Palolo Deep Marine Reserve image

Palolo Deep Marine Reserve

Tourist attraction

One of the Best Places To Visits in Mulinu'u


Address

56FR+WV5, Beach Rd, Apia, Samoa

Website

www.samoa.travel

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (138 reviews)

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Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 8 am to 6 pm
  • Wednesday: 8 am to 6 pm
  • Thursday: 8 am to 6 pm
  • Friday: 8 am to 6 pm
  • Saturday: 8 am to 6 pm
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 8 am to 6 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: fish (28) coral (26) tide (22) high (14) snorkeling (13) reef (12) beach (11) great (11) water (11) life (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Braden R. 5 years ago on Google
    Highly recommend place to spend time! This beach reserve is owned and operated by a family on their property. There is a small fee per person and snorkelling gear is available for hire too. There are beach fales, benches and tables to relax at by the sea. The sea is great for snorkelling, you can find some exciting fish right up by the edge of the beach – no need to go out too far. The coral helps keep the water fairly calm and not too deep. Showers are available to wash off afterwards too.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alessia M. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful spot to go snorkelling. We went on low tide and once we navigated through the seaweed, we found the path through the coral out to the hole that was jam packed with marine life. We were very impressed!!! Highly recommend
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 C F. 10 months ago on Google
    The reef is phenomenal, and spread across a large area so plenty to explore. There is free parking out the front, and entry is $5Tala per person. You can rent snorkeling gear from the entrance. The current was strong when we went, would recommend using flippers and being a strong swimmer. We saw heaps of beautiful fish, stunning coral, starfish and even an eel! Definitely go at high tide, as it is quite shallow all the way out to the buoy and sign that marks the deep section of the reef.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 TW K. 6 years ago on Google
    Could be dangerous for a novice or begginner swimmer. It's literally just an open ocean with a pole marking the reef. The staff won't monitor you, there's no knowledge of the wave strength or if it's safe. Its not roped off or an actual reserve. If it's high tide and strong waves you might not even make it to the reef, but the family that runs it won't warn you off or tell you not to go. If you're a strong swimmer or it's low enough tide for you to walk out to the reef it should be great, but this is really just open ocean snorkeling. There are no regulations, there's no life guard, no one will watch you while you're out there. They told us to walk out to the pole marking the reef but we noticed that on the way there we were walking on coral and breaking them off and stepping on live, fish active coral. If you're with a large group of people it'll be better. But if you want to just come by yourself on a day where there's no one swimming, you're taking a chance of swimming out into the deep ocean by yourself. Much safer with a friend. It's a great place to see fish. The go pro footage was amazing, but it really felt like we just picked a random spot of ocean and swam out. You could honestly do this at any spot of the island and not pay for it. 5$ tala for adults to enter 8$ tala for the mask 3$ tala for the snorkel 7$ tala for the flippers
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jacob M. 2 years ago on Google
    The ocean swimming can be rough here which they should advertise more clearly, otherwise it's lovely to spend a day here. They setup nice lounge chairs, swings, and fales for relaxing the day away. Come with a book and snorkel gear.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Athena H. 5 years ago on Google
    Nice place to escape town. Small fee to enter per person.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hely L. 9 months ago on Google
    A Spectacular snorkelling Experience Palolo Deep Water in Samoa is an extraordinary destination that left me in awe. This hidden gem offers an unforgettable diving experience, showcasing stunning underwater landscapes and an abundance of marine life. The moment I arrived, I was immediately enchanted by the crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs. The dive sites are exceptionally well-preserved, boasting colorful corals, intricate rock formations, and an astonishing variety of marine species. Encountering the resident sea turtles was the highlight of my dive. These graceful creatures glided through the water, showcasing their elegance and tranquility. Observing them in their natural habitat was truly magical. Palolo Deep Water's marine biodiversity is astonishing. Schools of vibrant tropical fish, reef sharks. The pristine environment and conservation efforts are evident in the thriving marine life. In conclusion, Palolo Deep Water in Samoa is a diving destination that surpasses expectations. Its unrivaled beauty, rich biodiversity, and sense of tranquility make it a must-visit location for divers and nature enthusiasts. Palolo Deep Water will create memories that will last a lifetime, whether you're an experienced snorkeler or a beginner.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Simon C. 1 year ago on Google
    Find out when high tide is for ideal time to snorkel there. We were there 2 hrs before low tide. Was still fantastic, just make sure you have either flippers or water shoes on. Coral is very close to surface at low tide.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Philip M. 5 years ago on Google
    Much more organised onshore from 12 years ago. Change rooms tables and sunshade. Sadly tropical cyclones and a tsunami have hit the coral hard. It's been ground into grey rumble and there's a fraction of the sea life it used to have.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mariana O. 4 years ago on Google
