Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary Review

This pristine bay within an eroded volcanic crater is on the south side of the main island of Tutuila. Beneath the waters are beautiful corals, hundreds of fish, and many turtles as well as sharks and—at certain times of the year—whales. The bay and nearby walking trails are on land belonging to the Fuimaono family, who have lived here for about 1,000 years. Visitors are allowed to hike the trails, swim, and snorkel but must first register their names in a book at a gate. To reach Fagatele Bay, drive or take a local bus to Futiga Village, about 7 miles southwest of Pago Pago, and turn left at the US Mart. Follow the small feeder road past a landfill area to the locked gate. After registering, it's a 1-mile walk to the first interpretative sign and another mile to the beach. Visitors can also hire a boat to get here. Take water for the hike, and dress in a modest style when walking and swimming (no bikinis).