To Sua Ocean Trench
To Sua Ocean Trench
4.5
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:30 PM - 5:00 PM
About
Tosua literally means a Giant Swimming Hole. 30 meters deep and is accessible via a long ladder to the pool.Overlooking the ocean is a beach called Fagaoneone meaning white sand whereas opposite is a lava field with blow hole, tide pools and walking paths along the rocks near the ocean’s edge.
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See what travellers are saying
  • Mtul
    Christchurch, New Zealand168 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Environmental beauty at To Sua
    Beautiful view of the beach and local environment, the sign could've been a bit bigger for the turn off but we made it. It's very clean which is great and the photo opportunities are amazing! We had young children with us but I would recommend going with older kids and people who are confident in ladder climbing and swimming in currents. Such an experience indeed!🤩
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 29 October 2023
  • not happy jan
    Melbourne, Australia10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An absolute must do!
    Highlight of our trip to Samoa. Easy to find either by car or with a tour guide. Welcomed and given information by a lovely lady. There is a well stocked shop, clean toilets and changing areas and fales to put your stuff while climbing and swimming. The trench is absolutely stunning. I am a reasonably unfit mature lady and it tested my strength. I was absolutely terrified of climbing the steep ladder but equally determined I was doing it. I did it! There was a couple who went down with their baby in a pouch. The ladder goes into the water or you can jump from the platform into the warm clear water which has 2 ropes to hang onto. I took my pool noodle and I was able to snorkel and float much more away from the ropes. Plenty of fish and so much fun. The climb back up was tough but slow and steady and I did it. Don’t be inconsiderate and leave your stuff on the stairs or platform. An absolutely amazing experience I will never forget.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 7 December 2023
  • Jade L
    Wyee, Australia546 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must do!
    It was one of the most incredible experiences! To Sua Ocean Trench is just stunning the water beautiful and clean. I highly recommend getting there in the morning as I got there about 10 am, and there was next to no one there and almost had the place to myself. The ladder is not good for older, less mobile people, but there is a platform at the bottle that can sit 10/20 ppl comfortably.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 25 February 2024
  • Theresa T
    Brisbane, Australia39 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must see in Upolu
    Beautiful here. The current was strong when were swimming, we took our time down the steps as they were wet but I recommend seeing. Ice cream was great and the place is spacious. My husband loved this and the gardens were lovely however, in the bathrooms there were no locks on the toilet, no toilet seat or roll holder, and no soap in the bathrooms. More pricey at $20 per adult but it’s worth the trip. Just glad we made it down and back up safely.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 4 July 2024
  • Hannah T
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Incredibly Unique View, Clear Water, Must See
    This was an incredibly unique swimming experience. One of the highlights of our trip. The ladder is sturdy, and we set our things down in a nearby beach fale. 20 tala per person. I would definitely go again.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 13 July 2024
  • Karen I
    16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing experience
    Amazing experience. Lovely grounds to sit and eat or have a break watching ocean view. We visited late afternoon to avoid crowds and only two other people there. You climb down a long ladder into the trench then you can just slide off a platform into the water. There are ropes you can hang onto if you wish. Closer to where the sea enters you can feel a slight surge from the waves outside but closer up to the cave the water is quite still. The water is crystal clear with a few small fish. There is no supervision. There is a small supermarket type shop on the grounds.
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 August 2024
  • Astrid
    Hamilton, New Zealand20 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful, not entirely safe
    This is a fun thing to do and the trench is stunning. The ladder is very steep and not suited for any one with a fear of heights or not physically capable and confident on a steep wet ladder. Once at the bottom it is a lovely swim. Go very early to avoid crowds. Not really suitable for little people. Grounds are tidy
    Visited September 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 29 September 2024
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,563 reviews
Excellent
1,205
Very good
288
Average
51
Poor
10
Terrible
9

Sam P
London, UK58 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
Here with my patner it was 20tala$ each to enter the grounds. My friend decided the "ladder" was too dangerous and steep for him (he is 6ft+) and so decided not to go. He went to get a refund they they refused at first and also told him to leave the grounds, there was no smaller fee for someone to pay to be in the grounds. So I was down in the trench hole and it was very steep if you have any problem with heights it is not good.

This is actually not very safe, you take your own chance really and its totally unnecessary if designed better, e.g. could have two handrails and also a harness in case until you reach the lower platform and it should also be supervised as you have no way to control who is above or below you once you are on the ladder and moving.

I dont know why they dont on the shady side create a walkway that is like a 6 hairpin ramp, it would be much much safer and enjoy more people to use it.

It was fun to do, about 4.5 ft deep in places and goes deeper but I dont like being in any deep water so I stayed by the shallow area and rope to assist me. If anything had gone wrong on the way down or up on the ladder you are basically in trouble and at risk, so its quite poor that this is not done safer, when there are many safe designs that could be done not just a basic ladder. Each step has a rubber gripping, until you reach the last 4 when for some odd reason it does not!

My partner got upset then by a rather rude and abrupt woman manager, and when he waited by the car and wanted to meet me coming out when i waved to him he did, but then a nearby resident in a car beeped their horn to the lady who then sent a young guy to ask him to move off as he had not then paid the entry fee. It spoilt the experience for me, to see him so upset and be treated in that way, like it was all about greed and money from the situation.

No souvenirs were available to purchase on site either again poor for a major attraction. I bought some googles in their shop, they were scratched and an awful design, so useless and lasted one day. I have now had to buy another instead from the town centre.

