Silversea Luxury Cruises To APIA

Embark on a full-day excursion to the iconic To Sua Ocean Trench, truly is one of the most unique places to swim on the planet.

Take a coastal drive through the main east coast and catch a glimpse of the modern and old village structures as you pass by traditional villages before heading inland and drive through the Le Mafa Pass which stands at 1,700 ft above sea level with a beautiful thick green foliage.

Along the way, a stop will be made at either Fupisia or Sopoaga Waterfall. After visiting the waterfall, continue with the scenic drive towards Lotofaga and straight to the To Sua Ocean Trench. To Sua means 'Giant Swimming Hole' and it is a 30-meters deep hole filled with crystal clear salt water, surrounded by lush jungle hanging down the edges of the trench. An ancient underground lava tube cave system connects the swimming hole to the ocean, and the hole is accessed by climbing down a wooden ladder.

Continue to Lalomanu Beach where lunch will be served and a chance to swim or snorkel for those who chose not to swim in the Trench.

On the return trip, drive through Alepata District and head back towards Le Mafa Pass where the last stop will be at Piula Cave Pool for a chance to swim in fresh water before returning to the pier.

Enjoy a coastal hike on a lava ridge during this half-day island adventure including stops at Tiapapata Bahai Temple, Papapapaitai Falls and Togitogiga Waterfall along the way.

Depart the pier and drive through the Cross Island Road towards your first stop - Tiapapata Bahai Temple, a place of prayer and meditation for peoples of all backgrounds and religions. One of eight such sites in the world, the building itself boasts simple architectural beauty surrounded by landscaped gardens with footpaths and bridges. Your next stop will be at the Papapapaitai Waterfall. This fall is one of the longest waterfalls and most photographed falls in Samoa. Visitors cannot actually reach the falls; this grand cascade is only viewable from afar, at a viewpoint next to the road.

Your journey then continues to the other side of the island through the South Coast road along Siumu village until reaching Togitogiga Forest reservation site. Here, take approximately 2 kilometers hike on a beautiful coastal lava ridge where you experience the thunderous wave beat on the lava wall with the swirling bird life and their nesting sites.

After completion of your hike, re-board your coach and return to the Main South Coast road with a quick stop at the Togitogiga Waterfall for those who would like to take a cool fresh water swim before the return trip to Apia.

Visiting local markets is a great way to experience the local culture and learn about the fascinating Samoan history.

Local Markets

Depart the pier for a short drive to the local market, a great place to sample some of the most delicious fruit in Samoa including fresh coconut, banana's and other exotic fruits. Next, visit a handicraft market offering a wide array of Samoan handicrafts. The traditionally made items include intricate wood carvings, lavalavas (sarongs), beautiful ava bowls and woven pandanus mats. Many of the items sold here are made by local village communities, using all natural materials.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Continue to Immaculate Conception Cathedral, truly a must-see when in Apia. Looming over the harbour, this lofty cathedral is breathtakingly beautiful and by many described as Samoa's architectural gem. The locals proudly claim it as the "biggest and best" Catholic cathedral in Oceania. The interior of the Cathedral will transport you to another world with its architectural beauty and a decor that blends Samoan culture and Catholicism.

Museum of Samoa

You last stop will be at the Samoa's National Museum which contains a striking collection of artefacts and historical images pertaining to Samoa's rich living culture and its dynamic history. The collection is a reflection of the fa'aSamoa, its history and its tropical environment. It also displays some of the Pacific Islands artefacts and depicts the Pacific islands' similar cultures. The museum also houses 3,000-year-old pottery and stone adze discovered in Samoa.

The tour concludes back at the pier.

Namu'a is a small uninhabited island off the east coast of Upolu Island surrounded by turquoise water full of marine life and turtles.

Transfer to Namua Island

Depart the pier heading towards the main East Coast Road and through some traditional villages before continuing up towards Lemafa Pass. Pass by the Afulilo hydroelectric Dam which supports a 4 megawatts (5,400 hp) power station as your drive continues towards the Namua Island Jetty for your short boat ride to Namua Island.

