Where are the Best Places for Snorkelling in Samoa?
If you're wondering where to find the best snorkelling spots in American Samoa, you've come to the right place.
Snorkelling is absolutely a must-do when you visit American Samoa – and we can't get enough of how mesmerising and beautiful the underwater world is here. What makes it even better is that it won't break the bank, especially since many of the most vibrant snorkelling spots are accessible right from shore (sometimes with just a small beach fee).
In this guide, we'll share the best places to snorkel in American Samoa, along with our top tips for making the most of your underwater adventures.
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Snorkelling Gear: Hire in American Samoa or Bring Your Own?
Here's the thing about snorkelling gear in American Samoa – you'll want to pack your own.
The reality is there's absolutely nowhere to hire snorkelling gear freely in American Samoa. You can only get gear through specific tour operators, which we've covered in our 10 Best Snorkelling Tours in American Samoa.
That's why we always recommend bringing your own kit. You'll find our favourite snorkelling essentials for the islands in What to Pack for American Samoa: American Samoa Packing List.
The Best Time for Snorkelling in American Samoa
The best snorkelling happens in the morning or during low to mid-tide, especially in the tradewind season (May to October).
Here's something that might surprise you: the wet season (November to April) actually offers the calmest conditions for snorkelling. According to locals, this is when the waters are at their most peaceful, despite being cyclone season.
1.Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary (Pago Pago & Tutuila)

Part of the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa, Fagatele Bay is the place to go snorkelling from Tutuila, American Samoa's main island. It just requires a little bit of adventure to get there.
This pristine bay is home to Tutuila's last remaining coastal rainforest, where dramatic cliffs slope directly into waters teeming with marine life.
The sanctuary is thought to harbour 200 species of coral, 1,400 species of algae and invertebrates, and 271 species of fish, making it a vibrant underwater paradise where sea turtles are frequently spotted gliding through the colourful reef systems. Snorkelling is good on a calm day. The best coral displays are beyond the waves if the conditions allow.
The adventure begins with a scenic forest trail accompanied by birds and coconut crabs as you navigate the rim of the ancient volcanic crater. After about 10 minutes, you'll reach a wooden staircase to a secluded beach.
Access costs US$10 per person, paid directly to the landowner who maintains the trail; simply call out or knock on their door to arrange entry.
Route 120, Fagatele Bay, west side of Tutuila. Signposted from the main road. From Futiga Village, follow Route 120 all the way to the house at the end of the road. Take the road to the right of this house and continue to the next house (if the gate is open). Pay your fee at the house and, if you have a high-clearance vehicle, follow the dirt road to the start of the trail.
2.Ofu Beach (Manu'a Islands)

One of American Samoa's most idyllic beaches also happens to offer some of the best and most accessible snorkelling in the Manu'a Islands.
The breathtaking beach is approximately 3 km (2 mi) and runs just down the road from Va'oto Lodge (see Where to Stay on Ofu, Olosega & Ta'u (Manu'a Islands)) all the way to Muliu'u, where the Sunu'itao Peak Base Trail starts, offering spectacular views of towering bush-clad peaks behind and across to Olosega Island - it's simply too beautiful for words!
Recognised as one of the most beautiful undiscovered beaches in the world, this stunning stretch includes popular snorkelling spots like To'aga, located about 350 m (380 yards) east of the historic dispensary. The beach is best visited at low tide, as high tide can bring strong currents that make swimming and snorkelling more challenging.
With 140 ha (345 acres) of offshore water protected as part of the National Park of American Samoa, the snorkelling here ranks amongst the best across both Samoa and American Samoa.
Ofu Beach, south coast of Ofu Island, Manu'a Islands.
3.Va'oto Beach (Manu'a Islands)

