Samoa boasts some spectacular waterfalls and swimming holes, with the jaw-dropping To Sua Ocean Trench and spectacular Afu Aau Waterfall both “must see” attractions. Many more waterfalls and freshwater swimming holes can be easily visited on Upolu island. There are countless beaches to swim at too around both Savai’i and Upolu islands.
The list below is sorted by (my subjective) rating in descending order – so highest-rated falls/swimming spots at the top!
Afu Aau Waterfall (Olemoe Falls) is a series of spectacular cascades and swimming holes, situated in a rainforest setting.
- Type of waterfall: Cascade, Plunge, Segmented
- Total drop: 15
- Rating: 5
- Ease of access: Easy
- Access road off South Coast Road
A spectacularly photogenic swimming hole, To Sua Ocean Trench is a 30m deep sinkhole formed by a collapsed lava tube on the south coast of Upolu island,
- Rating: 5
- Ease of access: Easy/Moderate
- Access road off Main South Coast Road
A powerful waterfall that plunges into a pool surrounded by rainforest, you can also swim at the top of Fuipisia Waterfall.
- Type of waterfall: Plunge
- Total drop: 55
- Rating: 4
- Ease of access: Easy/Moderate
- Signposted on Le Mafa Pass Road
A beautiful beach on the eastern side of Upolu island, Lalomanu Beach was recognised by Lonely Planet as one of their Top 10 Beach Destinations of the World.
- Rating: 4
- Ease of access: Easy
- Along Main South Coast Road
The only tidefall in Samoa, Mu Pagoa Waterfall is formed by the Lata River plunging over a lava cliff into the ocean.
- Type of waterfall: Block or Ledge
- Rating: 4
- Ease of access: Easy
- Access from South Coast Road
Papaseea Sliding Rocks is a popular swimming spot near Apia, with four beautiful cascades and natural water holes along the Papase’ea Stream.
- Type of waterfall: Cascade
- Total drop: 20
- Rating: 4
- Ease of access: Easy
- Off Maugafolau Rd in Apia
A natural natural freshwater pool, Piula Cave Pool flows out of a cave, which is underneath a historic church.
- Rating: 4
- Ease of access: Easy
- Main East Coast Road in Piula
A beautiful and secluded waterfall, Sauniatu Waterfall drops into a crystal-clear swimming hole.
- Type of waterfall: Chute
- Total drop: 20
- Rating: 4
- Ease of access: Easy/Moderate
- Trail from road near Sauniatu village
Togitogiga Waterfall is a beautiful series of cascades and swimming holes in O Le Pupu Pue National Park, reached by a short walk.
- O Le Pupu Pu'e National Park
- Type of waterfall: Plunge, Segmented
- Total drop: 10
- Rating: 4
- Ease of access: Easy
- Access road off Main South Coast Road
A tall waterfall surrounded by rainforest, the viewing area for Sopo'aga Falls is located just off the Main South Coast Road.
- Type of waterfall: Plunge
- Total drop: 55
- Rating: 3.5
- Ease of access: Easy
- Signposted on Main South Coast Road
Falefa Falls is a small waterfall that drops into Falefa Bay. You can swim here, as well as view the falls.
- Type of waterfall: Cascade
- Total drop: 12
- Rating: 3
- Ease of access: Easy/Moderate
- Signposted on Richardson Road
The tallest waterfall in Samoa, Papapapaitai Falls can be seen from a viewing area along the Cross Island Road.
- Type of waterfall: Cascade, Tiered or multi-step
- Total drop: 100
- Rating: 3
- Ease of access: Easy
- Signposted lookout along Cross Island Road
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