    YOU WILL REGRET NOT GOING IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE!! Entry is so cheap per person. You NEED beach/boat/sand shoes due to the rocks, and simple snorkeling gear (which you can hire but we took our own). We went around 1pm and the tide was low enough that once we got to the coral area (about 100m from the shore), the fish was almost at arms length away. So stunning. The only funny thing was the angry fish warning us away 😂🤷🏽‍♀️ the staff are so friendly and helpful. GO!!!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paige M. 5 years ago on Google
    Nice spot for free-diving not too far from the city. The shore is a nice garden area with benches and picnic tables. I felt safe leaving my things in the open while I went for a swim (within reason of course- don't leave valuables exposed and unattended, no matter where you are). They offer gear for hire as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 lesina r. 2 years ago on Google
    Palolo Deep Marine reserve is the only snorkling area in the center of town Apia where you can experience the beauty of the blue kingdom of fishes and turtles and so much more. Its so safe that the blue lagoon or the deep pool is surrounded by coral reefs so you dont have to worry about big fishes. Trust me, if you love to snorkel, then you should visit this place. Its a beach to swim, they also have swings under the pulu tree for the kids. Its close to everything in town, convinience to shops and restaurant in town.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Štěpán R. 5 years ago on Google
    Very nice and friendly people. 5tala for entry, 20 for snorkeling gear.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Deirdre N. 4 years ago on Google
    A beautiful place that is slowly showing the effects of plastic and rubbish being bought in be the tide. Not as prestine. The amount of fish is decreasing. Samoa wake up and keep the beaches clean.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Lee A. 5 years ago on Google
    Once you get to the blue hole the wall is nice. Lots of fish and live coral. Getting out to it is a lot of dead coral and few fisk.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Nathan C. 5 years ago on Google
    A nice place to stop for a snorkel near Apia with plenty of fish to see, in saying that good snorkling is in abundance around the island. Hire snorkels are available.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Josephine T. 4 years ago on Google
    Great fun and nice in and out of water. Great views.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jessica P. 5 years ago on Google
    Stunning location! Can be a bit tidal and recommend going at high tide
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Marko D. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nice place but 4☆ coz no coffee shop or food to buy. Better bring all with you
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Toby R. 5 years ago on Google
    Phenomenal snorkeling place for somewhat experienced snorkelers. There's a bit of a swim over half meter deep water to the drop-off. Then there is good fish life, renewing coral (there was a bleaching event some years ago), all on a vertical wall with great hidey-holes for critters of every kind. Going to the right from the pole that marks the drop off is the best way for viewing the wall. To the left is also good for fish, and especially spotting sea turtles who hide out on the sandy patches below. At a relatively high tide it is also worthwhile to explore the flats further out because the many holes conceal many different species of fish. The current over the deep area is gentle, but on the flats further out you should pay attention to the current which could sweep you sideways away from the only comfortable entry point. It's also a good idea to orient yourself in order to find the marker pole and entry point. Don't ignore the flats on the way back in. there are. interesting fish making homes in the sand, and a rich nursery on even the smallest coral headlets. Finally, the entry area is run by a local family who provide showers, bathrooms, shaded benches to rest on, and snacks. Your gear is safe and sound - all for US$5.00 a person.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Richard M. 5 years ago on Google
    Palolo Deep Marine Reserve 5 mins is only a few mins from Apia. Its one of the best snorkeling spots around. Best to go around high tide. There is a small entry fee. It is also best to take your own snorkel gear, but they do have some for hire. There is a small channel through the coral if you swim more or less straight from the beach to the marker stick. There is a great array of corals and clouds of fish.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Louis Andrews S. 5 years ago on Google
    Was a bit of a nasty current today but the rest area made up for it. Nice spot
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 A B. 11 months ago on Google
    Five minutes from downtown Apia, there is l world-class snorkeling. 100 yards from the shore there is a “deep“ which is a sloping reef that ends in a sandy bottom I guess about 30-40 deep (my guess — I have not dived the area). No need to go into the deep area, as there is plentiful corals and coral reef fish in the shallow sloping reef. It is amazing how much there is to see with this site being next to the country’s main (only?) port. Within an hour of snorkeling, I had identified at least nine species of butterfly fish. Like many other sites in Samoa, a village/family owns the site. The caretaker family lives on site and collecting the admission fee. The facilities are quite basic. The snorkeling is world class.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jeffrey T. 5 years ago on Google
    Nice enough.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eva B. 1 year ago on Google
    Above expectations. Lots of fish and immaculate coral. Well worth it. $5 entry per person

