8 Minutes from Taufua · Open 8am–4pm
Namua Turtle Island
The little island you can see from the sand
Namua is the small island off the western end of Lalomanu Beach — visible from your fale, and reachable by boat in a few minutes from Mutiatele village. It is uninhabited: no village, no roads, no shops, no queues. Just fringing reef, a white sand beach on the sheltered side, and green turtles in the shallows. It is one of the easiest and best day trips on the south coast, and one of the very few you can decide to do over breakfast.
How It Works
Everything You Need to Know
The Crossing
Boats run from the beach at Mutiatele village, a short drive west of us. The crossing is only a few minutes over the channel — short enough to be an adventure rather than a journey. Life jackets are on board and the boatmen know the water well.
Opening Hours
The island is open from 8am to 4pm and you do not need to book. Turn up any time and the locals will take you across. The boat brings you back whenever you are ready, so you can stay two hours or make a day of it.
The Snorkelling
Namua is ringed by fringing reef, shallow and clear, with the coral close to the shore. Tropical fish, sea cucumbers and the occasional ray are all within a few strokes of the sand. The sheltered side of the island is the calmest water for weaker swimmers.
Turtles
Green turtles graze the sea grass around the island and are regularly seen gliding below snorkellers — often in the shallow water near the reef edge. Move slowly, keep a respectful distance, and never chase or touch them.
No Food, No Facilities
There is nothing to buy on the island — no food, no water, no shade or seating. Bring water, snacks, snorkelling gear and reef-safe sunscreen with you from Taufua, and take everything back with you when you leave.
Conditions & Timing
Mornings are usually the calmest and the clearest for snorkelling. Ask the boatmen about the day’s conditions before you cross, and allow a little flexibility — this is an open channel and an open boat, and the sea decides.
Getting There
A Short Drive West, Then a Short Ride Across
Turn west out of Taufua and follow the coast road for about 8 minutes to the village of Mutiatele. Park near the beach and the boatmen will take you across. There is no booking desk and no timetable — this is a village operation, run by the families who live there, and it works on Samoan time.
Pair It With
A Turtle Morning, a South Coast Afternoon
The classic Lalomanu day: cross to Namua early while the water is calm, snorkel with the turtles, and be back on our beach by early afternoon for a swim and a rest. In the evening, sunset dinner at the communal table, and on Wednesdays and Saturdays, Fiafia Night after dinner.
Namua Island FAQs
Do I need to book the Namua Island boat trip?
No booking is needed. Drive to Mutiatele village, walk down to the beach, and the locals will take you across. A small village fee applies for the crossing and island access — bring cash, and ask at reception for the current amount before you go.
Can you see turtles at Namua Island?
Yes. Green turtles are regularly seen around the island, usually grazing the sea grass beds in the shallows and around the reef edge. There is no guarantee on any single visit, but sightings are common.
How long should we spend on the island?
Most guests spend two to four hours. There is no shade and no facilities, so many people snorkel, swim, walk the shoreline and head back before lunch, then spend the afternoon on Lalomanu Beach.
Is Namua suitable for children?
Older children who are comfortable in the water love it. The crossing is short but it is an open boat in an open channel, and there is no shade or fresh water on the island once you arrive — so ask the boatmen on the day and bring plenty of water and cover.
What should we take?
Water, snacks, snorkelling gear, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a rash shirt for sun cover, cash for the village fee, and a dry bag for phones and cameras.
Read more: All activities & tours · Lalomanu Beach guide · Best time to visit Samoa
Plan Your Stay
Swim With the Turtles
Beachfront fales and villas on Lalomanu Beach, a boat ride from Namua Island.