Apia’s 12 Top Tours

Apia is a fantastic gateway to Samoa’s natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm-hearted people. What makes it especially appealing for tours is the presence of iconic sites like the To Sua Ocean Trench and Sopoaga Falls, which are easily accessible and offer memorable experiences. Plus, with tours catering to a range of interests—whether you want a full-day adventure or a quick cruise ship excursion—there’s plenty to choose from. We particularly like the Full Day Tour Upolu Island Samoa because it combines natural swimming holes, panoramic mountain views, and cultural stops, all in one well-organized package. You can read more about this comprehensive experience here.

If you’re after a well-rounded day that hits the highlights like Lalomanu Beach, Papapapaitai Waterfall, and the Bahai Temple, then the Apia: Full-Day Upolu Island Tour with Waterfalls and Beaches is a solid pick. This tour offers a good balance of nature, culture, and scenic beauty, and is highly rated for its friendly guiding and memorable stops. For a taste of Samoa’s adventure scene, the Lake Lanoto’o Volcanic Crater Lake Hike & Swim provides a more active experience if you’re up for a rainforest trek.

Below, we break down the top 12 tours in Apia to help you decide which one fits your style and interests.

1. Full Day Tour Upolu Island Samoa

This full-day adventure offers a comprehensive look at Samoa’s natural and cultural highlights. Starting with a visit to Piula Cave Pool, you’ll get to swim in cool, fresh water with the ocean just steps away—an ideal escape from the tropical heat. Next, your journey takes you to Le Mafa Pass, where the panoramic views of lush mountains are breathtaking. The highlight is undoubtedly To Sua Ocean Trench, a 30-meter-deep swimming hole accessible via a ladder, with the chance to snorkel through a cave tunnel to open sea. Wrapping up with Sopoaga Falls, you’ll enjoy walking through labeled plants and lush gardens.

Rated 5.0/5 from 76 reviews, visitors praise its small group atmosphere and diverse stops. The tour is perfect for those wanting a full-day experience that combines adventure, scenery, and culture for just $130 per person. The guide’s knowledge and the variety of locations make it excellent value—especially since admission to key sites is included.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a balanced, memorable day with plenty of swimming, scenic vistas, and cultural insights all packed into 7–8 hours.

2. Apia: Full-Day Upolu Island Tour with Waterfalls and Beaches

This tour is a fantastic way to explore Upolu’s best natural attractions in one day. Starting with a visit to the iconic To Sua Trench, you’ll enjoy swimming in its cool waters and even snorkel through a tunnel leading to the open sea. The tour continues with visits to Papapapaitai Waterfall, where you can admire stunning cascading waters and lush surroundings, and Lalomanu Beach, for a relaxing lunch by the turquoise sea. The Bahai Temple and its sprawling gardens add a cultural touch to the day.

Rated a perfect 5/5, this 8-hour tour is highly praised for its friendly local guides and well-paced itinerary. At $130 per person, it offers excellent value, especially considering the number of highlights covered. The mix of waterfalls, beaches, and scenic views should appeal to travelers interested in both nature and culture.

Bottom Line: A great choice for those who want a full-day tour that balances adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural experiences with a relaxed tempo.

3. Adventour Samoa: Full Day Tour

If you’re after a more personalized and flexible experience, this Adventour Samoa full-day tour might be just right. Though only with 2 reviews, the tour promises a true exploration of Samoa’s offerings, including its culture, food, and scenery. At $250 per person, it’s on the higher end, but the focus on customization and intimacy could be worth it for travelers seeking something tailored.

What makes this tour stand out is the emphasis on exploring local spots not always on the typical tourist map, along with engaging storytelling from the guide. It’s best suited for travelers who want a deeper, more involved experience rather than just ticking boxes.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers craving a private, tailored adventure that dives into Samoa’s authentic charm and local life.

4. Samoa in a Day: Customizable Tour of Beaches, Waterfalls, Culture

This private, flexible tour lets you design your perfect day in Samoa. Starting with the Palolo Deep Marine Reserve for snorkeling, then heading to Piula Cave Pool for a cool dip, and visiting To Sua Ocean Trench, you’ll see many of Samoa’s best natural wonders. The tour also includes a stop at Lalomanu Beach for lunch and relaxation.

Priced at $169.66 per person, it’s best suited for travelers who prefer a personalized pace and itinerary. The flexibility allows you to skip or focus on specific sites, making it a good option for cruise passengers or travelers with limited time. Reviews note a relaxed experience, with the guide tailoring the day to your interests.

Bottom Line: An ideal choice for independent-minded travelers who want a customized tour that covers top sights without rushing.

5. Upolu: Private Tour – Beach, Waterfall and Ocean Trench

For those seeking a more intimate experience, this private tour emphasizes Samoa’s beauty and tranquility. Led by a host who is praised as an “excellent and generous host,” you’ll explore the To Sua Ocean Trench, swim at Lalomanu Beach, and visit waterfalls and scenic spots at your own pace.

