Northern Savaii Day Trip from Upolu

Mulifanua

This is where you will hop on the inter-island ferry to Savaii. Depending on availability, you will be given Business Class tickets by your guide where you can sit comfortably in the air conditioned area. If you wish to be at the top deck where there is a better view then you will be given a general passenger ticket. The trip will take approximately 80 minutes from Upolu to Savaii and you can get the chance to see the beautiful islands of Manono and Apolima on your left side. If you are lucky then you might also spot a turtle, shark, dolphins or a whale on this trip across the open Pacific Ocean.

Salelologa

This is where the boat will dock and you disembark to meet your guide on the other side that will hold up your name on a board. Disembarking may take a few minutes and then once you meet your guide you shall be on your way and traveling north for 15 minutes. You will see beautiful villages of Savaii and their well manicured lawns as you head to your first stop.

This is where you will stop to see and take photos of one of the most significant sites in Samoan history and culture, the landmark of where John Williams and his entourage landed in 1830 bringing Christianity to Samoa. You will also see the tomb of the last king (Tafaifa) of Samoa which is only a few meters across from the landmark.

Saleaula Lava Fields

Stroll across the eerie black landscape of the Saleaula Lava Field and visit the remains of buried villages. Imagine what it must have been like for the locals when they saw their homes swallowed up by the pahoehoe lava. Despite this sad history, the lava field has become one of Samoa’s major tourist attractions, offering opportunities for geologists and photographers alike. It is hard not to be impressed when you see the effects of the terrifying force of nature.The Saleaula Lava Field was created in 1905 when the nearby Mount Matavanu erupted. A second eruption poured yet more lava onto the field, covering an area of over 100 square kilometres (40 square miles). Five villages were buried, although thankfully the lava was slow-moving so there were few fatalities. You can also see the Virgin's Grave at this stop.

After traveling 10 minutes from the Lava ruins, your next stop will be at the Turtle Sanctuary where turtles that have been caught in nets by nearby fishers will be placed in and nursed back to their health before being released back into the ocean. You can take photos, feed or even swim with them but please do not lift them out of the water.

Situated on Savai'i Island, Stevensons at Manase offers a secluded beach and reef for snorkelling and swimming. You can enjoy a cocktail at the bar, which also offers a selection of beer, wine and spirits. Lunch is served in the Bentley Bistro which offers Samoan and European cuisine, enjoy your meal with spectacular views of the ocean and horizon. This is the final stop before making the long drive back to Salelologa wharf for the 2:00pm ferry back to Upolu. You will then take the 80 minute trip back and be picked up again on the other side and transported back to Apia or your accommodation.