Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate to Advanced
Skill Level
Swell, Ocean
Spot Type
Quiet
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Amanave Bay is an exposed reef-and-beach surf area on the western side of Tutuila. It’s known for pretty consistent surf, with conditions improving when a southwest swell lines up with offshore (East) wind and when you have sufficient depth. The spot’s setup is reef-driven, so tide choice is critical. High tide is consistently flagged as the safer and preferred option to reduce the chance of hitting the coral, and the surf is described as having both left and right peeling waves. Expect the coastline to be exposed, meaning conditions can change quickly. Safety is a major consideration here: hazards include sharp coral and rocks, plus sharks, shallow water impacts, and strong currents that can intensify during larger swells. There’s no rescue service dedicated to water sports at the spot, so visitors should plan conservatively and avoid taking unnecessary risks on bigger sets. Culturally, surfing access is tied to local village customs. Be sure to ask permission before entering the water at village beaches, and Sunday surfing may be discouraged in line with local religious observance. Local logistics are limited—bring your own gear and plan for modest amenities, with medical services located in Pago Pago.

  • Exposed reef break with consistently working surf
  • High tide required to avoid the reef
  • Best wave window: southwest/south swells with East winds offshore/cross-offshore
  • Sharks and coral hazards; strong currents possible during larger swells
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboard
What's great
  • Exposed reef break with pretty consistent surf.
  • Best conditions align with high tide plus southwest swell and East winds that can be offshore/cross-offshore.
  • Warm water year-round with reef-protection needs.
Heads up
  • Sharp coral and rocks create a hazardous launch and wipeout environment.
  • No dedicated rescue or lifeguard presence.
  • Infrastructure for surf operations is limited, so self-sufficiency is essential.
  • May become very heavy and dangerous on bigger swells.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
E
Offshore directions
E
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Prevailing trade winds; East winds during the drier season.
Reliability
High during trade wind season
Gust Factor
Steady — Steady during the trade-wind season.
Best Months
June

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell, Ocean
Beach
Sand — Sand with reef interaction at higher tide.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium — Medium surf; can become very heavy and dangerous on bigger swells.
Launch
Medium — Rocky shoreline with small sandy patches.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Rocky shoreline makes access more technical around the reef.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
27–30 °C
Water Temperature
24–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: rash guard / 1mm neo top (reef & sun protection only)
Crowds by Season

Generally quiet year-round; mostly local riders and occasional visitors.

Storm/Rain Season

November to April is the wet season with potential for tropical storms.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed reef break with consistent surf; also functions as a beach break. Best when a southwest swell combines with offshore East winds; higher tide is needed to be safe from the coral.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
S, SSW, SW, WSW
Swell Height
1–3 m
Optimal Tide
High — High tide helps keep you clear of the reef.
Shelter
Exposed — Open, exposed coastline.
Wind Effect
East winds are offshore or cross-offshore, helping keep conditions cleaner.
Bigger Swell
Handles significant size but becomes very heavy and dangerous.
Wave Quality
Good — Pretty consistent surf; June is noted as best for clean conditions.
Wave Power
Powerful — Can become very heavy and dangerous on bigger sets.
Wave Shape
Peeling — Consistent left and right handers.
Peel Speed
Medium — Peeling sections.
Ride Length
Medium — Rides are described as medium length.
Ride Length Details
Rated as medium ride length.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Amanave Bay in the full forecast view.

Amanave Bay wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
11–21 ktsGusts 27 kts
Direction
ESE114°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2421 kts
Windy days
7/712 kts or more
Waves
1.0–2.0 m9s period
Temperature
26–27 °C

Over the next 7 days, Amanave Bay is forecast for daytime winds of 11–21 kts, peaking around 21 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 1.0–2.0 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • sharks
  • coral
  • sharp coral reef
  • rocks
  • shallow water
  • isolation
  • strong rip currents possible during large swells
Ability Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeashBoots

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No dedicated water-sports rescue or lifeguard service at the spot.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — No dedicated water sports rescue service; emergency response is managed by local authorities and villagers.
Emergency Info
Nearest medical facilities are in Pago Pago (LBJ Tropical Medical Center in Faga'alu). Emergency number: 911.
Localism / Vibe
Mild — Expect local access customs; polite permission is required.

Rules of the spot

Beaches are owned by local families; ask permission before entering the water. Sunday surfing may be discouraged in accordance with local religious observance.

Restrictions
  • No surfing near villages on Sunday (local religious observance).
  • Ask permission before surfing at village beaches.
Local Tips
  • Ask permission before surfing at village beaches.
  • Do not surf near villages on Sunday to respect local customs.
  • Higher tides are essential to avoid hitting the reef.
  • Bring your own gear as there are no shops nearby.
  • Respect the village culture and dress modestly when not in the water.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Amanave
Nearest Town
Amanave
Nearest Airport
Pago Pago International Airport (PPG)
Parking
Limited roadside parking near the village.
Public Transport
Limited 'Aiga' (family) buses operate along the main coastal road; schedules are informal and car rentals are recommended for travelers with gear.
Access
Ask permission before surfing at any village beach, as beaches are owned by local families. Do not surf near villages on Sunday to respect local customs.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Samoan, English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Nearby town — Guesthouses and hotels in Pago Pago.
Food & Drink
Local shops in the village with basic supplies.
Equipment Rental:
No rental services available at the spot.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Amanave Bay?

The best overall months at Amanave Bay are June, July, August, September. The best wind months are June.

Which wind directions work at Amanave Bay?

Amanave Bay works with E winds. Offshore directions are E.

What skill level is Amanave Bay suitable for?

Amanave Bay suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.