Diving in Savai'i

Explore 2 dive sites in Savai'i, Samoa. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Savai'i

The warmest water temperatures in Savai'i occur in January, averaging 29.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 29.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.4°C (air: 25.9°C)
  • February: 29.4°C (air: 25.6°C)
  • March: 29.4°C (air: 26.3°C)
  • April: 29.4°C (air: 26.4°C)
  • May: 29.4°C (air: 26.3°C)
  • June: 29.4°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • July: 29.4°C (air: 25.5°C)
  • August: 29.4°C (air: 25.4°C)
  • September: 29.4°C (air: 25.5°C)
  • October: 29.4°C (air: 25.6°C)
  • November: 29.4°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • December: 29.4°C (air: 25.6°C)

Marine Life in Savai'i

Home to 204 recorded species including 141 reef fish, 33 hard corals, 9 sea cucumbers, 8 sea snails & nudibranchs, 3 clams & mussels, 3 whales & dolphins.

Dive Site Difficulty in Savai'i

Savai'i has 1 beginner, 1 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Savai'i

Based on average water temperature of 29.4°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Savai'i

  • Aleipata MPA - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Safata MPA - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Palolo Deep - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Cape Puava Forest - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fusi-Tafitaola Reef - Other Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Falealupo Forest Preserve - Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Uafato - Conservation Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Sasina - Other Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Apai Manono-tai - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Apolima-uta (e) - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Asaga - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Asau - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Auala - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Aufaga Lepa (e) - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Eva Anoama'a - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Faala Palauli - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fagae'e - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fagali'i Vaimauga - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fagamalo - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fagasa - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Faleu Manono-uta - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Faleula - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fasito'o-tai - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fatuvalu - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Foailalo - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fogatuli - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fuailolo'o Mulifanua (e) - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Gagaifo Lefaga - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lalovi Mulifanua (e) - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lelepa - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lepa (e) - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lepuiai Manono-tai - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Leusoalii Anoama'a - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lu'ua Faga - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Manase - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Matatufu (e) - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Matautu Falelatai - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Neiafu (e) - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Nofoalii Aana - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Papa Palauli - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Poutasi Falealili - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Pu'apu'a - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ava o sina - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • punaoa - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Afaga Tele - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Vaiee - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fausaga - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Faaofi laulu - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Saleapaga Lepa (e) - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Saletagaloa & Foua (Salelologa) - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Salimu Faga (e) - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Salua Manono-tai (e) - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Samatau Falelatai (e) - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Saoluafata Anoama'a - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Sapapalii - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Sapini Faga (e) - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Satalafai & Sapulu (Salelologa) - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Satapuala Aana - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Sataua (e) - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Sato'alepai - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Savaia Lefaga (e) - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Siufaga Faga - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Siufaga Falelatai (e) - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Solosolo Anoama'a - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Tafagamanu Lefaga (e) - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Tafatafa Falealili (e) - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Vailuutai Aana - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Vaisala - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Vaitoomuli - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Vaiusu Faleata - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Vaovai Falealili (e) - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Vavau Lepa (e) - Community Based Fishery (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Savai'i - Nearest Airports

  • Faleolo International Airport (APW), Apia - 51 km away, approx 71 min travel time
  • Pago Pago International Airport (PPG), Pago Pago - 198 km away, approx 231 min travel time
  • Hihifo Airport (WLS), Wallis Island - 419 km away, approx 473 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water conditions, such as temperature and visibility, for diving in Savai'i?
Divers in Savai'i can expect warm waters, with optimal temperatures reaching around 29.41°C during the best months. While specific visibility data is not provided, these warm conditions generally contribute to comfortable diving experiences. Always check with local dive operators for current conditions.
When is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Savai'i to experience optimal conditions and marine life?
The best time to experience optimal diving conditions in Savai'i, particularly for water temperature, is during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3. During these months, the water temperature consistently reaches a pleasant 29.41°C. For more detailed information on seasonal conditions, visit our When to Dive guide.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to encounter in Savai'i's waters?
While specific details on marine life encounters in Savai'i are not provided, the dive sites are described as "reef" environments, suggesting a variety of reef-dwelling species. Divers can generally anticipate seeing common reef fish and corals in such settings. For a broader understanding of potential marine life, explore our wildlife database.
What are the best dive sites in Savai'i, and what unique features do they offer?
Savai'i offers two notable dive sites: Lava Fields and Fagamalo Reef. Lava Fields, suitable for beginner divers, is a unique volcanic dive site reflecting the island's geology. Fagamalo Reef, an intermediate-level reef dive, provides another excellent exploration opportunity.
Is Savai'i suitable for beginner scuba divers, or are the dive sites primarily for more experienced divers?
Savai'i caters to both beginner and intermediate scuba divers. The Lava Fields dive site is specifically designated as suitable for beginner divers, offering an accessible entry into the underwater world. More experienced divers can explore the intermediate-level Fagamalo Reef.
How do travelers typically get to Savai'i for a diving trip?
Information regarding typical travel methods to Savai'i for a diving trip is not provided in the current data context. Travelers are advised to research local transportation options, likely involving inter-island ferries or flights from Samoa's main international airport.
Are there PADI-certified dive centers or local dive operators available on Savai'i?
Yes, Savai'i has at least one dive centre available for visitors. While the specific certification (e.g., PADI) of this operator is not detailed in the provided information, its presence ensures local support for diving activities.
What are the common depths and currents that divers might experience at Savai'i's dive sites?
Details regarding common depths and currents at Savai'i's dive sites are not available in the provided data context. Divers should always consult with local dive operators for up-to-date information on site-specific conditions, including depths and potential currents, before planning their dives.