Take a journey to the breathtaking National Park of American Samoa and experience its incredible wildlife. From unique birds to sea turtles, explore this paradise and learn more about its inhabitants.
Birds of Paradise – Spot colorful Hawaiian honeycreepers.
The National Park of American Samoa is home to many unique bird species, including colorful Hawaiian honeycreepers. These vibrant birds are an iconic symbol of the park and there are over 20 different species that call the park their home. So keep your eyes peeled while visiting this beautiful paradise and you may be lucky enough to spot these fascinating creatures in the wild!
Hawaiian honeycreepers are known for their colorful feathers of red, blue, yellow, and orange. Within the park, you can sometimes spot these birds in groups of four to six perching on branches or flying near the nests that they build in the trees. The males usually have brighter colors and more elaborate body shapes than the female species. If you’re lucky enough to spot one of these distinctive birds, take a moment to enjoy its beauty as it surveys its kingdom from atop the tree.
The National Park of American Samoa is home to 11 different species of Hawaiian honeycreepers. These small birds have strong beaks, that are adapted for nectar out of flowers and picking at the surfaces of fruits for insects. They also eat seeds and other parts of plants. Despite their small size, these vibrant birds will captivate you as they feed or preen in the beautiful landscape that is the National Park of American Samoa.
There are over 24 recorded species of Hawaiian Honeycreepers, which is why the National Park of American Samoa makes an ideal birding spot. You can even find the rare Iiwi (Vestiaria coccinea), often considered a symbol of the native Samoan culture. With 11 species of these colorful birds, you can observe them throughout the park in the various vegetation zones like rainforest, cloud forest, and villages. As one of the last tropical paradises on Earth and an International Biosphere Reserve, you’ll enjoy lovely views and peace amongst nature at the National Park of American Samoa.
Turtles – Surf in the crystal waters with green sea turtles.
When visiting the National Park of American Samoa, you may be lucky enough to spot green sea turtles gracefully and leisurely swimming in the crystal clear waters. These majestic creatures are often found near coral reefs, patrolling over shallow areas in search of food. This is a truly special experience when visiting the park so if you see one don’t forget to take a photo and create memories to last a lifetime!
In 2013 the National Park of American Samoa had the highest recorded population of green sea turtles worldwide. Out of this total, 71% are immature turtles, and some reach an impressive 20cm in length. The largest ever recorded female weighed in at a whopping 257 pounds. On your visit to the national park, it’s possible you’ll come across these magnificent creatures as they feed on different types of seaweed. You’re likely to find them slowly swimming throughout the park in their natural habitat, so make sure you have your camera and binoculars ready for a perfectly timed snapshot!
The best time to observe their activities is in the late afternoons, as this is when their foraging begins and they are also highly likely to be swimming near the shore, which makes them easier to take photos of. Along with turtles, you can also spot various corals and anemones while diving or snorkeling in the crystal waters. Exploring the underwater life in American Samoa’s National Park promises rewards that will last a lifetime and trust me, planning a trip here will not let you down!
The warm waters of American Samoa’s National Park present a unique opportunity to encounter a host of marine life, from seahorses to dolphins, mythic giant clams and sharks. Keep an eye out for green sea turtles grazing the corals when you explore this paradise. You can often spot them around snorkeling sites and take stunning photos of them going about their daily routines- be that floating around lazily or searching for food.
American Samoa’s turtles are particularly friendly, swimming close to shore and surfers. Spend a day exploring the aquatic life at Ofu Beach for staggering scenery and chances of catching a glimpse of sea turtles in their natural habitat. Make sure to protect the environment by only taking pictures and leaving the habitats as you find them; after all, you don’t want to disturb baby hatchlings on their journey to the sea.
The ocean surrounding American Samoa has been declared a national park, with protections and regulations to preserve fragile aquatic ecosystems. The area is teeming with vibrant tropical fish, coral reefs, and sea turtles. Many of them are endangered, so it’s important that tourists respect nature by not touching or interfering with these animals. The region enjoys clear waters born from its volcanic nature; this makes American Samoa perfect for scuba diving, during which visitors can get up close and personal with the exotic species living there.
Samoan Fruit Bats – Catch a glimpse of rare flying foxes at dusk.
The only endemic mammals on the islands of American Samoa are two species of fruit bat, both known locally as “flying foxes”. While they may look intimidating, they are actually quite harmless and beloved by the local Samoan people. During twilight hours you can often spot these peculiar creatures in each national park, flying joyfully over the trees in search of ripe fruit.
National Park of American Samoa is home to both the Samoan Flying Fox and the Pacific Flying Fox. And while it can be difficult to spot them in daylight hours, if you’re lucky enough to be at any national park after dark, you may also spot them curiously scouring the grounds for a snack. An absolutely incredible experience that truly illuminates the serene and unique wildlife of American Samoa.
Samoan bats, also known as Samoan flying foxes, can be seen in flight and up close in the National Park of American Samoa. They are most active and visible during dusk which is when they come out of their nesting sites to feed on fruit and flowers. Visitors can explore the park’s roads, trails, or waterways – all under the watchful eye of these magnificent creatures soaring above them. A certain sense of awe envelops those lucky enough to glimpse such beautiful wildlife in a protected paradise.
