Duration
9 Days, 9 Nights
Upolu Encounter:
Self-Guided Cycle Tour in Samoa
Embark on the Upolu Encounter Self-Guided Cycle Tour for a relaxing 9-day adventure around Upolu, Samoa’s stunning island. Stay in traditional family-run beach fales along the way, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and soaking up the sun on pristine beaches.
This tour offers a perfect blend of cycling, cultural exploration, and beach activities. Ride through both the most famous and hidden gems of Upolu, taking in the island’s natural beauty and local culture. Enjoy kayaking, sightseeing, and additional snorkelling adventures throughout your journey.
The Upolu Encounter is designed for easy-paced cycling, with a focus on fun, relaxation, and discovering Samoa’s best attractions.
The tour is scheduled for a Tuesday arrival in Samoa, concluding the following Wednesday.
Bike Hire
Including helmet, and carrier (with the option to upgrade to an e-bike)
Hand-picked Accommodation
Choose between Samoan Standard and Superior
Luggage Transfers
Daily luggage transfers to your next destination
Filtered Water En-Route
Our driver team will stop at a designated point to top up your water supply
Ody Trails App
App access to support your cycle tour without the paperwork
Knowledgeable Reservations Staff
Our mantra, We know: We care
Trip Highlights
A 9 day cycle tour of Upolu, which includes kayaking, snorkelling over the giant clams, swimming in To Sua Trench, waterfall visits and coastal walks.
- To Sua Trench
- Snorkelling over giant clams
- Kayaking with turtles
- Togitogigia Waterfall
- Lalomanu Beach
- Apia markets
- Coastal walks and beach life
Upolu Encounter Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival day
This itinerary and the calendar of scheduled tours includes accommodation on your arrival day. Please advise us of your flight details and arrival time. You will be met by Outdoor Samoa / Cycle Journeys staff to transfer you to your accommodation.
Breakfast is included.
Day 2: Introduction to your cycle trip
Today is the start of your island cycle experience. Please be ready by 8:30am as we will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to our depot. We will work through the bike fitting and provide a big picture overview of Samoa.
Todays 8km cycle ride is an authentic experience led by our Samoan staff. They take you riding through their local village sharing their way of life with you.
Breakfast is included.
Day 3: Outdoor Samoa/Cycle Journeys to Falease‘ela (19km) or Mata’utu (23kms)
Today starts with a 14 km gentle ride around the coast. At Falelatai, the road heads steeply uphill for 2 kms, climbing 200 metres. However, when you get to the top, the view over the lagoon is well worth it. The downhill section is only partly sealed, down to the ford at 19kms. For those spending the night at Falease’ela, your accommodation is located here.
We suggest cycling a further 3.5 kms around the coast to Le Faga Bay in Savaia; home of the Giant Clams. These giant fluorescent molluscs are almost a metre long and located in a safe and sheltered lagoon. You will require your snorkelling gear enroute this day. After your swim, either cycle back to Falease’ela to your accommodation, or for those booked at Mata’utu, you have a further 2km to cycle along the coastline to your accommodation.
Dinner and breakfast are included.
Day 4: Falease‘ela/Mata’utu to Tafioala (20-24km)
Cycle between 14-18km’s from your accommodation to Vai Villas. Today’s morning activity is going to be a highlight; The Turtle Kayak experience! Gently paddle through the mangroves and out into the lagoon where we usually see large bales (groups) of turtles. This lagoon is one of the few remaining with large sandy beaches suitable for nesting. The turtles are plentiful.
Lunch will be provided at the completion of the Turtle Kayak experience back at Vai Villas. A further 6km cycle to your accommodation in Tafitoala, completes an amazing day!
Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast are included.
Day 5: Tafiotoala to Tafatafa (20km)
Today’s ride follows the undulating sealed coast road and while it’s easy to focus on just getting to the destination, there is a lot to do along the way. Potential stops include the Sinalei Resort for a taste of luxury and a walk to the Ma Tree, but our favourite is a long swim at Togitogiga Waterfalls. Your ride ends on the lagoon beach at Tafatafa. For those wanting to explore, there are nearby lava tube caves.
Dinner and Breakfast are included.
