Palolo Deep Marine Reserve
Palolo Deep Marine Reserve
4.1
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.1
451 reviews
Excellent
189
Very good
169
Average
63
Poor
19
Terrible
11
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Gardengirl212
Sydney, Australia1,954 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
Being snorkelers we love nothing better than trying out a recommended snorkel spot and Palolo Deep was our destination this day.
We bought lunch of chicken kebabs from a Vietnamese street stall nearby and ate it at the beach (sharing with a cat, of course) before getting into the water.
The entrance fee of 10 tala is very reasonable for the amazing amount of sea life you'll get to see out in the marine reserve. We were pleasantly surprised at the diversity and amount of fish we saw so close to town.
If we'd realised how good it was and had more time we would have returned for another snorkel.
NB: Please be aware of the tides, as the inexperienced can get caught and may damage coral when they find themselves caught in too shallow water. We witnessed such ignorance.
We bought lunch of chicken kebabs from a Vietnamese street stall nearby and ate it at the beach (sharing with a cat, of course) before getting into the water.
The entrance fee of 10 tala is very reasonable for the amazing amount of sea life you'll get to see out in the marine reserve. We were pleasantly surprised at the diversity and amount of fish we saw so close to town.
If we'd realised how good it was and had more time we would have returned for another snorkel.
NB: Please be aware of the tides, as the inexperienced can get caught and may damage coral when they find themselves caught in too shallow water. We witnessed such ignorance.
Written February 5, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andreasam91
Auckland Central, New Zealand2,957 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
You pay 5 tala for entry, there are some benches and Fala in the shade as well as very basic services. The coral is all dead, no rules, you can step on fish wherever you see them, bring your equipment because they have few to rent. Only decent convenient beach in Apia
Written March 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bryleigh W
19 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
Visited 7th of August. Walking up the muddy entrance way i was a bit dubious but once i got to the “counter” the lovely young girl coming home from church was great. Paid 5 tala and spent 3 hours relaxing in the many fale they had, snorkelling with the beautiful fish, and just enjoying myself. Well worth the visit.
Written August 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DM S
Port Macquarie, Australia1,678 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
I think the main attraction is that it offers a snorkelling experience close to town, has some coral (mostly dead), and some marine life.
The reef is a fairly decent swim from the shore with a reasonable current. We went at high tide, recommended to us, but it was a bit disappointing.
Cost is 10 tala per person, and there is a limited range of masks/snorkels and fins/flippers for hire (8 tala each) available. The downside for us was a group of alcohol affected local people there with music blaring - it spoilt the potential tranquillity of the place.
The reef is a fairly decent swim from the shore with a reasonable current. We went at high tide, recommended to us, but it was a bit disappointing.
Cost is 10 tala per person, and there is a limited range of masks/snorkels and fins/flippers for hire (8 tala each) available. The downside for us was a group of alcohol affected local people there with music blaring - it spoilt the potential tranquillity of the place.
Written December 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jo
Devonport, Australia7 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Very sad. I visited Palolo Deep frequently in the 1990s and had fond memories of snorkelling from the pristine shoreline, a few well maintained fales there for shelter from the sun. Things have deteriorated in the last 30 years. I don’t mind paying a few tala to enter customary land but this was the saddest, most neglected place I visited in Samoa. Abandoned vehicles, dilapidated fales draped in tatty tarpaulins with piles of broken timber and rubbish lying around. The local village/family seem happy to collect from visitors without taking any care or pride in their land. Such a contrast to other places we visited such as the Soa Sea Trench or giant clam marine reserve. Save your 5 tala for something else
Written June 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amber
3 contributions
Dec 2022
We went to Palolo reserve at the end of January, and based on the reviews thought we better check it out. Unfortunately for our opinion, it was not as amazing as the reviews suggested it would be. We did go at low tide, and as such, it was a long swim over all the seaweed and coral to get to the drop-off. This took some time to get there. There weren't very specific instructions on where the best spot is, more go out and see, which was a bit daunting given how far of the shore it was. By the time we arrived, it was nice to see the fish, however, for me I spotted a shark straight away and headed back - for others this might be really exciting.