  • 5/5 Jennifer F. 1 year ago on Google
    Swimming and Grinning! Beautiful spot with sensational marine life but recommend to paddle out high tide to get the post out of your experience.

  • 5/5 Andrea B. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place so close to...in fact in Apia. Huge array of colourful fish. super helpful staff and a large range of shady tables, seating etc. we went Sunday arvo three hours before high tide and had the place to ourselves. Lots of different sorts of coral too.

  • 1/5 Naga Lakshmi B. 4 years ago on Google
    Utter disgusting experience from the guy in the reception, he is rude, lack of respect towards fellow humans, he is just insane, he looks having massive psychiatric issue with people, using swear words towards a respectable visitor, who came from different country. He started using straight away get out, some XXXXX words towards us. I don't recommend anyone who wants to visit this place, useless and arrogant - I don't want even one star for this place. Be ware of the this barking idiot at the reception.

  • 5/5 Barry G. 1 year ago on Google
    Always a good swim plenty to see

  • 4/5 Dan S. 1 year ago on Google
    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. I recommend coming on a sunny day with friends.

  • 5/5 Ruifei T. 8 months ago on Google
    It's the experience beyond words can describe... just like living in <Finding Nemo> for real! I was totally fell in love with the coral jungle, the fish, the warm sea, and the people! It's a lovely family business. The setting of the reserve is like a little hide-away fairy place, very cute, very organic. I enjoyed their beautiful children's company. Would love to go back!

  • 5/5 Joseph M. 11 months ago on Google
    Great for snorkelling! Be sure to head out at high tide so you clear the reef marked by the bouy. Snorkels for hire but recommend buying some in Apia at Coin Save as they come in handy else where on the island. Padi Divers also come here on request

  • 5/5 Yvonne S. 11 months ago on Google
    Amazing views. Take rubber shoes as the beach and water have coral base.

  • 4/5 Anish N. 9 months ago on Google
    Shallow all the way up to the sign, there is a path through the coral. Past the.sign it opens up beautifully into amazing coral reefs, lots of fish, and lots of colours. The snorkelling gear hire is very poor quality, bring your own

  • 5/5 Sarah A. 4 months ago on Google
    Snorkeling is great but strong current. High tide better, low tide nearly no space between water and reef. Very colourful fish and corals. Hope visitors will respect, as they are not really informed not to touch or break off or stand in it. There us fresh water showers, bath and changing rooms. The reception also looks after valuables. Great service.

  • 3/5 M.D. I. 8 months ago on Google
    Nice day for snorkelling or for reading a book under the shade for 5 tala each. Toilets and changing facilities are very basic. We visited when currents are high (mid afternoon in late July). Sea was clear and warm but my son and l didn't swim far as wind and currents were very strong. Felt sorry didnt see much fish. But we still enjoyed lazying around and the view.

  • 5/5 Rafew Hasan Masood F. 6 months ago on Google
    My favourite spot in the island! I swam with fishes and saw coral plants on the edge of the beach! The entry is 5 tala and a snorkel with goggles costs additional 12 tala for 2 hours which is totally worth it if you wanna see the underwater life! The beach could use some more relaxing chairs but it doesn't take away how majestic the place was!

