DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
wildlife
—°3
Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary (Samoa)

Weather…

Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary is a small, uninhabited island located within the Apolima Strait, positioned between Samoa's two largest islands, Upolu and Savai'i. This islet holds immense ecological significance as a critical breeding ground and refuge for a wide variety of indigenous and migratory seabirds. Notably, it is also a key habitat for the Samoan flying fox, with large colonies roosting in the island's canopy. To protect these fragile nesting sites, human access to the island is often strictly regulated or requires special permission. The marine environment surrounding Nu'ulopa features exceptionally healthy coral reefs and a high density of marine life, making it a prized location for scientific research and controlled diving. Geologically, the island is a volcanic outcrop characterized by dense, wind-resistant scrubland and coconut palms. The sanctuary represents a cornerstone of Samoa's national strategy to preserve its unique avian biodiversity from environmental pressures.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C282828282827272727272728
Rain mm25824116516912891755692141213229

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
The best time to observe seabirds and flying foxes on Nu'ulopa is the dry season from May to October. During these months many seabirds breed and flying foxes are especially active at dusk.
🌅
Best time of day
Dusk, both evening and morning, is the best time to see flying foxes leaving or returning. During the day seabirds can be observed on the rocks and in the branches.
📜
Etiquette
Do not enter the interior of the island to avoid disturbing breeding colonies. Keep noise to a minimum and avoid sudden movements that might startle the birds.
🎒
What to bring
Binoculars with at least 8x magnification are essential for observing birds and flying foxes from a safe distance. A camera with a telephoto lens helps capture images without disturbance.
🧭
Getting there
Nu'ulopa lies in the strait between Upolu and Savai'i and is reachable only by boat. Most tours depart from Upolu's north coast or from Salelologa on Savai'i; the journey takes about 20 minutes.
🦌
What to expect
The birds and flying foxes are initially shy; stay quiet and wait for them to become accustomed to your presence. A longer stay on the shore, especially at dusk, increases the chance of good sightings.

Geography

Coordinates
-13.84240, -172.13120

Facts

  • Nu'ulopa is located in the strait between Upolu and Savai'i
  • The island is a designated national sanctuary for seabirds
  • It serves as a major roosting site for Samoan flying foxes
  • The surrounding waters are famous for pristine coral health
  • The islet is a volcanic formation with no human inhabitants
  • Landing on the island is restricted to minimize disturbance

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Manono Star MoundManono Star Mound2 km · NEExplore →
Apolima Island LighthouseApolima Island Lighthouse3 km · SWExplore →
Mulifanua WharfMulifanua Wharf10 km · NExplore →
SamatauSamatau12 km · NExplore →
Samoa Maritime AcademySamoa Maritime Academy13 km · NExplore →
Cape TaputapuCape Taputapu13 km · NExplore →
Tapaau LighthouseTapaau Lighthouse13 km · SWExplore →
Tafua Peninsula Rainforest PreserveTafua Peninsula Rainforest Preserve14 km · SWExplore →

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 Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary (3)

Nu`ulopa📍 landmark

Nuʻulopa is a small island in the Apolima Strait. It is a bird sanctuary.

Lepuia'i📍 landmark

Lepuia'i is a village on the south coast of Savaiʻi in Samoa.

Apolima📍 landmark

Apolima is a small island in the Apolima Strait between Upolu and Savaiʻi.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Nu'ulopa?
The island is a protected area and usually closed to the public.
Why is the island so important?
It serves as a retreat for rare seabirds and flying foxes.
Can you see it from a boat?
Yes, a boat trip near the island features good photo opportunities.
Are there human settlements there?
No, Nu'ulopa is uninhabited and a pure nature reserve.
When is the best time for observation?
Birds are most active at sunrise or sunset.
Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary: where is it located?
Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary is located in Samoa.
Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary: what is there to see?
Highlights include Nu`ulopa, Lepuia'i, Apolima.
Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary: why is it worth visiting?
Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary is a small, uninhabited island located within the Apolima Strait, positioned between Samoa's two largest islands, Upolu and Savai'i.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Oceania
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Oceania
More places in Samoa →

Nearby cities

Siusega — Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary (Samoa)
Siusega
Siusega is a growing urban settlement near Apia.
Faleula Tai — Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary (Samoa)
Faleula Tai
Faleula Tai is the coastal part of Faleula village.
Faleula — Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary (Samoa)
Faleula
Faleula is a populous village on the north coast of Upolu.
Afega — Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary (Samoa)
Afega
Afega is the administrative center of the Tuamasaga district.
Malie — Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary (Samoa)
Malie
Malie is a traditional village on the northwest coast of Upolu.
Vaiusu Tai — Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary (Samoa)
Vaiusu Tai
Vaiusu Tai is the waterfront part of Vaiusu, distinguished by its proximity to the mangrove ecosystem.
Vaiusu — Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary (Samoa)
Vaiusu
Vaiusu is a suburb of Apia located on a bay.
Fasito'o Uta — Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary (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.
🗺️
Fasito'o Tai
Fasito'o Tai is located on the coast of the Aana district.
Faleasiu — Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary (Samoa)
Faleasiu
Faleasiu is a significant village in the Aana district on the northwest coast of Upolu.
Le'auva'a — Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary (Samoa)
Le'auva'a
Le'auva'a is a village on Upolu whose residents originally come from Savai'i island.
Falelatai — Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary (Samoa)
Falelatai
Falelatai is a large historical village in the west of Upolu.
🗺️
Samatau
Samatau is located on the western tip of Upolu.
Vailima — Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary (Samoa)
Vailima
Vailima is located above Apia and is famous as the former residence of author Robert Louis Stevenson.
Vaitele — Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary (Samoa)
Vaitele
Vaitele is a large settlement west of Apia and is considered one of the country's most important industrial zones.

History & landmarks

Apia Old Town Hall — Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary (Samoa)
Apia Old Town Hall
The old town hall served as the civic center of Apia during the period of New Zealand administration.

Nature

Manono Island Reefs — Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary (Samoa)
Manono Island Reefs
The waters around Manono house extensive, healthy coral gardens.
Manono Island — Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary (Samoa)
Manono Island
Manono is a small, inhabited island situated within a coral reef.

More places

Mulifanua — Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary (Samoa)
Mulifanua
Mulifanua is the main ferry port on Upolu for connections to Savai'i Island.
Malua — Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary (Samoa)
Malua
Malua is the spiritual center of the Congregational Church in Samoa and home to its most significant theological seminary.
Manono Star Mound — Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary (Samoa)
Manono Star Mound
On Manono Island, there are several star mounds (Tia Seu) used for pigeon catching.
Manono Island Church — Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary (Samoa)
Manono Island Church
The main church on Manono Island is a central landmark for the small community.