Help with Samoa itinerary please

me0510:08 UTC29 Aug 2008

My mum and I are off to Samoa in mid-October for 8 nights (we have 7 full days). It seems that there are a few people with a lot of knowledge of Samoa on this branch so I am hoping someone can suggest an itinerary for us. We're interested in snorkelling, kayaking, hiking, markets, and swimming with turtles if possible (in their natural habitat).

I'm wondering if we should book to stay in the same place the whole time and do day trips, or whether we should move around? Also, any recommendations for mid-range accommodation (with ensuite, and also a kitchen as we are vegetarians and will probably self-cater some of the time!)? We aren't planning to hire a car before we go but will decide once we get there.

Thanks for any suggestions!

smandkjc00:49 UTC31 Aug 2008

We would recommend some time at Vaiala Beach cottages in Apia.
There are no really good beaches near Apia but Palolo Deep Marine Reserve is just down the road and you can visit the markets in Apia town either by walking or by taxi.
Vaiala do have kitchens but an ensuite is asking a bit much in Samoa.
Have seen turtles in Palolo but not very often and the ones we have seen are very shy.
I would take the hike up to Robert Louis Stevensons grave on Mt Vaeea.
We usually hire a taxi for the day to do day trips as you usually have to pay to visit local beaches and the drivers know who to see to get permission to snorkel etc.

wksamoa02:01 UTC31 Aug 2008

I just remember that Taufua Beach Fales in Lalomanu has at least one enclosed fale with shower and toilet. No kitchen of course and you will find that nowhere else in Samoa but in Apia. The reason is simple: only in Apia there is a market and reasonable stores. Nowhere else on the island.

Nevertheless Taufua Beach Fales is very much used to vegetarians and will spoil you with everything you like. No problem. They offer kayaking, hiking and on their snorkeling tours you will most probably see some turtles in their natural environment.

So I suggest 2 or 3 days at Vaiala Beach Cottages in Apia and another 3 to 4 days in Lalomanu. They do airport transfers too.

Help with Samoa itinerary please! Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea
me0510:08 UTC29 Aug 2008	My mum and I are off to Samoa in mid-October for 8 nights (we have 7 full days). It seems that there are a few people with a lot of knowledge of Samoa on this branch so I am hoping someone can suggest an itinerary for us. We're interested in snorkelling, kayaking, hiking, markets, and swimming with turtles if possible (in their natural habitat). I'm wondering if we should book to stay in the same place the whole time and do day trips, or whether we should move around? Also, any recommendations for mid-range accommodation (with ensuite, and also a kitchen as we are vegetarians and will probably self-cater some of the time!)? We aren't planning to hire a car before we go but will decide once we get there. Thanks for any suggestions!
smandkjc00:49 UTC31 Aug 2008	We would recommend some time at Vaiala Beach cottages in Apia. There are no really good beaches near Apia but Palolo Deep Marine Reserve is just down the road and you can visit the markets in Apia town either by walking or by taxi. Vaiala do have kitchens but an ensuite is asking a bit much in Samoa. Have seen turtles in Palolo but not very often and the ones we have seen are very shy. I would take the hike up to Robert Louis Stevensons grave on Mt Vaeea. We usually hire a taxi for the day to do day trips as you usually have to pay to visit local beaches and the drivers know who to see to get permission to snorkel etc.	1
wksamoa02:01 UTC31 Aug 2008	I just remember that Taufua Beach Fales in Lalomanu has at least one enclosed fale with shower and toilet. No kitchen of course and you will find that nowhere else in Samoa but in Apia. The reason is simple: only in Apia there is a market and reasonable stores. Nowhere else on the island. Nevertheless Taufua Beach Fales is very much used to vegetarians and will spoil you with everything you like. No problem. They offer kayaking, hiking and on their snorkeling tours you will most probably see some turtles in their natural environment. So I suggest 2 or 3 days at Vaiala Beach Cottages in Apia and another 3 to 4 days in Lalomanu. They do airport transfers too.	2

Help with Samoa itinerary please!