The Samoan Photographer

GETTING TO SAMOA 

Flying to Samoa (especially from Australia or New Zealand) has never been easier. Whether you choose Air New Zealand or Virgin Samoa as your preferred airline you'll find a convenient flight to suit your travel schedule. Just try not to leave it to the last minute. For all flight information just click on these following links Air New Zealand or Virgin Samoa to organise your trip schedule. The international airport is located in Faleolo which is approximately 50 minutes drive to the capital city Apia. Remember the check in times for your flight can be 90 to 120mins depending on the airline.

WHERE TO STAY? 

Accommodation here in Samoa offers a wide range of styles and budgets to suit your travel needs. From traditional Samoan "beach fales" to 4/5 star hotels and resorts. One of the best places to start searching for your next destination here is on the Samoa Hotel Association's accommodation website. Just click on the following link  SHA to view your accommodation options. Pictured below is one of Samoa's most popular accommodation destinations Savaii Lagoon Resort which regularly boasts the # No1 position for all of Samoa on the Tripadvisor website.

WHAT TO DO?

There really is so much to see and do here in Samoa and organising your itinerary can be quite a task. One of Samoa's most trusted organisations to help visitors take advantage of all there is to see here is the Samoa Tourism Authority. Not only does the STA offer advice on all tourist operators and attractions but they have information on all major national and local events happening throughout Samoa. Visit their website at STA and let the friendly team there help you find the real Samoa experience you're looking for. Their main information office is located in the heart of Apia on Beach Road so while you are in Apia call in and let the experienced team at STA answer all your questions. 

 HOW TO GET AROUND

Once you arrive, transport from the airport (Faleolo) to your destination and then back can be taken care of by either local taxi, bus, hotel shuttle, car hire, scheduled ferry and now via plane to the Big Island of Savaii! If it's by taxi there are numerous operators all over both islands. Shuttles and car hire can generally be arranged through your accommodation provider. For ferry schedules between Upolu and Savaii and inter-island flight times check out the following web links respectively; Samoa Shipping & SamoaAir . If you are hiring a car you will need to obtain a temporary license when you pick the car up. Driving has recently be changed to the left side of the road. Watch out for the odd pig, dog or chicken crossing the road! :-)

 WEDDINGS

Samoa offers many relaxing and beautiful locations for your tropical wedding. And  at a surprisingly affordable price tag! There are many venues who specialise in weddings here in Samoa and they all have dedicated teams to deal with you directly so your wedding day can be coordinated well in advance of your arrival here. To get you started we happily recommend you take a look at the following venues who are all experienced in coordinating weddings : Le Lagoto Resort, Le Manumea  Resort,      La Vasa Resort and Sea Breeze Resort. For information on legalities required here in Samoa, email all enquiries to mailto:info@mjca.gov.ws

WEATHER

Samoa has a warm, tropical climate tempered by trade winds between May and September, which is generally referred to as the "dry season" Temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the year and usually hover around 30 degrees celsius. Rainfall is heaviest between the months of December and April. Sea temperatures rarely fall below 24 degrees celsius. For weather updates you can follow these 2 weather sites; Wunderground & Samoa Meteorology, to get a feel for what to expect (and wear!) when you arrive.