Satoalepai Turtle Sanctuary
A village pool on Savai'i's north coast holding green turtles that visitors can swim with.
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At Satoalepai on Savai'i's north coast a village keeps green turtles in a large brackish pool connected to the wetland behind the shore, and visitors pay a fee to get in and swim among them, feeding them papaya. The turtles are described locally as rescued or injured animals. The arrangement is popular and it is also the sort of captive-animal attraction that conservation organisations consistently advise against.
What you actually see
- The pool - the brackish enclosure connected to the wetland behind the shore.
- The green turtles - the animals kept in the pool and fed by visitors.
- The village arrangement - the community operation running the site.
- The coastal wetland - the marsh behind the beach the pool sits in.
When to go
May to October is the drier season. The site is open through the day. Cyclone season runs November to April.
Honest expectations
Keeping turtles in a pool for visitors to swim with and feed is criticised by conservation organisations, and handling and feeding stress the animals. The pool is small for the number of turtles. Anyone uncomfortable with captive wildlife should skip it.
Nearby
Manase is west, and Saleaula is east.
What to pack for Satoalepai Turtle Sanctuary
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.