Aside from being found in the park, Samoan flying foxes also inhabit moist forests and are occasionally seen resting in mangrove trees. They are a protected species and are currently classified as Endangered due to their low population sizes and the potential threat from human development. Certain sections of the National Park of American Samoa were designated as primordial bat habitats to protect these creatures from extinction so future generations will be able to appreciate them too.
For adventurous folk, the National Park of American Samoa is the best place on the islands to catch a glimpse of these striking creatures. As night approaches, visitors will see them gracefully swooping past cliffs and through groves of ancient trees. It’s quite a magical sight to behold! If you’ve ever wanted to witness their beauty in the wild ‘now is your chance. Grab your flashlight and head over to the park before sunset for, who knows’ Maybe you can get lucky with a sighting too!
Samoan fruit bats, also known as flying foxes, can only be found in certain regions of the United States and its territories. As the name suggests, these animals feast on fruits and flowers indigenous to the islands of American Samoa, such as breadfruit trees and pandanus plants. In addition to being mesmerizing aerialists, they serve an important ecological role by pollinating native plant species. Unfortunately, these wild animals have experienced population declines due to human conflict and habitat destruction. Thankfully, the National Park of American Samoa protects this species while providing visitors with breathtaking views of their flight paths.
Reef Fish – Explore the coral formations and discover stunning fish species.
The waters of the National Park of American Samoa are home to a diverse assortment of fish species, many of which can be seen by snorkelers and divers exploring the wild underwater landscapes. From schools of brilliantly colored butterflyfish and parrotfish to weirdly shaped shrimp gobies, you’re sure to spot something unique in these crystal-clear waters. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for more rarely spotted creatures such as seahorses and flutemouths!
The area is best explored by hiring a local guide to take you on snorkeling or SCUBA diving. This will give you access to deeper waters, as well as more knowledge about the various species which inhabit the area. You may even get to know some of the more mysterious ones such as the sea stars, octopus, frigate mackerels, and much other interesting fish. With luck, you may even spot a whale or two in the depths!
There are also a number of bird species that live in and around the National Park, from terns and boobies to tropicbirds. Enjoy exploring the natural ecosystems found here by close observation – you should be able to catch glimpses of most animals before they dart away amongst the coral formations. There are guided boat trips available here as well so take this opportunity with both hands to explore all that American Samoa has to offer.
But what really makes the National Park of American Samoa special are its reef fish! Dive deep into the depths that make up this protected area and you’ll find brightly colored parrotfish, clownfish, butterflyfish, sponges, and anemones. It is a treat not to be missed as some species are exclusive to this part of the Pacific Ocean. Have an underwater camera at the ready to capture some beautiful shots which will preserve your memories.
Experienced divers can explore up to 50 ft below the surface, but those new to diving can stay at around 25 ft. Go no deeper as the level of nitrogen in your blood can rapidly increase as you descend further, leading to a potentially hazardous situation called Decompression Sickness. Be sure to observe all safety precautions so you get the most out of your dive. There are also plenty of shallow depths ideal for snorkeling and swimming which allow the opportunity for even greater exploration and fish spotting.
Sharks – Take a dive and check out sleeping reef sharks on their turf!
Sharks are an important part of the marine ecosystem, and you can find a few different kinds that call the National Park of American Samoa home. The reefs surrounding Tutuila and Ofu islands are home to white-tipped, grey-reef, and black-tip reef sharks. Although they look intimidating at first glance, these species are actually quite timid and often settle in caves or behind corals during the daytime. Make sure to keep your distance and practice caution when swimming near them – their habitats should always be respected!
If you take a dive in any of the park’s coral reef areas, you may find these reef sharks resting during the daytime. Sharks are often found in areas with varying depths since these provide them with places to call home and search for food, so it’s likely that you could spot one of their hiding spots if you were to explore multiple depths of the same area at once. As always, remember to respect the wildlife – don’t touch or disturb them, just observe and admire!
American Samoa National Park boasts some of the best places to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures in their native habitat. By exploring the underwater wonders of what this area has to offer, you can expect to find reef sharks near one another due to their predisposition for group living, with many resting during the day and hunting at night. Reef sharks are generally slow-moving and timid so take precautions and don’t approach them as if they were cuddly house cats – just observe with awe and leave them be! With a bit of luck, you may get to show your friends pictures of sleeping sharks on your camera roll when you come back from snorkeling in this truly unique national park.
The pristine waters of American Samoa provide the perfect environment for a plethora of marine life like reef sharks, making the area an underwater paradise. With its healthy corals and rich diversity of fishes, American Samoa National Park offers incredible chances to develop a deeper understanding of this magnificent ecosystem. Travelers can admire these creatures from far away or by taking part in an organized dive where you’ll be immersed in the vivid colors and fascinating creatures living below the surface. This is one summer adventure that you won’t want to miss out on!