DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
wildlife
—°4
Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary (Samoa)

Weather…

The Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary on Savai'i Island is a vital community-led initiative dedicated to the rehabilitation and protection of Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas). Located within a unique brackish water wetland, the sanctuary serves as a temporary home for turtles that have been injured or accidentally caught in fishing nets, as well as juveniles needing a safe environment before heading to the open sea. Managed by the local village, the program integrates wildlife conservation with community education, raising awareness about the critical status of marine reptiles in the Pacific. Visitors are invited to observe and even swim with these gentle creatures, gaining firsthand insight into their biology and the environmental threats they face, such as plastic pollution and habitat loss. The sanctuary has been instrumental in shifting local perceptions towards sea turtles, transforming them from a food source into a celebrated national treasure. Geologically, the site is characterized by the mixing of fresh spring water and seawater, creating a nutrient-rich pond good for turtle growth.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C282828282828272727282828
Rain mm262254166154129101816489141208220

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
The Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary is open year-round, but the best time to visit is the dry season from May to October. During these months the turtles are more active and the pools are clearer.
🌅
Best time of day
Feeding times are typically late morning and early afternoon; then the turtles are most active and gather in the pools. Early morning the animals are quieter and often resting.
📜
Etiquette
Do not touch the turtles as it stresses them and can damage their natural oil layer. Follow the staff's instructions regarding behaviour at the pool edge.
🎒
What to bring
A waterproof camera or phone in a protective case is convenient for photographing the turtles. Sunscreen and a hat are advisable as the visit takes place outdoors.
🧭
Getting there
The sanctuary is located on Savai'i's north coast, near the village of Sato'alepai. It is reachable by car or taxi, about a 30-minute drive from Salelologa.
🦌
What to expect
The turtles are accustomed to humans, but their behaviour can vary. Take time to observe the different age groups and be patient if the animals are resting.

Geography

Coordinates
-13.45120, -172.33120

Facts

  • Sato'alepai is located in the Gaga'emauga district of Savai'i
  • The facility focuses on the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
  • The turtles inhabit a large brackish coastal pond environment
  • It is a community-based project funded by eco-tourism
  • Many of the turtles are released back into the wild annually
  • The sanctuary provides essential data for regional turtle tracking

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Sato'alepaiSato'alepai<1 km · SWExplore →
Sale'aulaSale'aula2 km · WExplore →
FagamaloFagamalo2 km · SExplore →
ManaseManase4 km · SExplore →
SafotuSafotu8 km · SExplore →
Safotu Ancient SiteSafotu Ancient Site8 km · SExplore →
Samalae'uluSamalae'ulu9 km · NEExplore →
Matavanu CraterMatavanu Crater10 km · SEExplore →

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 Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary (4)

LMS Church

A London Missionary Society church in Sato'alepai, Samoa. It is a historic place of worship in the village.

Virgin's grave

A grave dedicated to a virgin in Sato'alepai, Samoa. Its exact story is known locally.

Lava lagoon

A lagoon formed by lava formations in Sato'alepai, Samoa. It is surrounded by volcanic rock.

Mormons

A building or area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sato'alepai, Samoa.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim with the turtles?
Yes, visitors can often get into the pool and observe the animals.
Are you allowed to feed the turtles?
Often, feeding with provided food under supervision is allowed.
What is the condition of the sanctuary?
It is a very simple, locally operated facility, but very authentic.
Are there opening hours?
Usually accessible during the day, but it is worth asking briefly in advance.
Is it good for families?
Children love seeing the turtles up close.
Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary: where is it located?
Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary is located in Samoa.
Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary: what is there to see?
Highlights include LMS Church, Virgin's grave, Lava lagoon.
Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary: why is it worth visiting?
The Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary on Savai'i Island is a vital community-led initiative dedicated to the rehabilitation and protection of Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas).
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Oceania
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Oceania
More places in Samoa →

Nearby cities

Siusega — Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary (Samoa)
Siusega
Siusega is a growing urban settlement near Apia.
Afega — Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary (Samoa)
Afega
Afega is the administrative center of the Tuamasaga district.
Faleula Tai — Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary (Samoa)
Faleula Tai
Faleula Tai is the coastal part of Faleula village.
Faleula — Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary (Samoa)
Faleula
Faleula is a populous village on the north coast of Upolu.
Malie — Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary (Samoa)
Malie
Malie is a traditional village on the northwest coast of Upolu.
Vaiusu Tai — Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary (Samoa)
Vaiusu Tai
Vaiusu Tai is the waterfront part of Vaiusu, distinguished by its proximity to the mangrove ecosystem.
Vaiusu — Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary (Samoa)
Vaiusu
Vaiusu is a suburb of Apia located on a bay.
Fasito&#39;o Uta — Sato'alepai Turtle 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 — Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary (Samoa)
Faleasiu
Faleasiu is a significant village in the Aana district on the northwest coast of Upolu.
Safotu — Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary (Samoa)
Safotu
Safotu is a large village on the north coast of Savai'i.
Safotu Tai — Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary (Samoa)
Safotu Tai
Safotu Tai is the coastal part of Safotu, an important center for local fish trade on Savai'i.
Le&#39;auva&#39;a — Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary (Samoa)
Le'auva'a
Le'auva'a is a village on Upolu whose residents originally come from Savai'i island.
Falelatai — Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary (Samoa)
Falelatai
Falelatai is a large historical village in the west of Upolu.
🗺️
Samatau
Samatau is located on the western tip of Upolu.

More places

Mulifanua — Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary (Samoa)
Mulifanua
Mulifanua is the main ferry port on Upolu for connections to Savai'i Island.
Malua — Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary (Samoa)
Malua
Malua is the spiritual center of the Congregational Church in Samoa and home to its most significant theological seminary.