Alofa'aga blowholes EarthCache

The Alofa’aga blowholes, also known as the Taga Blowholes, are one of the best examples of blowholes in the world. They are located on the southwestern corner of the island of Savai’i, Samoa.

Blowholes occur where there are weak joints in the rock on the coastline. Water crashes into the raised edge of rock, eroding away at the rock to form a cave. Further erosion sees the cave extend further inland. Under certain conditions it begins to rise and become a vertical shaft, eventually opening up to the surface – turning the cave into a tunnel.

Waves breaking against the seaward end of the tunnel send water up through the tunnel, creating fountains that spray air and water. Typically, the width of the tunnel, from the ocean entrance to the vertical exit, becomes narrower. This compresses the air and water entering the tunnel, forcing both out at high speed. The escaping air causes the loud "oomph", which is followed by the waterspout.

Halona blowhole in Hawai’i (GC1M18J) and Kiama blowhole south of Sydney, Australia (GC1E1Y5) are two other famous examples.

Note:Most of the land in Samoa is under customary ownership; therefore the village charges a small admission (typically ST10) for entry to view the blowholes.

You may meet a local who offers to throw coconuts into the holes, which are blasted into the air. Please be upfront and let them know whether you wish to watch this spectacle, and if so, agree on a price beforehand.

Logging requirements

To log this EarthCache you must email The Spindoctors with the following information:

1. How far away is the fale at the entrance of the 'park' to the blowholes?
2. When standing close to the white line, what strange phenomena do you notice in the rock under your feet when the waves recede and what does this tell you about the rock?
3. For fun: Estimate the height of the waterspout from the blowhole.

You can log your visit along with your find immediately, however, you must email us with the answers to the questions above. Failure to comply with these instructions will result in your log being deleted.

Your log should indicate how many people were in your party and any additional information or experiences you gained from this Earthcache. Although not required, a photo of you at the blowhole is appreciated.

WARNING - For your own safety please remain behind the white line and do not go down to the blowhole. It is very slippery and the surf can be very treacherous.