Day 6: Tafatafa to Lalomanu (29km)
Get on your bikes early as there’s another wonderful activity to enjoy! 13 kms down the road is To Sua Trench. This collapsed lava tube is one of the picture postcard attractions of Samoa, with the steep ladder leading down into the sea water pools. The trench and surrounds deserve a couple of hours at least. Take in the seascape, blowholes, beach and history along with a gentle swim in the pool. When you eventually make it out of the pool, ride the last 14kms to Lalomanu. Lonely Planet rates this one of the 10 best beaches in the world.
Dinner and Breakfast are included.
Day 7: Relaxing Day on Lalomanu or Day Trip to Namua Island (4km)
Choose between a relaxing day on the beach reading a book, swimming and snorkelling, or exploring the small volcanic island; Namua.
If you would like to visit Namua Island, cycle the 4kms from Lalomanu to Muiatele. You will be able to leave your bikes (for a small fee) at the Namua Island Ferry owners house. Catch the ferry across to Namua Island, which takes around 10 minutes. Keep an eye out for turtles that are often seen in the lagoon. There are toilets available on the island. Take snacks, lunch and drinking water across for the day. Climb to the top of Namua Island to look for dolphins, whales, and gannets amongst other wildlife. Take the ferry ride back to Muiatele, and cycle the 4km back to your accommodation.
Dinner and Breakfast are included.
Day 8: Lalomanu to Faleapuna (37km)
The shorter and more interesting route is to continue around the coast and up Richardson Road. This includes a 400m climb, which provides views of the hydro storage lake, that connects via a tunnel to the powerhouse in Faga-Loa Bay.
The alternative route is to cycle back towards Lotofaga Village and Sopoaga Waterfall. This is an easier ride, but slightly longer.
Both routes meet together at La Mafa Pass Road and Richardson Road.
The topography here is different from the rest of Samoa with near vertical green hillsides and the remains of several large mixed cattle and copra (dried sections of the meat of the coconut) estates.
Stop and admire the view from Le Mafa pass (but be wary of crossing the fence into the bull paddock for a better picture). The ride down the hill can be exhilarating, but stop at the bottom to admire the Falefa Falls. From Falefa continue 2kms west on the main road to your accommodation at Faleapuna Beach.
Breakfast is included.
Note: tonights accommodation is Marae style. Large open fale, with seperate beds, communal sleeping with shared facilities.
Day 9: Faleapuna to Apia (24km)
An easy day of riding along the coast. After 10kms cycling, pass by Pudding Rock (Cape Utmau’u), which is a popular surfing spot, and one of the few reached without a boat. A further 12km will take you into the capital of Samoa, Apia.
Accommodation is included in your package, so enjoy your night!
Apia has a range of excellent restaurants and coffee shops. The fish, vege and dry goods (souvenirs) markets are all worth a look. Robert Louis Stevenson’s home, Villa Vailima, has been turned into a fascinating museum and has an excellent guided tour. The Baha’i Temple is a masterpiece of architecture with stunning views over the city.
Breakfast included.
Full Package Inclusions
- Airport transfer on Day 1
- Standard bike hire for 8 days including helmet and carrier. (E-bike upgrade is available)
- Daily luggage transfer
- Samoan standard accommodation for 9 nights
- 9 x breakfasts, 5 x dinners and 1 x lunch
- Turtle kayak experience
- Filtered water en-route (On cycle days the van will transport gear to your next accommodation. Your driver will stop at a designated point to top up your water supply)
Departure Dates
| April | May | June | July | August | September | October |
| (1st FULL) (8th FULL) 22nd 29th | 6th 13th 20th 27th | 3rd 10th 17th 24th | 1st (8th FULL) (15th FULL) (22nd FULL) 29th | (5th FULL) 12th 19th 26th | 2nd 9th 16th 23rd 30th | 7th |
All dates are subject to accommodation availability – please do not book any flights until you have confirmed your trip with our Samoan specialists.
We can accommodate groups for up to 12 people.
Optional Extras and Upgrades
E-Bike Hire Upgrade
Upgrade to an e-bike for this trip: $400.00 pp
Hire Snorkelling Equipment
Pre-book your snorkelling equipment for your whole trip.
Add Mask, Snorkel and Fins to this package: $50.00 pp.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend travel insurance. Talk to us, as we can assist with providing you peace of mind.
