Think tropical paradise, white beaches, palm trees, rainforests, reefs and crystal clear waters. That is the beautiful country of Samoa. Located a few hours from Fiji in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Samoa is home to some of the best tropical experiences on the planet.
Slow travel by bicycle is the best way to explore this beautiful country, as we explore both major islands, Upolu and Savai’i. Along the way, we’ll have the chance to swim and snorkel in the clear blue sea, meet local cacao farmers and inspirational NGOs. We’ll swim in the greatest swimming hole on the planet, To Sua Ocean Trench and get an insight into local life and custom.
Day 01: Upolu to Lano, Savai’i:
Bike fitting and an intro to Savai’i
The meeting point is on Upolu, about 3km from the ferry port at Outdoor Samoa. We’ll meet for 9am and get fitted for our bikes, after having a brief about your upcoming adventure.
From here, we take the midday ferry to Savai’i, grab a snack along the way on the ferry and then ride to Lano (20km). Along the way, there is a great rock pool overlooking the ocean where we can take a bit of a dip to cool down.
Cycling: 20km | easy | +118m / – 120m
Transit: Ferry from Upolu to Savai’i
Day 02: Lano to Manase:
Church lava ruins, cycling and some snorkeling
The 31km cycle from Lano to Manase brings you to the church ruins from the volcanic eruption of 1905-1911. An early start means you’ll get to Manase by lunch time and make the most of the 2km of white sandy beaches. This is also an excellent place for snorkelling, visiting one of the many resorts and enjoying a well earned beer!
Cycling: 31km | easy | +198 m/-196 m
Transit: None
Day 03: Manase to Vaimoana:
Cave exploring, cycle climbing and snorkelling
This 38km ride starts and finishes by the beach, but in between, you’ll reach heights of 240m. Along the way, stop and check out Pe’ape’a Lava Tube Caves and give yourself a bit of a break. And if at any point, the idea of snorkelling outweighs the cycling, you can always jump in the van to give you more time in the water!
Cycling: 38km | moderate | +432m / – 426m
Transit: None
Day 04: Vaimoana to Falealupo:
The Western pinnacle and the ultimate sunset
The ride is a little shorter than yesterday, but also encompasses a 180m climb over about 4km. What goes up , must come down though and Falealupo boasts the most remote and arguably dramatic scenery of Samoa. Situated on the western tip of Savai’i, you’ll find a sunset painted for postcards, over the coral white beaches and lagoon. Along the way, you can stop by the Canopy walk and view the lush forests from great heights!
Cycling: 20km | moderate | +242m / – 246m
Transit: None
Day 05: Falealupo to Satuiatua:
Traditional umu BBQ feast
The ride out of Falealupo is spectacular! Giant palms align the soft sand road for the first few kilometers, as you listen to the sound of the waves gently crash in along the coast. A couple of short but sharp hills (on bitumen) will get your blood pumping. We’ll get to Satuiatua by lunch. Relax on the beautiful beach, go for a walk or explore the reef and some more tropical snorkelling. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a feast with Uilau, our local guide, and his family. The feast is prepared on a local umu style rock BBQ. It’s an incredible, very local experience!
Cycling: 38km | moderate | +433m / -427m
Transit: None
Day 06: Satuiatua to Florence’s homestay:
Cocoa farms, waterfall swims and blowholes
Shortly after riding out of Satuiatua, we’ll break the day up with a visit to a local cocoa growing family. Through WIBDI, learn how these families use traditional methods to create an incredible style of cocoa from bean all the way to your own hot chocolate! There’s an amazing blowhole that’s on route worth stopping at. Once you arrive at Florence’s place, you can double back about 2km to the Puleia swimming hole for a refreshing waterfall swim.
Cycling: 31km | easy | +206m / – 202m
Transit: None
Day 07: Savai’i to Upolu:
Last cycling day, meet with Brown Girl Woke
The last day on the bikes and we head back to Upolu island via the ferry. Once back on Upolu, we’ll meet up with Doris from Brown Girl Woke.
Doris Tulifau is a survivor, educator, activist and organizer ensuring that there are safe spaces for our future generations to talk about trauma before they deal with it as adults. She founded the Brown Girl Woke, a group that promotes young women and men to empower them on taboo issues happening in the Samoan community especially on domestic violence and sexual abuse. The next two nights are spent at Matareva beach on the south coast of Upolu. After the ferry, the bikes will be dropped back at the office and you’ll be transferred to Matareva by car.
Cycling: 22km | easy | +123m / -123m
Transit: Ferry from Savai’i to Upolu
Day 08: Matareva
To Sua Ocean Trench, Togitogiga Fall
Using Matareva as a base, we’ll explore the best of Upolu. Togitogiga falls and To Sua ocean trench stand out as highlights for the day. To Sua is arguably one of the best swimming holes on the planet. A long ladder down into the trench leads to some of the most beautiful, clearest waters. Take your time, and your camera, as you lay back and enjoy nature at it’s very, very best.
Cycling: None
Transit: Car/van along south coast of Upolu
Day 9: Departure
Departure Day.
Your adventure comes to an end today, so it’s time to say goodbye. Transfer to airport for flight back to home.
| City | Night (s) | Hotel |
| Savai’i | 01 | Savaii Lagoon Resort |
| Manase | 01 | Stevensons at Manase |
| Vaimoana | 01 | Vaimoana Seaside Lodge |
| Falealupo | 01 | Falealupo Beach Fales |
| Satuiatua | 01 | Satuiatua Beach Fale |
| Florence’s | 01 | Florence’s Home |
| Matareva | 02 | Matareva Beach Fales |
– Meeting and assistance by our representative.
– 08 Nights accommodation
– Daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinners.
– Entrance Fees as per program
– Water and fruit whilst cycling,
– NGO presentations,
– cacao farming presentation,
– Bike hire with helmet,
– Ferry to and from Savai’I,
– Entry to To Sua Ocean Trench
– Local English-speaking guide
– All transfers, sightseeing, excursions as per the program by private vehicle.
– Transport, Parking, Gasoline & Toll ways.
– All present government taxes.
– International Airfare.
– Tips, gratuities, Portage, laundry, telephone calls, table drinks, camera/ video camera charges, or any other expenses of a personal nature.
– Visa fees, personal insurance.
– Any item not specified under cost includes.
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– Sometimes, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.