Samoa
Oceanic Pacific: island paradise, ancient Polynesian culture and RL Stevenson
Overview
White beaches, clear turquoise water, lush green jungle, blue skies and gently waving palm trees - welcome to another Pacific island paradise. Samoa consists of just two volcanic islands, Upolu and Savai'i, together with eight small islets.
Samoa is one of the oldest and most sophisticated cultures of the Pacific islands, along with Fiji and Tonga. Tourism and yacht services are still developing, but all visitors are extended a warm welcome anyway - it is part of the Samoan culture.
This is where the celebrated writer Robert Louis Stevenson lived and is buried: "Home is the sailor, home from the sea, and the hunter home from the hill." The dry cruising season runs from May to October.
Islands & Map
Map Key - Ports & Anchorages
- Apia (Upolu); VHF 12/14/16
- Asau Harbour (Savai'i)
- Matautu Bay (Savai'i)
✈ Faleolo International Airport
Apia Marina on Upolu is the main facility. Yacht services are still developing.
Getting There & Clearance
Clearance
Clearance is handled by Samoa Immigration, the Ministry of Customs and Revenue and the Samoa Ports Authority. The port of entry is Apia Harbour on Upolu (VHF 12/14/16).
Government Contacts
Customs: revenue.gov.ws
Ports: spasamoa.ws
International Airports
Faleolo International (Upolu) · Maota (Savai'i).
Key Anchorages
Apia Harbour & Marina (Upolu) · Asau Harbour (Savai'i) · Matautu Bay (Savai'i).
Local Services
Marinas
Apia Marina (Upolu)
Diving
Aqua Samoa
Supplies
Samoa Builders Supplies
Cruising
Upolu & Savai'i
Culture
Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
Ashore
Apia
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do superyachts clear in to Samoa?
The port of entry is Apia Harbour on Upolu, on VHF 12, 14 and 16, handled by Samoa Immigration, the Ministry of Customs and Revenue and the Samoa Ports Authority.
When is the best time to cruise Samoa?
The dry cruising season runs from May to October. The wet season is from November to April.
What are the islands of Samoa?
Samoa consists of two volcanic islands, Upolu and Savai'i, plus eight small islets. Upolu is home to the capital Apia, while Savai'i offers quieter anchorages at Asau and Matautu.
What is there to see ashore in Samoa?
Samoa has one of the oldest and most sophisticated cultures in the Pacific. Apia is the home of the writer Robert Louis Stevenson, who lived and is buried there, now marked by a museum.