Larsen Bay and Fogama'a Crater

Larsen Bay lies on the southwestern coast of Tutuila below the Fogama'a crater, a volcanic depression that has partly eroded into the sea, and the whole area is a marine and terrestrial protected zone with no road access. A trail runs down through forest from the ridge road to a beach of black sand and coral rubble. It is one of the emptier parts of the island and the reef offshore is in better condition than most.

What you actually see

• The Fogama'a crater - the volcanic depression partly opened to the sea.
• The bay - black sand and coral rubble at the foot of the trail.
• The reef - offshore coral in better condition than around the populated coast.
• The forest trail - the walking route down from the ridge road.

When to go

May to September is the drier season and best for the trail. Rain makes the descent slippery. Cyclone season runs November to April.

Honest expectations

The trail is steep, muddy and poorly marked. There are no facilities at the bay. Currents on this coast can be strong.

Nearby

Cape Taputapu is west, and Pago Pago is northeast.