Seems to be run mafia style! It really should be closed until it is fully health and safety compliant, not just island safety standards. And what they currently do is make you confirm to waive any legal rights! The government and owners should really shut this down until it is run in a much more safer way or someone could die or get seriously hurt.
Written 4 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Timothy J
London, UK6 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
I would strongly advise anyone without a good head for heights, or who does not relish taking stupid risks, not to enter this place. Forget all these fake ratings and the hype. It is run by a local family that does not care about your safety. The ladder you need to descend to access the pool is at a very steep angle and there are no hand rails. I repeat, there are no safety measures whatsoever and no supervision at the ladder. The drop from the top, should you slip as you start your descent is about 15+ meters and you would land on a solid wooden platform. If you fell from the top you would almost certainly be hospitalised or worse. You would never let your kids go down it before you. When it rains the wooden ladder becomes even more hazardous. It beggars belief how it is allowed to stay open in that state. I have heard that there have been accidents in the past but the community that lives off its fame and the 20 tala ($8) per person to enter the site would hush them up anyway. They claim to warn you of the hazards through the signage at the entrance but nothing prepares you for the scare you get at the top of the ladder. I was refunded my 20 tala after I complained about the lack of warnings (of course, they denied everything, implying that I was weak to be so fearful). But when I re-entered the site at the request of my partner (she was changing out of her bathing costume having braved the scary ladder and wanted me to help her) the owners of the site harassed me until I left. Shame on them and anyone who peddles the idea that this is a worthy tourist site. My strong advice is stay away from it until the safety issues are fixed: at the very least hand rails should be attached to the ladder, a clear refund policy should be in place if visitors cannot bear the descent having seen it close up (and not the misleading photos at the entrance) and supervision of the pool site should be carried out at all times by responsible staff.
Written 2 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

John D
Atlanta, GA263 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2021
Great experience and one of the best things to do in Samoa. There is a entrance fee but it’s a simple ‘pay and do what you want.’

The trench is on a large property with beautiful landscaping where you can walk around and enjoy the grounds.

The trench is near the ocean along a cliff-face which allows other great photo opportunities.
Written 7 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mtul
Christchurch, New Zealand168 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Family
Beautiful view of the beach and local environment, the sign could've been a bit bigger for the turn off but we made it. It's very clean which is great and the photo opportunities are amazing! We had young children with us but I would recommend going with older kids and people who are confident in ladder climbing and swimming in currents. Such an experience indeed!🤩
Written 29 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jenna
Gore, New Zealand28 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Couples
This was amazing. A must do when in Samoa. I’m a terrible swimmer and not very fit and was worried about the ladder. Ladder is no big deal if you go slowly and carefully but apparently it can get a little slippery later in the day (we went first thing in the morning). The swimming was more difficult for me as it’s not as buoyant as the open ocean, there is a bit of a current and the ropes get difficult to use the higher the tide. If you aren’t a good swimmer then I strongly recommend to go at low tide. If you can’t climb a flight of stairs then no go on the ladder. But honestly, ladder is fine. A guy scared of heights nailed it in front of me. There is a rock you can sit on about 2m from the bottom of the ladder that is easy to access at low tide and has some wee fish swimming around it. A magical, beautiful wee spot of heaven. Be brave! Do it!
Written 1 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jade L
Wyee, Australia546 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Solo
It was one of the most incredible experiences! To Sua Ocean Trench is just stunning the water beautiful and clean. I highly recommend getting there in the morning as I got there about 10 am, and there was next to no one there and almost had the place to myself.
The ladder is not good for older, less mobile people, but there is a platform at the bottle that can sit 10/20 ppl comfortably.

Written 26 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Riley Fleming
Christchurch, New Zealand5 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019 • Family
This place was incredible and was one of the highlights of our two week trip. We had been seeing lots of reviews and posts about this when you search up Samoa on google or Trip Advisor and decided this is where we needed to go. We arrived to a very nicely kept garden and entry and paid to go in. The price was pretty good and worth the money. We changed and went down the very steep ladder (make sure you use two hands as it is quite slippery). We got there and it was like heaven. Turquoise waters with little fish swimming around and the odd crab. We loved it here! Although there were no changing rooms so either get changed before you come or you might be using a towel! One last thing was it was quite pulley from the surge going through the underwater hole in the wall which freaked me out a bit. But there are ropes to hold onto all over the show. Over all, very relaxing and calming place!
Written 13 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Remy
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Family
Unbelievable spot for a swim! Incredible views and really well maintained. The ladder is very sturdy and less scary than you may think. The water is nice and clear with plenty of tropical fish to view. Beware of the strong current, I would recommend staying close to the ropes if you are not a keen swimmer. A must do activity!!
Written 21 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Theresa T
Brisbane, Australia39 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2024 • Family
Beautiful here. The current was strong when were swimming, we took our time down the steps as they were wet but I recommend seeing. Ice cream was great and the place is spacious. My husband loved this and the gardens were lovely however, in the bathrooms there were no locks on the toilet, no toilet seat or roll holder, and no soap in the bathrooms. More pricey at $20 per adult but it’s worth the trip. Just glad we made it down and back up safely.
Written 4 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SYMEK
26 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
I've been to To Sua several times, it's picturesque. Unfortunately the last visit I was very disappointed to see captive turtles in an enclosure. These are baby turtles that the ?manager advised he got from elsewhere. Originally had 4 now down to 2. He advised he is planning to release when they are bigger but I don't see why they are there. It appears to be a tourist grab as there is a sign that allows tourists to swim. There is no way that this is in the turtles best interests. There is lots of wild turtles, go see them where they belong. Not stuck in some small enclosure.
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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To Sua Ocean Trench - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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