Amanave Bay
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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.
- 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.
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
Generally quiet year-round; mostly local riders and occasional visitors.
November to April is the wet season with potential for tropical storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- 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.
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.
Other spots in the area
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
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.
- No surfing near villages on Sunday (local religious observance).
- Ask permission before surfing at village beaches.
- 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
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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
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.