• Go snorkelling and diving in the Palolo Deep Marine Reserve on Upolu island, the beaches from Safotu to Manase and between Lesolo Point and Tuasivi (Savai'i island).

• Enjoy the many beautiful beaches. Excellent freshwater swimming is possible at Falefa Falls, Fogaafu Falls, Papase'ea Sliding Rock (a rock slide down a waterfall into a deep freshwater pool) and Puila Cave Pool. Boats can be hired for net, spear, deep-sea and snorkel fishing.

• Hike the dozens of routes on the islands, ranging from coastal walks to mountain treks. Trails tend to grow over rapidly and can sometimes be difficult to get through. Visitors should ask for local advice and permission before heading off.

• Discover some of Samoa's stretches of rainforest and conservation areas on an educational tour of Tanumapua, close to Apia. Ecotourism on the islands includes several ecological research programmes and eco-lodges.

• Visit the Auala Green Turtle Conservation, where guides show you turtles before they are released back into the wild.

• Surf on waves that break on coral reefs (making Samoan waters suitable for experienced surfers only). In some villages, surfing is not allowed on Sundays.

Note: Visitors should respect Samoan village traditions. Almost all Samoan land (as well as lagoons and bays) is the communal property of a village, family or individual, and visitors should always find out whose land they are accessing (only 20% of the land is not administered by a village). Villagers maintain the beaches, viewing areas and conservation areas and the decision to develop attractions is usually made by a council of chiefs. A small entry fee is payable for most beaches and other attractions. Fees are often indicated, but if no price is given, visitors should ask.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.