Palolo Deep Marine Reserve

Palolo Deep is a protected patch of reef at the eastern edge of Apia where the shallow reef flat drops abruptly into a blue hole around ten metres deep, and snorkellers swim out across the flat at high tide to reach it. Reef fish gather around the edges of the hole. The reserve is a short walk from the centre of the capital, which makes it the easiest snorkelling in the country to reach.

The landscape

• The blue hole - the abrupt drop of around ten metres in the reef flat.
• The reef fish - the shoals gathering around the edges of the hole.
• The reef flat - the shallow ground swum across to reach the deep.
• The city proximity - a reserve within walking distance of central Apia.

When to go

High tide is essential; at low tide the flat is too shallow to cross. May to October has the clearest water. Mornings are calmest.

Before you go

At low tide the reef flat is impassable and the swim out is not possible, so tides must be checked. Coral on the flat is badly damaged. Facilities are basic huts and a fale.

Nearby

Apia is west, and Piula Cave Pool is east along the coast.