6 Best Shore Excursions in Pago Pago & American Samoa

American Samoa's most popular shore excursion, the "National Park Plus Tour" with Best Tours takes you to the 63rd U.S. National Park in style, combining culture and vivid island scenery all in one tour.

Experience American Samoa's stunning landscapes and rich culture aboard vibrant local aiga buses on this comprehensive island adventure. This scenic tour takes you through the island's most spectacular highlights, from the historic tramway and visitor centre to the breathtaking Mt Pioa (Rainmaker) Pass with its lush rainforest vistas.

Journey through the pristine Lower Sauma Ridge in the National Park, where tropical wilderness meets dramatic coastal views. The tour continues to the picturesque Pola Islands and the iconic Flower Pot Rock, before concluding at the South Pacific Water Sports facility.

What sets this experience apart is the authentic cultural immersion, featuring traditional weaving demonstrations and fascinating coconut tree of life presentations. The colourful open-air buses (maximum 20 passengers) provide an authentic local transport experience whilst ensuring intimate group sizes. A delicious buffet of local cuisine, refreshing beverages including local beer, and onboard WiFi complete this well-rounded adventure.

Experience what limited time you have in American Samoa by doing a tour that's truly bespoke with North Shore Tours.

Operator Rory crafts each experience like a smorgasbord, allowing visitors to pick what genuinely interests them rather than following predetermined itineraries.

The diverse tour offerings centre around off-the-beaten-track experiences, from the signature Bat Cave adventure involving coastal hiking along old fishing trails to hidden cave systems populated by insect-eating bats and swiftlets. Traditional cultural experiences include hands-on fishing lessons using bamboo poles and natural bait in spots where locals don't typically fish, whilst historical tours leverage Rory's extensive knowledge of American Samoa's colonial period from 1900-1929.

Hiking experiences range from accessible walks to challenging Mt Matafao ascents, with beach and swimming tours visiting pristine locations like Sa'ilele on the "north shore". Tours average five hours but can be shortened for cruise passengers, and are very reasonably priced with a minimum of two people.

Another worthy choice for private shore excursions, Samriel Aunu'u Island Getaway can take you to the best sights depending on your interests, all while ensuring you receive the most authentic Samoan island experience.

Led by Pika (Peter), his expertise shines through whether you're exploring the National Park, viewing the historic tramway, discovering the historic town area, or seeking out the legendary Turtle and Shark viewing spot.

From cascading waterfalls to the rugged west side of the island, Pika crafts your entire itinerary based on your group's preferences. His rare combination of authentic cultural knowledge and professional approach makes him one of the island's finest guides.

His Aunu'u Island Getaway cruise adds another dimension to the experience, offering access to this pristine offshore destination that few visitors discover, which you can learn more about in the 5 Best Island Day Trips & Island-Hopping Tours from American Samoa.

Experience the ultimate American Samoa adventure with "Tisa's Magical Paradise Tour", an all-inclusive package that combines indigenous-guided sightseeing, exclusive beach access and marine sanctuary snorkelling all in one unforgettable day.

Your journey begins with scenic coastal drives along Tutuila's stunning eastside, featuring photo stops at iconic landmarks like Fatu Ma Futi, Camel Rock, Alofau Ridge and Aunu'u Island. The real magic happens at Tisa's Barefoot Bar, where you'll have access to a pristine private beach and the protected Alega Marine Reserve.

This living aquarium offers crystal-clear South Pacific waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling amongst vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Between underwater adventures, relax on the deck with homemade pina coladas, share stories with fellow travellers and soak up the idyllic atmosphere of this private sanctuary.

A traditional umu lunch is included, plus you'll have access to free WiFi to share those incredible underwater photos without extra costs.

This alternative offering from Best Tours combines the best of American Samoa's natural beauty with authentic Samoan culture in one comprehensive experience.

Starting with port pickup, you'll visit the National Park Visitor Center for your official passport stamp before exploring the scenic Lower Sauma Ridge with stops at iconic landmarks like Camel Rock.

The highlight is spending the majority of your time at the iconic Tisa's Barefoot Bar & Beach, where you'll enjoy a traditional Samoan umu feast experience. This intimate tour is limited to just eight to ten people due to beach management requirements, ensuring a personalised experience throughout the 4 hrs 30 mins journey.

For the ultimate mix of beach time, Samoan culture and ticking the National Park of American Samoa off your bucket list, choose this shore excursion with Best Tours.

An alternative method of experiencing guided day tours around American Samoa is using taxi drivers as tour guides.

Here's how it works: taxi drivers negotiate prices directly with you based on where you want to go and what you'd like to do. They'll typically pull out a map, chat about your interests, and work out a fair price together. It's refreshingly personal and often works out cheaper than organised tours (though admittedly more informal).

For cruise ship passengers, these drivers are extremely flexible. They specialise in day tours for those with limited time, offering everything from snorkelling and swimming trips (bring your own gear) to scenic island tours. The best part? They'll tailor the duration and activities to exactly what you fancy.

What we've found particularly valuable is their local knowledge. These drivers understand the cultural rules and regulations of different villages, so they'll guide you on appropriate dress codes and behaviour – something we've experienced ourselves as being incredibly helpful for respectful travel.

They also know all the photogenic spots and will suggest scenic stops along the way, making sure you're comfortable and safe throughout your adventure.

Learn more about how to do a day tour with a taxi in our complete guide, Taxis in American Samoa: Taxi Fares, How to Use & More.