American Samoa
Last updated: 24 March 2026
At a glance
American Samoa lies on one of the standard cruising routes between French Polynesia and Fiji, and Pago Pago serves as a key stop for cruising yachts. Although not generally regarded as a primary cruising destination in its own right, it offers excellent re‑provisioning and one of the safest cyclone‑season harbours in the South Pacific.
Attractions
The American Samoa National Park Office and Museum in Pago Pago provides an introduction to the territory's natural and cultural history, with hands-on displays and staff knowledgeable about the island.
The National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa offers free guided tours covering the marine reserves that protect the territory's coral reef systems. On the eastern end of Tutuila, the NOAA American Samoa Observatory is one of four atmospheric baseline observatories operated globally by NOAA. Tours can be arranged in advance.
The interior features steep volcanic peaks, lush rainforest and deep bays, with several well‑established hiking trails, like the one to the Nu'uuli waterfall.
Places to stay
Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:
Anchorages
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Anchoring conditions vary, with many confirming calm waters and holding ability despite the harbor being dirty and having plastic waste. Visitors appreciate the friendly locals and decent provisioning options. Smells from the tuna factory occur but are not constant.
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Marinas
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Pago Marina
★
3.8
Customs clearance is conducted at the marina, with officials meeting visitors on arrival. Docking costs $1 per foot, but many recommend additional fenders due to harsh wall conditions. Fair weather is advisable, as bad weather can lead to chafe and damage.
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Boat services
Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:
Boatyards
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American Samoa Shipyard
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4.7
Welding services are available for stainless steel davits. Some staff interactions received commendation, although the quality of welding was noted as lacking, with concerns about technique and care. Communication with office personnel was highlighted as responsive.
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Chandlers
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No image
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Basic supplies for commercial fishing and yachts are available. The inventory includes VHF radios, fenders, hydraulic equipment, and refrigeration parts. The staff is reported as helpful.
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Yacht clearance links
Useful yacht clearance links:
- Noonsite: Verified clearance procedures, processes and fees.
- https://www.noonsite.com/place/american-samoa/
Yacht clearance reviews
The following lists summarize noforeignland user reviews for clearing in at ports of entry and when using clearance agents in American Samoa:
Ports of entry offices
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Fagatogo Customs Office
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4.5
Check-out services at the Fagatogo Customs Office involve a payment of USD 100. Reviews mention an efficient process, with some waiting required depending on ferry schedules. Visitors have reported prompt service upon arrival even during busy periods.
Place details mention: check in steps, required documents, fees or payments and opening hours.
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The office can be hard to locate, indicated by a lack of signage. Passport scanning occurs on-site, but clearance stamps must be obtained separately. One visitor mentioned a quick processing time once at the correct location.
Place details mention: check in steps and required documents.
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Notes for mariners
Pago Pago harbour sees regular commercial traffic including fishing vessels and cargo ships. The South Pacific cyclone season runs from November through April, and American Samoa lies within the affected zone.
The off-season
Most cruising yachts pass through American Samoa rather than remain during the cyclone season, with New Zealand and Fiji among the more common destinations for vessels seeking cyclone-safe harbours. A small number of vessels remain in Pago Pago year-round.
Facts for visitors
- Best times of year to sail here: May to October
- Most common type of shore power: 120V 60Hz
- Cost for provisioning: Medium
- Currency: US Dollar (USD)
- Personal security: Low overall crime rate, with routine precautions recommended in urban and port areas.
- Emergency phone numbers:
- Police: 911
- Fire: 911
- Ambulance: 911
- International dialing code: +1-684
- Time zone(s): UTC-11 (year round)
Maritime history
Samoa has been inhabited for over three thousand years, with Polynesian seafarers establishing trade and cultural connections across the Pacific long before European contact. This seafaring tradition remained central to Samoan life and is reflected in the territory's relationship with the ocean today.
European contact with the Samoan islands began in the eighteenth century. By the nineteenth century, the natural qualities of Pago Pago harbour had attracted the attention of the United States Navy, and in 1878 the US secured rights to use it as a coaling station, an early American presence in the Pacific.
The formal partition of the Samoan islands in 1900 placed Tutuila and the Manu'a group under American administration. During the Second World War, American Samoa served as a staging and supply base in the Pacific, and the islands were significantly fortified. Remnants of this period remain visible across Tutuila.
Pago Pago's harbour continues to support a tuna fishing and processing industry, and the port retains its role as a supply and transit point for vessels crossing the central Pacific.