Destination: Savai'i, Samoa
Introduction
Savai'i is the largest island in Samoa and one of the largest volcanic islands in Polynesia, a place of extraordinary natural beauty, cultural depth, and very few tourists. It is separated from Upolu (Apia) by the 20 km-wide Apolima Strait. The island has a dramatic volcanic landscape including lava fields from the early 20th century eruption that smothered an entire village, spectacular waterfalls, and pristine reef systems.
GPS Coordinates
13° 36' 0.000"S 172° 25' 59.880"W
13 36 0.000S 172 25 59.880W
Protected Anchorages
Asau Harbour on the northwest coast is the main commercial port and offers the best shelter for yachts, in 5–10 m over sand and mud. Salelologa on the southeast coast is the main town and ferry terminal, with anchorage off the government wharf. The north coast has several bay anchorages including Falealupo Bay near the famous rainforest canopy walk. All anchorages on Savai'i are open roadsteads — care is needed in northerly swells.
Customs Protocols for Visiting Yachts
No separate customs clearance on Savai'i — clear at Apia (Upolu) first. The ferry crossing from Mulifanua (Upolu) to Salelologa (Savai'i) is straightforward for those without a yacht.
Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Vicinity
- No yacht club or marina on Savai'i
- Very limited services — fuel by arrangement, basic provisions in Salelologa and Asau
- Self-sufficiency is essential; the island is best visited with provisions loaded in Apia
Renowned Attractions
- Saleaula Lava Field — the 1905 lava flow that entombed a village church and school, still visible
- Olemoe and Afu Aau Waterfalls — beautiful waterfall pools in the jungle interior
- Falealupo rainforest canopy walkway — suspension bridges through the forest canopy at the western tip
- Tafua Peninsula Rainforest Preserve — undisturbed primary forest and coastal lava tube caves
- Traditional Samoan villages and fale guesthouses along the coastal road
Currency and Exchange Rate
Currency: Samoan Tala
Exchange Rate to USD
Nearby Yachting Destinations
Summary
Savai'i is the authentic soul of Samoa — a large volcanic island of dramatic landscapes, deep tradition, and remarkable natural beauty that rewards the adventurous sailor who crosses the Apolima Strait to find one of Polynesia's most genuine island experiences.