Only moments away from Ofu Beach, Va'oto Beach is another accessible spot on Ofu Island that's well worth donning your snorkel mask for.
The beach provides an idyllic setting for sunset viewing, with unobstructed views across the water as the day winds down. Beneath the surface, vibrant coral gardens and tropical fish make for excellent snorkelling, particularly during low to mid-tide when conditions are calmest and visibility is at its best.
Guests staying at Va'oto Lodge can take advantage of complimentary equipment, including kayaks, SUP boards and snorkelling gear, making it easy to explore both above and below the waterline. Learn more about the lodge in our guide, Where to Stay on Ofu, Olosega & Ta'u (Manu'a Islands).
Route 020, Ofu, Ofu Island, Manu'a Islands. Across the road of Va'oto Lodge.
4.Mafafa Beach (Manu'a Islands)

A little-known snorkelling spot on the northern coast of Ofu, Mafafa Beach offers more spectacular coral and the opportunity to spot turtles.
This secluded stretch of sand, framed by swaying coconut palms, provides excellent protection from rough seas, making it an ideal alternative when southern coastlines become too choppy for comfortable swimming.
The crystal-clear waters create perfect conditions for snorkelling, whilst the sheltered bay ensures a peaceful swimming experience. According to locals, sea turtles are frequently spotted, potentially adding an extra touch of magic to your beach day.
The 15 to 20-minute coastal walk over rocks and sand becomes part of the adventure, leading you through stunning natural scenery with the beach in sight the entire way.
Route 020, Ofu Island, Manu'a Islands. Access is from the northern coastal road under Sunu'itao Peak, approximately 840 yards (750 m) west of the Ofu-Olosega Bridge. Scramble down the sea wall and head left toward the sandy beach you can see from the road.
5.Pu'a Vai/Au Vai O Namo Beach (Manu'a Islands)

A stunning spot along Ta'ū Islands' Saua Trail, Pu'a Vai Beach offers one of the best snorkelling spots on the island when the conditions are just right.
Named after the fresh springwater that once flowed here, a sacred element in the creation story of Tagaloa who placed the first humans near springs, this stunning beach offers a perfect combination of cultural significance and tropical paradise.
Easily identifiable by its distinctive small pyramid of stones on a clearing on the tailside, this secluded spot provides excellent snorkelling opportunities at mid-tide when it's not too shallow, and hopefully the waves are tame. Otherwise, it's an ideal place to cool off after hiking, offering a much more relaxing beach experience than the wild coast at the trail endpoint.
Saua Trail, Fitiuta, Ta'ū, Manu'a Islands. Down the Saua Trail, approximately 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from the Fogamutie turn-off (where all the heritage signs are).
6.Le Loto Beach (Manu'a Islands)

If you're looking for an easy shallow snorkel, Le Loto Beach in front of Ofu Village is worth the dip.
The beach offers a delightfully ironic twist; its name means "deep" in Samoan, yet this stunning stretch of coastline is wonderfully shallow, especially at low tide.
The shallow waters create a unique opportunity to walk out to the nearby rocky islet and explore on foot, making it feel like your own private adventure. While locals favour swimming here at mid tide when the water levels are perfect, it's also worth donning a snorkel mask to discover the vibrant coral formations and tropical reef fish that call these waters home.
The beach itself is absolutely lovely, fringed by swaying palms and soft sand. There's a convenient parking area complete with a traditional fale, providing the perfect shaded spot to relax between swims or snorkelling sessions.
Route 020, Ofu, Ofu Island, Manu'a Islands. At the southern end of the village where sand connects to the rock islets.
7.Fatumafuti Beach (Pago Pago & Tutuila)

Fatumafuti offers a surprisingly excellent snorkelling experience just minutes from the bustling heart of Pago Pago.
This small, intimate beach boasts gorgeous harbour views, decent snorkelling and a chance to explore Fatu and Futi Rock, also known as Flowerpot Rock, making it one of the top beach destinations in the area.
Flowerpot Rock, also known as Fatu Rock, is said to be connected to a legend about Fatu and Futi, who were lovers from the Manu'a Islands who got stranded on the reef and have remained there to this day.
The beach features convenient parking facilities right next to the shoreline, allowing easy access to both the sandy stretch and prime snorkelling spots.
The beach is open from 6 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday, with swimming prohibited on Sundays.
Route 001, Fatumafuti, Pago Pago, Tutuila.
8.Alega Beach (Pago Pago & Tutuila)

