Pago Pago, American Samoa

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Destination: Pago Pago, American Samoa

Introduction

Pago Pago (pronounced 'Pango Pango') is the capital of American Samoa, the US territory in the South Pacific, situated in one of the finest natural deepwater harbours in the entire Pacific Ocean. The harbour is formed by the flooded caldera of an extinct volcano, surrounded by dramatic jungle-clad peaks. As a US port, it offers American amenities, excellent provisioning, and a well-equipped harbour, though the heavy tuna cannery industry gives it a working-port character.

GPS Coordinates

14° 16' 41.160"S 170° 42' 9.000"W

14 16 41.160S 170 42 9.000W

Protected Anchorages

Pago Pago Harbour is deep — 20–40 m throughout most of the harbour. Anchorage in good holding mud is off the small boat basin on the south side of the harbour, in 15–25 m. Obtaining a mooring or alongside berth at the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR) small boat basin is the preferred option for visiting yachts. The harbour is completely sheltered from all directions by the surrounding mountains — one of the Pacific's great natural refuges.

Customs Protocols for Visiting Yachts

As a US territory, American Samoa requires US customs and immigration procedures. This is effectively a US port of entry. Non-US passport holders need to meet standard US Customs and Border Protection requirements. Arrive at the DMWR small boat basin or contact the harbor master on VHF Ch 16. US Customs clearance is at the commercial wharf.

Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Vicinity

  • The Pago Pago Yacht Club at the DMWR small boat basin is the gathering point for visiting sailors with a relaxed island atmosphere
  • The facility has showers, laundry, and a bar
  • Fuel and provisioning are excellent — American-style supermarkets with US goods and prices

Renowned Attractions

  • Rainmaker Mountain (Mount Pioa) — dramatic 523 m peak that creates the extraordinary rainfall feeding the harbour
  • National Park of American Samoa — pristine rainforest with flying foxes, accessible from Pago Pago
  • Fono Building — the American Samoan legislative building in traditional Samoan fale style
  • Fish market at the wharf — watch the tuna fishing fleet unload at the StarKist and Chicken of the Sea canneries
  • Vatia Bay village — remote and traditional Samoan village in the national park accessible by road

Currency and Exchange Rate

Currency: US Dollar

Exchange Rate to USD

Nearby Yachting Destinations

Summary

Pago Pago offers one of the Pacific's finest natural harbours combined with the provisioning advantages of a US territory — excellent for stocking up on American goods, making repairs, and taking shelter in this dramatic volcanic harbour before the next passage.