Samoa Frequently Asked Questions
When should I come? What weather can be expected?
Our cycling season is April through to October. (The wetter and more humid season is November through to March)
Year round, the daily maximum temperature is about 31°C and the overnight minimum seldom drops much below 24°C.
Cycling hills on a windless, sunny afternoon can be hot. However we find riding in the mornings before 10am can be very pleasant, and cycling through lunchtime showers with no coat – refreshing.
Regardless of the time of year, you are likely to have lots of mostly fine days, a good chance of 2-3 wet days and almost certain to have an afternoon shower or two. The locals seldom wear waterproof coats, as they choose to just enjoy the showers. An umbrella is a good idea for tripping between fales, dining room and bathroom etc.
What are the cycling conditions in Samoa? Is the route easy to follow?
Roads are mostly sealed and circle the two main islands offering a combined total of about 400kms of riding. Pedestrians use the roads and cyclists are generally given plenty of room. Other than the stretch between Apia and the airport/ferry terminal (We do not recommend cycling this section), traffic tends to be light and on Savai’i you may only see a dozen vehicles an hour.
Despite being a coastal route, there are hills. The route around Savai’i has a total of about 1,000m of climbing over the 9 days of riding. It is about the same around Upolu.
What kind of accommodation to expect in Samoa?
Fales: Many villages offer fales (pronounced far-lays) as tourist accommodation. These beach huts consist of thatched roofs, matting sides, and wooden floors.
The fales are often in the most stunning settings and allow you to sit or lie on your bed and look out across the beach at the amazing sunrises or sunsets. Mattresses, pillows, mosquito nets and bed sheets are included. Breakfast and dinner are usually included and served in a common dining room. Bathrooms are basic shared facilities.
Hotels and upmarket resorts: We use several resorts and hotels (see the different packages and itineraries) because they are conveniently located and usually offer something quite unique. Being popular with general tourism, they can be difficult to secure for single night stays.
What are the currency and payment options in Samoa?
Samoan currency is the Tala, often abbreviated to WST and symbolised with a $.
On Savai’i in particular you will need to pay for most of your expenses in Tala cash. The accommodation providers often do not take Visa or NZ$.
There are ATMs that accept NZ/Australian cards at the airport, in Apia, Salelologa and Manase.
The best rate for buying Tala is often at the airport on arrival with cash (even at 2am). Although you may like to get Tala cash from your bank at home before leaving.
Which travel insurance is recommended for Samoa?
The best time to purchase Travel Insurance is when you decide to travel, as it covers you from the time you took out the policy.
We recommend a comprehensive travel insurance.
Are there any dangerous animals in Samoa? Dogs?
No. There is a giant centipede that (from personal experience) has a very unpleasant bite, but is not fatal.
Use a mosquito repellent with DEET at dusk and sleep under the supplied mosquito nets or in mosquito proof rooms.
It is part of local life to have dogs in the village. If dogs do become a problem we suggest (as we do for cycling anywhere in the world) to slow down, stop, put the bike between you and the dog, shout a firm ‘alu’ which means get away. Squirting with water bottle, or even lifting a hand as if to throw a stone at them, is often enough to send them away.
Please speak with your doctor about other health concerns.
Do I need any insect repellent or other medication?
Sunblock and insect repellent (with DEET) is recommended to be worn daily.
Contact our Reservations Team for their travel First Aid Checklist.
Check with your doctor before you travel re: vaccinations and any health concerns you may have. You will also want to carry with you any everyday prescribed medications.
The hot climate keeps bugs alive and skin infections can quickly turn nasty – take a good antibiotic with you and know how to use it. Treat even minor cuts early with an antiseptic and or antibiotic cream and cover.
Failure to maintain good fluid levels is the biggest and most commonly seen issue when cycling in Samoa. Drink plenty of fluids, always carry spare water and monitor your companions for dehydration. Nui (young coconuts) are incredibly refreshing. Many people bring electrolytes from home.
We supply filtered water on all our supported trips (tap water is not safe to drink). If required, bottled water is cheap and available in all resorts and some village shops.
We have seen occasional incidences of upset stomach, and it pays to be prepared. Swimming in the turtle ponds is strongly discouraged as the water is badly contaminated.
Do not drink tap water and watching water quality will generally keep stomachs at optimal efficiency.
What clothing do I need to bring with me?
It’s a lovely warm and humid climate (the chances of wearing a jersey are remote), which is something almost impossible to fully imagine when you are packing in winter. The casual style of the resorts also reduces suitcase size, but do be aware that conservative dress outside the resorts is important. A crop top and short shorts are not acceptable, whereas T-shirt and longer shorts are fine. Please bring modest clothing, to respect their culture, for exploring the villages and swimming in local water holes.
We recommend also packing a lava lava, sarong or swim towel (and a bath towel if you are staying in fales)
What is provided with the hire bikes? Can I bring my seat or pedals?
We supply a helmet, tool kit, pump, spare tube and carrier bag.
If you would like to bring your own seat or pedals, please let us know, our depot mechanics will fit these for you.
Tell me about cycling in Samoa and how should I prepare?
The 200km ride around the coast of Savai’i is a great way to see and experience traditional Samoan village life. Savai’i is much less developed than Upolu and cycling provides a natural introduction. Get involved in a game of kilikiti (local cricket), join a weaving group or just chat to locals in the fresh water pools or small village shops. Most nights are on sandy beaches beside calm lagoons with good, safe snorkelling. The coastal route is sealed with a few hills but little traffic and the road passes the main attractions of the Alofaaga blowholes and the Afu Aau waterfalls.
