Sailing Guide to American Samoa: Tips for Yachting in American Samoa

American Samoa is made up of five main islands and two coral atolls: Tutuila (the main island), Aunu'u, Ofu, Olosega, Ta'ū, Rose Atoll and Swains Island. Logistically, Tutuila is the primary island for yacht visits, as it houses the capital Pago Pago and the main harbour facilities. Find out more about the different islands in The Best Islands to Visit in American Samoa

American Samoa can be included in Transpacific sailing itineraries, where most yachts approach west from French Polynesia or the Cook Islands. The journey from Bora Bora to American Samoa is approximately two days - see sailing times in How Long Does it Take to Sail to American Samoa?

Sailing From Samoa to American Samoa

Approximately 69 nautical miles west of American Samoa is Samoa, which could well be your next destination after clearing American Samoa. Note that Samoa is not only a different country to American Samoa with its own clearance and customs process but is on the opposite side of the International Date Line.

Learn more about sailing to Samoa on Samoa Pocket Guide's Sailing Guide and how American Samoa differs from its closest neighbour in What's the Difference Between Samoa and American Samoa?

© AmericanSamoaPocketGuide.com

Sailing to Tutuila

Tutuila is the most populous island in American Samoa and the main service centre. Repair facilities and yacht services are primarily located on this island, so it's a good place to start and stock up before long voyages - more so than in Samoa for those sailing from the U.S., due to cheap shipping costs and availability of American products. Check out the Information, Shops & Services on Tutuila LINK#D007 for services that might be helpful.

Berthing instructions for Pago Pago Harbor, American Samoa's main port of entry, can be obtained from the Harbor Master on VHF Ch.16 before arrival - they prefer a notice of 96 hours. See the "Clearing Customs for Yachts in American Samoa" section below for more details.

As for experiencing Tutuila as a visitor, the island offers stunning natural beauty with dramatic volcanic peaks, islet-dappled beaches, fascinating Samoan culture, the famous National Park of American Samoa, and excellent snorkelling opportunities.

Head to The Complete Travel Guide to Tutuila LINK#D006 to start planning your visit.

Sailing to the Outer Islands

The Manuʻa Islands (Ofu, Olosega and Ta'ū) are much less populated than Tutuila and offer a more traditional way of life. Note that you'll need to obtain proper clearance from Pago Pago before anchoring here; see the section below for more details. With strong southeasterly tradewinds outside of the cyclone season, rare few yachties sail back east to the Manu'a Islands.

Anchorage options are limited on the outer islands, with Ofu and Olosega offering the best-protected harbours. Accommodation options are very limited, but listed in Where to Stay in Ofu, Olosega & Ta'ū (Manu'a Islands). You would need to arrange transportation and services with your hosts in advance, as facilities are minimal compared to Tutuila.

Once you've sorted out the logistics, the Manuʻa Islands offer unmatched natural beauty, traditional Samoan villages, excellent snorkelling and diving in marine sanctuaries, and some of the most untouched coral reefs in the Pacific. The islands are part of the National Park of American Samoa and offer incredible hiking and cultural experiences.

Plan your visit starting with The Complete Travel Guide to the Manuʻa Islands LINK#D012.

Ports of Entry in American Samoa

There is only one port of entry in American Samoa, Pago Pago Harbor, where you must go through clearance on arrival. You'll need to notify the harbour master before arrival, though we've been told that their antenna isn't the greatest, so you could struggle to hear them initially.

As you enter one of the world's largest natural harbours and are finally able to reach them after rounding the corner, you'll get instructions on where to anchor. Basically, you cannot anchor east past the "L Dock"/Marina.

Many yachties have complained about setting your anchor properly, as it's not great holding, and there's a lot of wind coming down from the mountains and rain here (why do you think the mountain in view is called Rainmaker Mountain?).

Yacht Clearance Process

Once anchored, there's a dinghy dock in the Marina, open from 6 am to 6 pm.

A 15-minute walk west along the harbourfront brings you to the Pago Plaza, home of the Department of Ports Administration and the Department of Public Health.

If you have not been informed on which Customs office to go to, there is a Customs Processing Office in the Fagatogo Square shopping centre (same building at the American Samoa Visitor's Bureau), which is a 2-minute walk east of the Marina.

Next, you will need to see Immigration. From the Marina, it's approximately 1.1 mi (1.8 km), following the Route 001 road east, then south past Sadies By The Sea. The Immigration Office is on Route 118, past the Territorial Bank of American Samoa, inside the Executive Office. Note that you will need to apply for an Entry Permit before arrival - see American Samoa Tourist Visa: Do You Need a Visa to Visit American Samoa? for more information.

Opening hours for clearance are Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, unless it's a public holiday.

Note that you need permission from the harbour master to move in the harbour, even if getting fuel from the fuel dock (located at the Marina Gas Station).

Documents to prepare before arrival:

• Clearance from previous ports
• Passports of all crew
• Entry permits for all crew
• Crew list
• Ship's papers

Clearance Fees

• US$40 - 30-Day Entry Permit (before arrival - payable online)
• US$50 - Customs, Public Health and Harbor Office fee
• US$12.50-$15 per month - Marina fee
• US$50 - Clearing out fee

For more costs to consider, check out American Samoa Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to American Samoa Cost? LINK#TT008

Domestic Cruising

Anchoring outside of Pago Pago is tricky; anchoring at most bays requires permission from matai (village chief). Other bays on Tutuila that have been proven Ok to anchor are Fagatele Bay and Leone Bay.

For sailing to Ofu Harbor and Ta'ū Harbor in the Manu'a Islands or Faleasao Harbor on Anu'u Island, it's best to gain permission from the harbour master in Pago Pago - more information can be found on the Ports Administration website.

Be aware that some bays are designated marine sanctuaries, and it's essential to follow environmental guidelines. Restrictions are outlined in this National Marine Sanctuaries Factsheet.

International Clearance

When it's time to leave, you'll need to clear out the same way you went through clearance on arrival.

Let the harbour master know your departure date when you first arrive, and you won't have to make an extra trip later.

Expect to pay clearing out fees totalling less than US$50 for Customs, Public Health and Harbour Office. The good news? Immigration won't charge you anything for departure.

Learn more about departure fees in our guide, American Samoa Tipping & Tax Guide for Travellers LINK#TT006.