The Palolo worm, scientifically known as Eunice viridis, is a special treat in Samoa that comes out of the sea twice a year. This phenomenon happens only during October and November.
When the third quarter moon appears, usually 7 days after the full moon, and during these two months, the Palolo emerges. This connection between the moon and the tide is quite fascinating.
This year, the Palolo is predicted to appear on the 6th and 7th of October and the 5th and 6th of November 2023 because of the specific moon phase during this time. The moon’s quarter phase lines up with high tides at midnight and low tides at daybreak, typically around 7 AM. These conditions are just right for the Palolo to rise.
The famous accessible spots for the worm to appear include Tuialamu (Lalomanu), Falealili, Matautu Lefaga, Salamumu, Falelatai in Upolu, and Safotu, Fagasa, Asau, Sataua, Papa, Puleia, Satupaitea in Savaii. Other locations not listed can be reached by boat and are well-known to the local communities. If you’re excited to witness or catch the Palolo, make sure to prepare your buckets and scoops and ‘manuia le ta palolo’.
