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Apolima Island

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Apolima Island (Samoa)

Weather…

Apolima is the smallest of the inhabited islands in Samoa, positioned within the Apolima Strait between the primary islands of Savai'i and Upolu. The island's unique geography is the result of an extinct volcanic crater, with one side having collapsed into the ocean to form a naturally sheltered basin. This basin serves as a harbour, though entry is restricted to small vessels through a narrow and often hazardous passage in the reef. The rim of the crater rises sharply from the Pacific, reaching a peak elevation of 165 metres, creating a formidable natural fortress. Inside the lush interior, a single village sustains itself through traditional fishing and subsistence farming, maintaining a way of life that has changed little over centuries. Due to its isolation and difficult access, Apolima is one of the most pristine environments in the region, with limited external influence on its social and ecological systems.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C282828282827272727272728
Rain mm25824116516912891755692141213229

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Apolima Island is generally accessible, but only by boat. The village and nature can be explored.
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Typical hours
The island has no visiting hours. Visits are possible during the day; plan the crossing in advance.
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Photography
The island has fantastic photo subjects: the village, coast, and crater rim. Photography is allowed everywhere.
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Time needed
A day trip is handy to explore the island. Allow about 3-4 hours including travel and return.
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Combine with
Combine the island visit with the Apolima Crater and fortifications. The lighthouse is also worth a detour.
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Getting there
The island is only reachable by boat from Upolu or Savaii. Arrange the crossing in advance with local fishermen or a boat rental service.
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Insider tip
Respect the villagers' privacy and ask permission before photographing them. Bring cash as there is no ATM on the island.

Geography

Coordinates
-13.81250, -172.15340

Facts

  • The island occupies a total land area of less than 1 square kilometre.
  • The highest point on the crater rim stands at 165 metres above sea level.
  • The resident population typically ranges between 75 and 100 people.
  • Apolima is located approximately 2.4 kilometres west of Manono Island.
  • There are no motor vehicles or paved roads anywhere on the island.
  • The entrance to the natural harbour is only about 10 metres wide.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Apolima FortificationsApolima Fortifications<1 km · NEExplore →
Nu'ulopa Bird SanctuaryNu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary4 km · NEExplore →
Manono Island ReefsManono Island Reefs6 km · NEExplore →
Tapaau LighthouseTapaau Lighthouse9 km · SWExplore →
Tafua Peninsula Rainforest PreserveTafua Peninsula Rainforest Preserve10 km · SWExplore →
Salelologa WharfSalelologa Wharf10 km · SWExplore →
Tafua CraterTafua Crater11 km · SExplore →
Mulifanua WharfMulifanua Wharf12 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Apolima Island (1)

Apolima Tai Congregational Christian Church⛪ church

A congregational church on Apolima Island, Samoa. It is the place of worship for the village community.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Apolima Island?
Visits are only possible with permission from the local community.
Are there accommodations there?
There are very few, simple accommodation options with families.
Why is Apolima so special?
It is an ancient volcanic crater and has a very authentic, traditional lifestyle.
How do you get to the island?
By a local boat, usually from Manono Island.
Is there anything to keep in mind?
Definitely respect the local culture and traditions.
Apolima Island: where is it located?
Apolima Island is located in Samoa.
Apolima Island: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Apolima Island: why is it worth visiting?
Apolima is the smallest of the inhabited islands in Samoa, positioned within the Apolima Strait between the primary islands of Savai'i and Upolu.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Oceania
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Nearby cities

Siusega — Apolima Island (Samoa)
Siusega
Siusega is a growing urban settlement near Apia.
Faleula Tai — Apolima Island (Samoa)
Faleula Tai
Faleula Tai is the coastal part of Faleula village.
Faleula — Apolima Island (Samoa)
Faleula
Faleula is a populous village on the north coast of Upolu.
Afega — Apolima Island (Samoa)
Afega
Afega is the administrative center of the Tuamasaga district.
Malie — Apolima Island (Samoa)
Malie
Malie is a traditional village on the northwest coast of Upolu.
Vaiusu Tai — Apolima Island (Samoa)
Vaiusu Tai
Vaiusu Tai is the waterfront part of Vaiusu, distinguished by its proximity to the mangrove ecosystem.
Vaiusu — Apolima Island (Samoa)
Vaiusu
Vaiusu is a suburb of Apia located on a bay.
Fasito&#39;o Uta — Apolima Island (Samoa)
Fasito'o Uta
Fasito'o Uta is located in the Aana district and is known for its agricultural lands and proximity to the airport.
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Fasito'o Tai
Fasito'o Tai is located on the coast of the Aana district.
Faleasiu — Apolima Island (Samoa)
Faleasiu
Faleasiu is a significant village in the Aana district on the northwest coast of Upolu.
Le&#39;auva&#39;a — Apolima Island (Samoa)
Le'auva'a
Le'auva'a is a village on Upolu whose residents originally come from Savai'i island.
Falelatai — Apolima Island (Samoa)
Falelatai
Falelatai is a large historical village in the west of Upolu.
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Samatau
Samatau is located on the western tip of Upolu.
Vaitele — Apolima Island (Samoa)
Vaitele
Vaitele is a large settlement west of Apia and is considered one of the country's most important industrial zones.
Samalae&#39;ulu — Apolima Island (Samoa)
Samalae'ulu
Samalae'ulu is located in the northeast of Savai'i along the main road.

History & landmarks

Apolima Crater — Apolima Island (Samoa)
Apolima Crater
The island of Apolima is essentially an extinct volcanic crater with one side collapsed toward the ocean.

Nature

Nu&#39;ulopa Bird Sanctuary — Apolima Island (Samoa)
Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary
This tiny islet in the strait between Upolu and Savai'i is an important sanctuary for nesting seabirds and flying foxes.
Manono Island Reefs — Apolima Island (Samoa)
Manono Island Reefs
The waters around Manono house extensive, healthy coral gardens.

More places

Mulifanua — Apolima Island (Samoa)
Mulifanua
Mulifanua is the main ferry port on Upolu for connections to Savai'i Island.
Malua — Apolima Island (Samoa)
Malua
Malua is the spiritual center of the Congregational Church in Samoa and home to its most significant theological seminary.
Apolima Fortifications — Apolima Island (Samoa)
Apolima Fortifications
The small volcanic island of Apolima served historically as a natural fortress.
Apolima Island Lighthouse — Apolima Island (Samoa)
Apolima Island Lighthouse
This lighthouse on the small island of Apolima assists navigation in the strait between Upolu and Savaii islands.