Fagatele Bay

Fagatele Bay, among the best dive sites in American Samoa, is a 0.25-square-mile gem off Tutuila, Samoa's southwest coast. At least 200 species of coral have been identified in the bay, which are thought to be the center of a community of more than 1,400 species of algae and invertebrates, as well as more than 270 species of fish, according to surveys. Adult and juvenile damselfish, surgeonfish, wrasse, butterflyfish, and parrotfish are all common.

The bay can be accessed by land and is only a short drive from Pago Pago to the gate at a private residence in Futiga Village. You can snorkel over the reef-flat to deeper water when the water level is a little higher and the water is calm enough. If you are fortunate enough to be able to charter a dive tour, you can spend more time in this paradise. As with most dives in American Samoa, diving from a boat with a certified local divemaster is safer and always recommended. Even for experienced locals, shore diving can be difficult and dangerous due to strong currents that change with the tides.

You might see a curious blacktip reef shark, endangered hawksbill and green sea turtles, or spotted eagle rays gliding by while exploring the bay. Fagatele Bay is known to be visited by Pacific bottlenose and spinner dolphins. During the peak months of whale season, September and October, humpback whales may serenade you as you search for giant clams.

Location: J6RR+GCC, Fagatele Bay Trail, Taputimu, Western District, Samoa