Satoalepai Turtle Sanctuary
A village pool on Savai'i's north coast holding green turtles that visitors can swim with.
Updated 3 September 2026
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.
Highlights
- 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.
Before you go
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.
- Binoculars - The single best wildlife tool - even a compact pair transforms a sighting. Find on Amazon
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A zoom camera or long lens - Animals rarely come close; reach beats megapixels. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.