At $175 per person, it offers a well-rounded day with personal attention. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a relaxed, exclusive experience rather than a large group tour. The tour’s flexibility and location focus make for a more personalized day.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers who value privacy and personal interaction while visiting Samoa’s top natural attractions.

6. Adventour Samoa: Cruise Ship Excursion (Highlight of Samoa)

If you’re arriving via cruise, this Adventour Samoa short tour is a smart pick. In 4–5 hours, you’ll cover key highlights like the To Sua Ocean Trench, pristine beaches, and waterfalls. It’s designed for cruise passengers wanting a taste of Samoa’s most photogenic spots without the rush.

Rated 4.3/5 from 7 reviews, travelers appreciate the well-curated stops, although some note the limited time. At $150 per person, it’s good value considering the condensed itinerary, especially if you want a quick sampler of Samoa’s beauty.

Bottom Line: Perfect for cruise visitors who want a snapshot of Samoa’s highlights without missing their ship.

7. Samoa: Lake Lanoto’o Volcanic Crater Lake Hike & Swim

For the active traveler, this Lake Lanoto’o hike offers a challenging rainforest trek culminating in a swim in the volcanic crater lake. The tour includes a packed lunch and personalized attention from the guide, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. The hike’s difficulty makes it best suited for fit travelers looking for more than just sightseeing.

While no reviews are listed, the description highlights the adventure element—feeling the thrill of reaching the crater, then cooling off in the mineral-rich waters. It’s a rare experience combining physical activity with natural wonder.

Bottom Line: Ideal for fit, adventure-seeking travelers wanting a memorable rainforest hike and swim in a volcanic crater.

8. Samoa: Lava Cliffs & Black Sand Beach Day Tour

This tour explores O le Pupu Pu’e National Park and the Lava Sea Cliffs, along with a visit to the impressive Aganoa Black Sand Beach. The itinerary includes a walk past the Ma Tree, famous for its massive buttress roots, and a dip in the ocean.

Priced at $99 per person, it’s a mid-range option offering a mix of geological and coastal beauty. The tour suits travelers interested in volcanic landscapes and dramatic coastlines, with opportunities for photos and swimming.

Bottom Line: Good for those wanting a mix of geological features and beach relaxation, offering great value.

9. Samoa: Pristine Waters of Upolu, All Inclusive Full Day Tour

This full-day tour covers some of Upolu’s most scenic spots, including Piula Cave Pool, To Sua Ocean Trench, and waterfalls. It emphasizes swimming and relaxing in beautiful environments, with a focus on all-inclusive comfort—lunch and snacks are provided.

Rated without reviews but priced at $140, it’s a practical choice for travelers wanting a hassle-free, scenic day with everything included. The variety of locations makes it suitable for families and casual visitors.

Bottom Line: Good for travelers who want a relaxed, all-inclusive day of scenic swimming and natural beauty.

10. Apia Faleolo Airport to Apia – Round-Trip Private Transfer

While not a tour of Samoa’s sights, this private transfer ensures a smooth start or end to your trip. For $168.13, you’ll enjoy comfortable, door-to-door service with flight tracking and professional drivers.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want stress-free airport transfers avoiding long taxi lines or shared shuttles.

11. Apia Faleolo Int Airport to Apia – Arrival Private Transfer

For arrivals, this private transfer guarantees a hassle-free start. At just $84.06, it offers peace of mind, especially after a long flight, with a driver waiting and the vehicle ready.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for a comfortable, reliable start to your Samoa experience.

12. Private Transfer from Apia Int Airport to Apia Cruise Port

This private transfer service ensures a smooth ride from the airport directly to the cruise port, priced at $98.47. It’s especially useful if you want to skip queues and travel comfortably with luggage.

Bottom Line: A practical, stress-free option for cruise travelers needing reliable transportation.

How to Choose the Right Tour in Apia

When selecting your perfect Samoa tour, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. If you’re after a comprehensive day of sightseeing, the Full Day Tour Upolu Island Samoa or the Apia: Full-Day Upolu Island Tour with Waterfalls and Beaches are excellent. For those craving a personalized experience, the Samoa in a Day: Customizable Tour or the Private Tour – Beach, Waterfall, and Ocean Trench offer flexibility and intimacy. Cruise passengers should look at the Adventour Samoa: Cruise Ship Excursion, which condenses Samoa’s highlights into a few hours suitable for tight schedules.

Booking early is advised, especially for popular excursions like the To Sua Ocean Trench or Lalomanu Beach, to secure your preferred date and avoid disappointment.

Final Thoughts

Apia offers a wide range of tours, from full-day explorations of waterfalls, beaches, and cultural sites to private, tailored experiences, and even practical airport transfers. For travelers who want to maximize their time, the Full Day Tour Upolu Island Samoa stands out for its variety and reviews. If you prefer a more intimate or customizable outing, the private tours provide excellent options. Cruise visitors should definitely consider the short but packed Adventour Samoa excursion for a taste of the island.

Whatever your interest, booking in advance will help you secure the best experience. Samoa’s natural beauty and welcoming vibe make it well worth planning ahead to enjoy these memorable adventures.