  • 5/5 G M. 5 months ago on Google
    Somewhere to swim if your staying in Apia without having to drive out to beaches. $5 tala entry with additional costs for snorkel hire..we bought our own. Amazing coral but you have to swim quite far out which I wasnt prepared to do but what I did manage to see was still great. Lovely banyan trees with seating areas for you to enjoy the shade. No food onsite. BYO food & snacks if you want to kill a few hours here. Outdoor shower handy aswell as changing cubes and rustic but clean toilets.

  • 5/5 Aurora L. 6 months ago on Google
    Cheap hire. Got what was advertised. Friendly staff. Beautiful spot. We didn't see any turtles but that's okay it was definately worth it. Toilets onsite and fales to leave your belongings.

  • 3/5 Sung성연주.피아노샘.한국 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The place is small but the sea is great for snorkeling (Original) 장소는 협소하지만 바닷속은 스노클 하기에 참 좋다

  • 5/5 L.T. R. 4 years ago on Google
    Wow! If you swim out to the stick and then a bit passed that, you get to the wall of live coral and an abundance of fish! By far the best snorkelling I did in all of Samoa. Super cheap entry at only 5 Tala and they will keep your belongings safe behind the counter for you. Going at low tide makes it easier to swim out to the stick.

  • 5/5 Johnny G. 4 years ago on Google
    This is an underestimated place to snorkel It is the best place I've been to. So many fish to see. Don't judge a book by its cover. Very cheap too

  • 5/5 Grant G. 4 years ago on Google
    We swam here at high and low tide. Both equal as good. Easily the best place for Snorkeling and fish life. And best priced place was 5 tala each. Change rooms and safe for your stuff.

  • 4/5 Soohyeon Y. 5 years ago on Google
    Quite close to Apia town. The entrance fee is WST 5 per person as of June 2018

  • 4/5 kathryn r. 4 years ago on Google
    Good snorkeling, but watch the tides. Strong current at low tide which makes it hard to get out to the drop. Slight charge to get in. Changing facilities are quite rustic.

  • 4/5 Thomas S. 4 years ago on Google
    Positive surprise how many colourful corals & fish to find there. Only good when high tide and keep to the right oft the white stick in the sea.

  • 4/5 Rozita R. 4 years ago on Google
    Tide was high current strong felt sorry for skinny ginger tom cat hanging around in need of nourishment and aroha

  • 4/5 George B. 4 years ago on Google
    A very nice reserve with a reasonable admission entry fee

  • 5/5 L D. 4 years ago on Google
    Clear waters

  • 5/5 Patricia D. 4 years ago on Google
    Fair way to get out but totally worth it!!!

  • 5/5 Katy B. 4 years ago on Google
    It doesn’t get any better! A slice of snorkeling paradise so close to town.

  • 4/5 denis n. 4 years ago on Google
    Great

  • 4/5 wl x. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Not far from the city centre, the beach is closed and diving is ideal. The water is shallow and flat, the trees are lush, the rest seats can sit and lie down, and the weekends are easy to remove. (Original) 距离市中心不远,海滨休憩,潜水两相宜。水浅平坦,树木繁茂,休息座椅可坐可躺,周末休闲好去除。

  • 5/5 ej z. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome

  • 5/5 Fytren 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful

  • 5/5 Rainer H. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome place to relax and enjoy nature, very friendly.

  • 5/5 lim seng c. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful beach. Nice place to swim.

  • 5/5 Jarrod G. 4 years ago on Google
    Such a great place for snorkeling. Anyone that wants to see aquatic life. Must place to go

  • 5/5 estelle l. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing snorkelling spot !

  • 4/5 Michael S. 4 years ago on Google
    I liked it

  • 1/5 Craig T. 4 years ago on Google
    Rudest people I've experienced here in the Pacific. Terrible.

  • 4/5 Jervenne O. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful and safe place to leave your belongings and go snorkel. However me and some other tourists couldnt find much marine life other than corals despite swimming out a great distance to the recommended marker. 5 tala for entrance fee. Can rent snorkel and other gear here as well!

  • 5/5 Tom C. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent value, great coral at high tide. Best coral in Sāmoa


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Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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