanying you to dive sites, as most areas feature snorkeling opportunities along with excellent diving. Last but not least, it’s important to note that a very strict no touch and no take policy is in effect here and in other places around Samoa. Respect for marine life is paramount; take lots of photos, but leave everything else as it is, to ensure that this incredible environment remains in good condition for future generations to enjoy.