Well I'm booked... now have to plan!

Hey people!
Just booked myself some return flights to Samoa, getting in just after midnight on the 1st/2nd of August and leaving the 9th. Couldn't really afford more time there.
Now I have a basic idea of what I want to be doing. I'll probably stick just to Upolu as I figure a week isn't enough to see the two islands, unless I just went straight to Savaii.
I'm going to be on a very tight budget and want to get some diving in. From what I've read it looks like the eastern tip of Upolu is for me, between Amaille and Lalomanu. I understand there is a decent dive place there and it's budget friendly.
So I've been thinking first couple of nights in Apia, then the bus to Lalomanu. Spend a few days there diving, maybe stop somewhere else on the south coast for a night or two on the way home.
If anyone thinks I'd be better spending the week in Savaii, let me know and why.
Also, should I bring my own dive gear? It's a bit heavy to carry around, and I'm a little paranoid about it as I'll be staying in Fales or something like that.
Cheers for your help!

It sounds like you've done your homework and I like your itinerary. I don't think a week just is long enough to do both Upolu and Savai'i unless you want a rushed trip with a few days wasted catching ferries.

You are right about not having time to see both islands but I would choose Savaii. It is the nicer of the two for scenery and there is more to do. I would also avoid Apia - it is the worst of Samoa and you will see everything in less than a day (not worth the fare in to town as far as I am concerned). I Have been to Samoa 3 times and having spent 2 days on Upola the first time I now go Savaii on the first ferry after my plane lands. I have dived with Dive Savaii and Fabien and Flavia were great. Their website also has the accomodation nearby. www.divesavaii.com

thanks for the replies!

islandboi: yeah that was what i thought. i'm not the kind of person who likes to spend my holiday unpacking and repacking my bags, so probably only go to 2 or 3 places in all.

paddisor: that's what i was getting at. i'm sure that i'll have to choose between the two. what time does the first ferry run to savaii (it'll be a thursday morning)? is savaii just as easy to get around? it's a fair bit bigger and i understand dive savaii is on the north coast, so should i just stick around there?

open question: what are the "must sees" on savaii?

thanks again everyone!

First ferry is at 6am and then 2 hourly after that (though check by googling Savaii ferry). Savaii is much bigger but the bus network works pretty much the same or you can hire a car (expensive), a taxi for the day (not sure) and there are a couple of places that do tours. Not sure there are really any MUST sees but the are blow holes, a treetop walk, an archelogical site and great scenery.
The diving on Savaii includes a wreck as well as some pretty nice coral and a turtle that is happy to sit on his rock and watch you watch him. You don't need your dive gear but if its no big deal take your own mask and fins.
Good place to stay your firat night is at the Airport lodge - close to airport and cheaper then the other options plus their transfer guy (Sam from memory) is very reliable and will even buy your ferry ticket at the wharf and get you on ahead of the rush.