Swim In The To-Sua Ocean Trench
Still to do
Climb down a wooden ladder into a 30-metre-deep sinkhole and swim in clear seawater fed through tunnels from the Pacific.
The adventure
From above, it looks as if the earth has simply opened. In a garden of palms and tropical flowers on Upolu's south coast, a sheer-sided pit drops away to a pool of glowing turquoise water, fringed by ferns and hanging vines. The only way down is a long, steep wooden ladder fixed to the rock face, and every rung brings you closer to the cool green shade at the bottom.
Step off the platform and the water is clear and salty, rising and falling gently with the swell that pushes in through lava tunnels from the ocean nearby. Look up and there's a perfect circle of sky framed by greenery. Afterwards, wander out to the clifftop to watch the Pacific crashing against black lava rock.
Why it’s epic
- Its name translates roughly as 'giant swimming hole' in Samoan.
- The trench formed when lava tubes collapsed, and it's still linked to the sea by underwater tunnels.
- It sits in the gardens of Lotofaga village, which looks after the site and charges a small entry fee.
What it is
To Sua Ocean Trench is a 30-metre-deep swimming hole connected to the sea by underwater tunnels.
How to do it
It's on Upolu's south coast. Climb down a long wooden ladder to the platform and swim.
Top tip
Go at low tide when the current is weaker.
Need to know
- The ladder is steep and can be slippery, so it's not for anyone unsteady on heights; wear shoes with grip.
- Currents can be strong at high tide, so stay near the rope and never try to swim through the tunnels.
- Samoa is a long way from the UK, usually reached via Auckland, Sydney, Brisbane or Fiji.
Plan this trip
- Rough cost
- £2,000 to £5,000 per person, including flights from the UK
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Best time to go
- May to October
- Fly into
- APW airport
Flights to Samoa are by far the biggest cost; entry to To Sua itself is cheap.
Make it happen
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Why it’s on my list
Not done yet. If you’ve done it and have tips, tell me about it.
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