The Best Snorkelling in American Samoa: Top 15 Places to Snorkel

With its dolphin-shaped reef and proximity to Pago Pago town, Fagasā Bay offers some of the best snorkelling from the main island.

The scenic drive down to this Marine Protected Area offers breathtaking panoramic views that build anticipation for what awaits below.

Waters teem with vibrant marine life thanks to the bay's protected status, where thriving coral reefs and abundant fish species create an underwater paradise. Snorkellers can follow the coral formations out from the shore, exploring both shallow areas perfect for beginners and deeper sections for more experienced swimmers.

The bay houses a giant clam nursery, though you'll need a local guide to locate these magnificent creatures.

Park at the beach bar at the far end of the bay, where you can arrange to pay your entry fee when staff are present. Avoid swimming on Sundays.

For a guided experience, Best Tours offers snorkelling trips to Fagasā Bay with gear included.

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.

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.

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 Vaoto 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).

Take your snorkelling gear if you're heading over to Aunu'u Island. You'll find a mix of crystal-clear pools and deeper drop-offs to explore.

The moment you step off the boat, you're greeted by a dreamy white sand beach right next to the harbour: soft, pristine and absolutely perfect for lounging. Strong swimmers will find decent snorkelling opportunities where the water gets deeper, though it's best not to venture too close to the channel between Aunu'u and the mainland.

One of the island's most rewarding experiences is the scenic coastal walk along the western edge, stretching approximately 1 km (0.6 mi) from the harbour beach all the way to a stunning natural coastal archway that frames the ocean beautifully.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This exclusive destination combines guided snorkelling in protected waters where marine life thrives undisturbed, traditional Samoan dining experiences, and the famous weekly umu (earth oven feast) every Wednesday evening.

The marine reserve features turtle nesting sites and living sea walls, where guided snorkelling reveals abundant fish life that doesn't flee from human presence thanks to decades of low-impact tourism. Day passes include sanctuary access and traditional meals served at Tisa's Barefoot Bar that sits elevated above the beach, while the dramatic umu ceremony showcases banana leaves being removed amid spotlights and rising steam to reveal a slow-cooked feast of island staples.

The annual Tatau Festival in October celebrates traditional Polynesian tattooing arts, whilst the territory's only eco-accommodation and spiritual healing experiences complete this transformative destination.

Faga'alu Bay offers one of American Samoa's most accessible snorkelling experiences, perfect for those seeking underwater adventure without venturing far from Pago Pago.

While the sandy shallows near the sea wall may seem unremarkable at first glance, don't let initial impressions fool you.

The real magic happens when you swim out to the deeper sections near the channel, where vibrant coral reefs come alive with tropical fish. The bay's sheltered waters, protected by the harbour and distant reef barrier, provide safe swimming conditions for snorkellers of all skill levels. Marine turtles are frequently spotted gliding through these waters, adding an extra thrill to your underwater exploration.

The large public park adjacent to the bay features traditional fales, offering convenient changing areas and shade between snorkelling sessions.

If you'd rather go with a guide, Best Tours offers an awesome snorkelling tour here with all the gear included.

Benefitting from nearby Marine Protected Areas, Fogama'a - also known as Larsen Cove or Secret Beach - is also worth a snorkel after an adventurous mission to get there.

This vital marine habitat stretches from Steps Point to Sail Rock, covering approximately 0.46 mi² (1.2 km²) of protected waters east of Fagatele Bay.

The adventure begins with a challenging 0.8 km (0.5 mi) hike through rough terrain that requires a four-wheel drive vehicle to reach the trailhead. Once you arrive at this hidden gem, you'll discover soft sand, generally calm waters and complete seclusion—making it the perfect spot for a full-day picnic retreat.

Concrete stairs provide access to the beach, though visitors should exercise caution around the channel that runs along the left cliff wall, particularly during high tide when waves can be unpredictable.

The easiest way to enjoy this experience is to jump on the "Secret Beach Hike & Swim" with Best Tours.

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.

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.