Overall, not a "must do" in my books, but something to do.
Overall, not a "must do" in my books, but something to do.
Written March 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brent & Margy
Christchurch, New Zealand215 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Very good snorkeling. Coral was in great condition and lots of variety. Plenty of fish of all types. 5 Tala entry to a secure area under the shade. We went 30 minutes after high tide and water was great. Previous negative reviews going at low tide which would be challenging. Water was half a meter to a meter above the coral. There is a signpost in the water about 100 meters out which swim towards. Fish all the way out and coral so if not confident don't have to go the whole way. We had our own snorkeling gear, but cheap to hire there. I would rank as a must do in Apia.
Written July 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan S
Hamilton, New Zealand172 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
Unfortunately I came here on a wet dull day but that didn't stop me enthusiastically from entering the water to see all the fish. There were 3 other people in the water when I arrived but they didn't go out to the deep part and i sure as heck wasn't going out there alone. I was satisfied near the shore though as there was still plenty to see.
Written January 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
annaflanna
Christchurch, New Zealand79 contributions
Jan 2023
We had a lovely time at Palolo Deep, however, even as strong, experienced ocean swimmers, we had a really hard time getting past the current to the drop off/deep point.
Once there, the coral and fish were pretty however we are lucky to have been spoilt with snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, so this was no comparison.
If you're in Samoa after March, the current won't be as strong, and if you've not been to other amazing reefs, this would be a great trip.
Once there, the coral and fish were pretty however we are lucky to have been spoilt with snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, so this was no comparison.
If you're in Samoa after March, the current won't be as strong, and if you've not been to other amazing reefs, this would be a great trip.
Written January 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles B
7 contributions
Feb 2025 • Solo
Fantastic morning in 30 degree water. Loads of fish and live coral (so rare these days) .. very friendly and family run. Very rough on feet, reef/water shoes a must and flippers for snorkelling.. very strong left to right current and you need to swim out 150m or so to Marine reserve deep hole.. all 8 mins walk from Cruise Ship terminal! Don’t expect any facilities and get there early, it is a small area (with shade) and gets crowded. Small entry fee in $ cash. Go at high tide.
Written February 23, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Should you take your own snorkeling gear when staying at le uaina beach resort?
Written October 4, 2024
Hi, how far from the cruise pier and what kind of walkway? Thanks
Written September 25, 2022
Hi there, is this place good for young kids we have kids ranging from 1-15 years of age. Also do you pay for each person - including children or for groups?
Written January 7, 2017
Even sitting in waist deep water near the shore we could still see plenty of fish, so it would be fine for anyone who is able to put their head under water. Having said that, there is a strong current (we weren't told about) so keep hold of the kids! Recommend that you take your own gear ... we did as we were told that the stuff there wasn't the best
Written February 15, 2017
They just rent out snorkelling gear - take your own food and drinks - lovely spots to picnic under shade. I think entry was about 5 Samoan tala or maybe 10 but terrific value. Saw loads of fabulous fish. Suggest one hour each side of high tide is best time to go - otherwise you have to wade a long way before you reach swimmable depth. It's not far to the nearest cafe or shop. You need to swim to the marker you can see sticking out of the water to reach the deep hole. The attendants will be helpful and show you where to go. Enjoy!
Written October 18, 2016
Yes, you can swim at Palolo Deep, however if you are there at low tide, the deeper water is about 100-150 yards from the beach, with the water being about 12-18 inches deep until at least 75 yards away from shore. If you try to walk that distance in the water, you will damage or destroy a lot of coral in the process (a very bad thing). Best option is to take snorkel gear and use your fins to propel you to deeper water, enjoy the views of the coral, and leave it undamaged for others to enjoy.
Written January 1, 2015
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