10 Best Sightseeing Tours in American Samoa

A leader in guided sightseeing tours in American Samoa, Best Tours is an obvious go-to, whether you're looking for a private tour or a group tour in a unique 'aiga bus on cruise ship day.

The team has earned its reputation as one of the most reliable tour operators in Pago Pago, expertly balancing large cruise ship operations with personalised experiences for smaller groups and individual travellers.

Their comprehensive island tours focus on exploring the National Park of American Samoa and other local highlights, with a strong emphasis on comfort and flexibility. What sets them apart is their exceptional logistics: reliable drivers, well-maintained trucks and buses (even riding the colourful and charmingly local 'aiga buses if they have the numbers), and convenient accommodation pick-up and drop-off services ensure a seamless experience.

Using local guides with a wealth of knowledge about this fascinating part of the South Pacific, the tour company prides itself on professional yet friendly service. What's more, they offer customised itineraries that can be tailored to suit different interests and schedules. They're particularly accommodating with last-minute bookings, making them an excellent choice for spontaneous adventurers.

For off-the-beaten-track adventures combined with a wealth of historical and environmental knowledge, look no further than North Shore Tours.

Your guide Rory, an American expat who has called Tutuila home for most of his life, prefers to understand what travellers are really about before tailoring each experience accordingly.

The "Historical and Cultural Tour" focuses on sharing deep knowledge about the island's fascinating history, including the colonial period, the deed of cession signed in 1900, and the various political upheavals during the Navy governance period from 1900 to 1929. Rory takes visitors to see old naval buildings and explains the cultural significance of various sites, including some that have traditional restrictions or spiritual significance.

With a whole assortment of different activities to choose from, his philosophy is more like offering a smorgasbord where people can pick what interests them most, bringing together an international perspective with deep local knowledge to create truly authentic adventures.

Discover the heart of Tutuila with Alofas Tours, offering the perfect combination of scenic beauty, cultural insight and genuine Samoan hospitality.

On their four-hour island tour, this family-run operation showcases five stunning locations across Tutuila, from the serene Pala Lagoon at Lyon's Park to the dramatic Turtle and Shark Site with its rugged coastal views.

Your cultural journey continues through Leone Village, where you'll visit the moving Healing Garden tsunami memorial and the historic Leone Church, marking where the first missionaries arrived. The tour climbs to mountainside Aoloau Village for breathtaking panoramic views, and on clear days, visits to the family home offer vistas stretching to Samoa and the National Park.

The unique Flower Pot rock formation at Fatu ma Futi provides a spectacular natural finale, though you can customise the itinerary to explore Tutuila's eastern side instead. With knowledgeable guides sharing cultural insights and complimentary souvenirs, this private tour delivers genuine cultural immersion with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off.

For those wanting to visit Tutuila's "other island", the "Aunu'u Island Adventure" with Best Tours is a fabulous way to do it.

The 15-minute boat crossing delivers you to an island where time stands still: no traffic, minimal vehicles and a pace that lets you truly disconnect.

Your local guide will lead you through ancient taro patches to the waterfront cultural site of Sina and Tigilau, before potentially tackling the loop trail around the island's dramatic freshwater crater (conditions permitting). The adventure continues with tide pool exploration and bird watching at the fascinating quicksand area, where you'll witness nature's unique phenomena up close.

Back in the village, you'll enjoy a traditional lunch with optional swimming or snorkelling to cap off this authentic South Pacific experience. With knowledgeable local guides and customised itineraries available, this tour accommodates last-minute bookings for spontaneous adventurers.

For those visiting American Samoa on a cruise ship, Alofas Tours specialise in specially curated itineraries for those visiting on limited time.

Embark on a comprehensive three-hour cultural journey with Alofas Tours, a heartfelt family-run operation that showcases American Samoa's most captivating destinations aboard their traditional aiga (family) bus.

Your adventure begins with a warm welcome and a complimentary souvenir at the cruise ship port, setting the tone for an authentic island experience. The carefully curated tour visits five stunning locations, starting with the serene Pala Lagoon at Lyon's Park and the dramatic Turtle and Shark site with its rugged coastal views.

Cultural immersion continues at Leone Village, where you'll visit the moving Healing Garden tsunami memorial and the historic Leone Church, where American Samoa's first missionaries arrived. The journey also includes stops at Le'ala Shoreline, Sliding Rock and the unique Flower Pot rock formation at Fatu ma Futi.

Throughout the tour, knowledgeable local guides share cultural stories and historical insights, whilst opportunities to browse authentic craft shops ensure you'll find the perfect memento.

If you're spending three or four days in American Samoa, Best Tours offers the ultimate way to explore Tutuila Island without the hassle of planning logistics yourself.

Choose between three or four-day options that cover all the island's highlights, from the bustling capital of Pago Pago to the pristine wilderness of the National Park of American Samoa.

Your private tour will take you along both the dramatic east and west coasts of Tutuila, showcasing everything from rugged cliffs to secluded beaches.

The four-day package includes an additional excursion to nearby Aunu'u Island, a hidden gem that few visitors experience.

With all transportation, accommodation pick-up and lunch included, this is hands-down the most stress-free way to discover American Samoa's natural beauty and historical sites.

It's true, Pago Flight Charters is primarily a flight charter operation to get you from A to B. But by having the whole plane for your group, by all means, you can request some sightseeing from soaring heights.

Operating a single Tecnam aircraft that accommodates up to nine passengers (depending on weight restrictions and destination airstrip requirements), this Hawaii-based charter service is expanding beyond its practical government transport roots to offer tourists an extraordinary aerial adventure. The intimate group size ensures a personalised experience as you soar above breathtaking coastlines, dramatic volcanic peaks and turquoise lagoons that define this stunning Pacific paradise.

With bookings available on as little as 24 hours' notice, you can spontaneously add this unforgettable experience to your itinerary. The company's flexibility and willingness to accommodate your interests make this a truly exclusive opportunity to see American Samoa's remote islands, including the spectacular Manu'a group, from a bird's-eye view that few visitors ever experience.

Pago Pago Marine Charters offers an alternative take on sightseeing tours in American Samoa with snorkelling adventures and marine sightseeing that takes you beyond the typical tourist trail.

Their charter boat service specialises in diving and fishing expeditions, but also provides access to stunning locations like Fagatele Bay for those seeking more of a sightseeing experience from the water, or wish to do a spot of snorkelling instead.

Their premium equipment and group-friendly pricing, whether you're travelling solo or with up to six people, means you'll pay the same rate. The boat accommodates small groups, creating an intimate marine adventure tailored to your interests.

While they provide snorkelling gear, we recommend bringing your own for the best experience. You'll also need to pack your own food and refreshments for the journey.

Don't let the name fool you; Samriel Aunu'u Island Getaway doesn't only specialise in tours to Aunu'u Island, but sightseeing right across American Samoa.

The experience is led by Pika (Peter), a professional and engaging local guide with deep family roots on Aunu'u Island. While famous for his signature Aunu'u Island tours, Pika also crafts bespoke experiences across Tutuila and the Manu'a Islands, with flexible day and multi-day options tailored to your interests.

Traditional cooking demonstrations and cultural experiences are woven throughout the tours, alongside visits to the national park, historic town areas and other highlights. Fishing charters are also available, offering both trolling and bottom fishing adventures accessible by boat or flight.

With reasonable prices and strong local connections throughout American Samoa, this personalised service ensures you'll experience the islands like a local and take home lasting memories of Samoan culture.

An unconventional 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).

Offering everything from snorkelling and swimming trips (bring your own gear) to scenic island tours, taxi tours are suitable for cruise ship passengers to solo travellers. 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.