Diving in Upolu

Explore 8 dive sites in Upolu, Samoa. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Upolu

The warmest water temperatures in Upolu 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: 26.7°C)
  • February: 29.4°C (air: 26.4°C)
  • March: 29.4°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • April: 29.4°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • May: 29.4°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • June: 29.4°C (air: 26.2°C)
  • July: 29.4°C (air: 25.8°C)
  • August: 29.4°C (air: 25.6°C)
  • September: 29.4°C (air: 25.9°C)
  • October: 29.4°C (air: 26.1°C)
  • November: 29.4°C (air: 26.4°C)
  • December: 29.4°C (air: 26.4°C)

Marine Life in Upolu

Home to 461 recorded species including 339 reef fish, 70 hard corals, 16 sea snails & nudibranchs, 8 sea cucumbers, 7 whales & dolphins, 6 sharks & rays.

Dive Site Difficulty in Upolu

Upolu has 1 beginner, 2 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Upolu

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 Upolu

  • 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)
  • 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 Upolu - Nearest Airports

  • Pago Pago International Airport (PPG), Pago Pago - 43 km away, approx 62 min travel time
  • Faleolo International Airport (APW), Apia - 109 km away, approx 134 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving conditions like in Upolu, Samoa, including visibility and currents?
Diving in Upolu, Samoa offers a variety of experiences, primarily featuring accessible reef and cavern dives. While specific visibility and current data are not provided in the current context, the diverse dive sites cater to different preferences.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see when diving around Upolu, Samoa?
While specific marine life sightings are not detailed in the provided data, divers exploring Upolu, Samoa can expect to encounter the typical inhabitants of reef and wreck environments. These diverse ecosystems often host a variety of fish and invertebrates.
Which are considered the best dive sites in Upolu, Samoa, and what makes them stand out?
Among the eight dive sites in Upolu, Samoa, divers can explore a mix of reef and wreck dives. Notable sites include the Apia Harbour Wreck and Palolo Deep Marine Reserve, both suitable for intermediate divers. For beginners, Namua Island offers accessible reef diving.
Is Upolu, Samoa, suitable for beginner divers, or is it more recommended for experienced divers?
Upolu, Samoa offers diving opportunities for both beginner and experienced divers. Beginner-friendly sites like Namua Island provide accessible reef diving. Intermediate divers can explore a wider range of sites, including the Apia Harbour Wreck and various reef banks.
What is the best time of year to go diving in Upolu, Samoa, considering weather and water conditions?
Based on water conditions, the best time to go diving in Upolu, Samoa is during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3, when average water temperatures are a comfortable 29.37°C. This period offers ideal conditions for exploring the region's diverse dive sites. For more detailed information on seasonal variations, consult our When to Dive guide.
How do travelers typically get to Upolu, Samoa, for a diving vacation?
Information regarding typical travel routes to Upolu, Samoa for a diving vacation is not available in the provided data. We recommend checking international flight options to Samoa's main airports for current travel advice.
Are there any specific seasonal variations or weather patterns, like a cyclone season, that impact diving in Upolu?
While specific seasonal variations or weather patterns like a cyclone season are not detailed in the provided data for Upolu, Samoa, we do know that the best water temperatures occur during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3, averaging 29.37°C. For comprehensive seasonal information, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What are the average water temperatures for diving in Upolu, Samoa, throughout the year?
The provided data indicates that the best water temperatures for diving in Upolu, Samoa are consistent at 29.37°C during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3. Information on average water temperatures for other months throughout the year is not available in the current context.