Snorkeling with Turtles

Here, you can enjoy snorkeling with turtles which can be seen in their natural inhabitant. The lagoon is calm and filled with turtles as the island provides a great nesting site. The lagoon is protected from strong waves, making it ideal nesting site for the turtles as well as for everyone to have a great snorkeling experience. The crystal clear water will allow you to easily spot the turtles and plenty of other marine life.

Traditional Samoan Umu Lunch

You will also have a chance to witness the preparation of Umu (traditional Samoan way of cooking food like chicken, pork, lamb, taro, bananas and the famous taro leaf delicacy mixed with coconut milk on hot stones). When the umu is ready, it is time to eat.

After lunch, take a short boat ride back to the Upolu Island and transfer back to Apia.

This half-day excursion features the best of what Apia region has to offer.

Depart the pier and take a ride up to the beautiful island plantation home of the famous author Robert Louis Stevenson. It has subsequently served as the official home for the head of numerous administrations in Western Samoa. It is now a world class museum containing the largest collection of Stevensoniana on public display in the world and located directly below the famous authors Mt Vaea burial site.

Next, proceed to the Tiapapata Bahai Temple, a place of prayer and meditation for peoples of all backgrounds and religions. One of eight such sites in the world, the building itself boasts simple architectural beauty surrounded by landscaped gardens with footpaths and bridges. The blend of prayers and holy writings from all over the world is truly an enlightening experience.

Leaving the temple, take a scenic route down the Cross Island road towards Papapapaitai Waterfall. This fall is one of the longest waterfalls and most photographed falls in Samoa. Visitors cannot actually reach the falls; this grand cascade is only viewable from afar, at a viewpoint next to the road. Continue via South Easterly drive through traditional villages and country side scenery towards Lotofaga and the famous To-Sua Trench.

Continue towards Faofao Beach Fales where you will be treated to a BBQ lunch followed by some free time.

The return journey will take us back through the south west route to Le Mafa Pass with a beautiful scene at 1,700 feet above sea level than head west through more Samoan villages on the coastal overlay towards Apia.

Discover the best of what Apia region has to offer during this full-day sightseeing excursion.

Robert Louis Stevenson Museum

Depart the pier and take a ride up to the beautiful island plantation home of the famous author Robert Louis Stevenson. It has subsequently served as the official home for the head of numerous administrations in Western Samoa. It is now a world class museum containing the largest collection of Stevensoniana on public display in the world and located directly below the famous authors Mt Vaea burial site.

Tiapapata Bahai Temple

Next, proceed to the Tiapapata Bahai Temple, a place of prayer and meditation for peoples of all backgrounds and religions. One of eight such sites in the world, the building itself boasts simple architectural beauty surrounded by landscaped gardens with footpaths and bridges. The blend of prayers and holy writings from all over the world is truly an enlightening experience.

Papapapaitai Waterfall

Leaving the temple, take a scenic route down the Cross Island road towards Papapapaitai Waterfall. This fall is one of the longest waterfalls and most photographed falls in Samoa. Visitors cannot actually reach the falls; this grand cascade is only viewable from afar, at a viewpoint next to the road.

Clam Sanctuary

The journey will continue via South Westerly drive through traditional villages and country side scenery towards Matareva Beach and the Giant Clams Sanctuary, and then cross over the scenic crossroad back to the pier.

Relax and unwind amidst an intimate island resort, just minutes from Apia, during this leisurely, half-day escape to Taumeasina Island Resort.

Taumeasina Island Resort, Relaxing, Sunbathing, Swimming

Depart the pier for the short drive to Taumeasina Island Resort where you will have approximately 4 hours of free time to relax, sunbathe and swim. Enjoy breath-taking views of the Pacific Ocean, and the scenic mountains of Upolu, and choose from an array of activities available at the resort, such as snorkelling, beach volley, tennis or simply sit back and soak up the Samoan sun on its private white sandy beaches.

Afterwards, re-join your coach at the appointed place and time for the return transfer to the pier. A stop will be made at the local handicraft market for some last minute shopping.

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