Alternatively, cycle the 160kms around Eastern and Southern Upolu. It’s a little more developed, and can be combined with kayaking, waterfalls, and walkways. The route takes in To Sua Trench, Togitogiga Falls, the Coastal Walkway and the Giant Clams.
Training: The more bike riding you can do before your trip the better prepared you will be. There are some hills along the trail route so any cycling on hills that you can do in the months leading up to the trip will help your fitness.
I am thinking of hiring an eBike. When should I book one?
Outdoor Samoa has a fleet of E-Bikes that are ideal for cycle touring. E-Bikes are in increasingly high demand and are reserved on a first-in first-booked basis. For peak months, E-Bikes can be fully booked out, over 6 months in advance, so it’s a good idea to get in early.
Where do I buy lunches?
We recommend discussing with your local support driver at the beginning of each day, your lunch options that day.
Lunch will always be available at resorts, but these may not be nearby each day.
The beach fales can often provide lunch (often fried chicken or fish and chips). For a bit of variety, try a picnic of local white bread, fresh fruit and tinned tuna which can be brought at the small local shops.
Roadside stalls sell tomatoes, pawpaw, bananas, coconuts, cucumber, oranges and occasionally other fruit. A wider range of fruit is available at the Salelologa market or better still at the Apia market on Upolu. There are small supermarkets or bigger stores at Salelologa and Tuasivi on Savai’i. Cheese and a reasonable range of western food is available from these.
White bread, donuts, and other sweet, white-flour baked goods are widely available in every village from the numerous small shops. These also sell a variety of other snack foods, tinned tuna, Coke and beer. Some also sell butter, peanuts, lemonade and ice cream.
Most shops are closed on Sunday. In some villages nothing may be open, or the shops may open only briefly before church or in the afternoon.
Why does the Savai’i package only include the cost of the ferry one way?
We ask you to take cash to pay for your ferry ticket on your return, as the ferry company only takes cash or written cheque.(No card facilities are available, however the ATM on Savai’i is available 90% of the time)
The Samoan Shipping Corporation does not allow anyone to pre-book passenger or bicycle tickets, or to buy return tickets.
Are there places to get water along the journey?
Our support vehicle will have filtered water for you : and will meet you at a pre-arranged stop for you to fill up your water bottle. Most small shops along the way sell bottled water.
What happens if I get sick?
The Samoan emergency number is 911 (or +685 911)
Before you go ask our Reservations Team for the First Aid Checklist to make sure you have all your basics covered before you travel.
The main hospital for Samoa is located in Apia, the capital. Throughout Savai’i and Upolu are regional hospitals, which are staffed by a mixture of very caring nurses and doctors.They are very rudimentary in nature. There are also private medical clinics on the island of Upolu, however these are only open during business hours. For overnight stays, regional/Apia hospital is where a patient will be placed. Note: it is the practice in Samoa to require a friend/relative to remain with the patient overnight in the medical facility (no bed provided for the friend/relative) this is so they can care for the patient during the night when not many staff are rostered.
We always recommend you take Travel Insurance.
How do I book a cycle trip to Samoa?
To book or to get more information contact the Reservations Team here.
We have set a number of departure dates in place with our accommodation providers. These are great for small groups of 2- 4 riders who will join together on a set departure. Choose your departure date option, have a look at flight availability but do not book flights at this stage, and let us organise your trip.
Do bring a sense of adventure and a willingness to try new things. Samoa is really authentic, and not everything works quite as well as it might in an expensive materialistic world. Hosting is a core part of the Samoan way, and the people are what makes it so special. Enjoy the different set of priorities, and lifestyle.
The set departure dates are ideal to ensure we can provide our vehicle support for your trip with a driver transporting your luggage and with fresh safe water never far away.
Why Samoa: Swimming and Snorkelling and Culture
Samoa is much more than just an excellent place to cycle. It has coral sand beaches with safe swimming as well as dramatic coral outcrops teeming with colourful tropical fish. Snorkelling is one of the main activities in the afternoon and you can rent snorkels and fins from us or you can bring your own.
Fiafias (or storytelling dance nights) in the small villages are events not to be missed.
What about Phone Coverage?
You will find that there is mobile coverage over most of the island but wifi is generally not provided however it can generally be purchased at resorts (not fales).
We suggest, upon arrival when you exit the airport you buy a local sim card (there is also an ATM here at the airport for WST $ cash) or alternatively look into roaming packages through your provider before you leave home.
Reviews
Amazing Samoan Cycling Adventure
Reviewed August 2024
My friends and I recently cycled around Upolu Samoa and had the most amazing time, the warm friendly welcome when you step off the plane with Cycle Journeys there to great you. Was an amazing experience to interact with the local people and learn about their culture, mixing that in with a bit of cycling, snorkelling and kayaking. Staying at lovely resorts with beautiful beaches to relax at in the afternoons, fresh seafood and of course lots of cocktails! Thank you too the team at Outdoor Samoa for looking after us and making our trip so much fun!
Reviewed by Discover556946
Visited August 2024
A Great Experience
Reviewed August 2024
I booked to travel solo, to celebrate my 60th birthday, and had a lovely time. I did the Savai’i Escape trip, and was part of a bigger group of people (who all knew each other). The scenery was beautiful, the temperature was lovely and our support people were awesome. It was the first time I had hired a bike, and I was very happy with the quality of the bike that I had. Cycle Journeys were very efficient to deal with, and very helpful at every step of the way.
Reviewed by 182ruthg
Visited August 2024