A lovely stretch of sand east of Pago Pago, Alega Beach is not only famous for Tisa's Barefoot Bar, but it has some pretty interesting snorkelling too.
Watch as CandyMann dramatically unveils the earth oven by removing the encompassing banana leaves at 7 pm sharp, revealing perfectly cooked traditional food whilst Tisa shares fascinating insights about this ancient cooking method.
The spectacle takes about 15 minutes to unfold, creating both a dining experience and educational opportunity that immerses you in authentic Samoan culinary traditions. Guests dine at traditional tables in a communal setting on the elevated deck overlooking Alega Beach, which captures the true essence of Samoan hospitality, with piña coladas and fruit punch served throughout the evening.
For those who can't make the Wednesday schedule, Tisa offers flexible alternatives to ensure no visitor misses out on experiencing genuine local cuisine during their stay, whether you're a cruise ship passenger or wanting a place to stay inside their eco-fales.
Route 001, Alega, east side of Tutuila. Parking is on the inland side of the main coastal road.
9.Rose Atoll

Rose Atoll is hands down one of the most spectacular snorkelling spots you'll find in American Samoa—if you're lucky enough to make it there.
Located 100 km (62 mi) east of the Manu'a Islands, this pristine atoll is protected as the "Rose Atoll Marine National Monument," a US National Wildlife Refuge that offers absolutely incredible underwater experiences.
Named after its pink reefs that are abundant in coralline algae, the atoll supports the highest giant clam densities in the Samoan archipelago and is the primary site for green turtle and seabird nesting in American Samoa.
The area is also home to the Vaililu‘u Seamount, which hosts a diverse biological community including marine worms, sea fans, corals, sponges and eels.
Here's the catch: you'll need special permission to visit, and unless you have your own sailing boat, your best bet is to hire a private boat charter. Options are highlighted in The Best Dive Shops & Operators in American Samoa guide and 10 Best Boat & Sailing Tours in American Samoa LINK#TTD138, and get all the sailing details in our Sailing Guide to American Samoa: Tips for Yachting in American Samoa.
Learn more about Rose Atoll in The Complete Guide to Swains Island & Rose Atoll LINK#D014.
Rose Atoll, 100 km (62 mi) east of the Manu'a Islands.
10.Maloata Bay (Pago Pago & Tutuila)

A popular scuba spot, the private beach of Maloata Bay is also worth considering for snorkelling.
The site tends to offer calm conditions even when strong winds affect other coastal areas. This pristine bay hosts an incredible diversity of marine life, from vibrant coral formations and dramatic wall-like structures to giant clams nestled amongst the reef.
Divers can explore depths of around 70 ft (20 m) along gradual wall formations, discovering hidden caves and encountering an extraordinary variety of fish species. The site's unique underwater topography and rich biodiversity have made it a favourite amongst both recreational divers and marine scientists.
While reaching this secluded spot requires some effort from shore, the reward is an untouched underwater paradise that feels worlds away from crowded dive sites.
Maloata, northwest side of Tutuila. From Route 009, take the turn off with the archway leading down to the coast. Private beach access via the Gurr family property (permission required upon arrival).
More About Snorkelling in American Samoa
That’s it for our guide to the best places for snorkelling in American Samoa, but if you need more watersports inspiration, make sure you check out our following guides:
- The Best Scuba Diving in American Samoa: Top 10 Places to Scuba Dive
- The Best Dive Shops & Operators in American Samoa
- 10 Best Snorkelling Tours in American Samoa
Finally, for a variety of experiences in American Samoa, don't miss the 101 Best Things to Do in American Samoa: The Ultimate List