Apia (Upolu) - Docking
Marina
Apia Marina has two pontoons, however only one is available for visiting yachts (the other one full of local boats). There are approx. 22 berths available and so limited space.
The pontoons are floating concrete fingers with rubber guards fitted. All in good condition with power and water at every berth. Draft in the marina is limited to 2.5m.
The marina is owned and run by Trevor and his business partner who have a long term lease. Trevor is Samoan and went to school in New Zealand so speaks perfect English. However, he is the only certified commercial dive company on the island and is very busy so is not often to be found at the marina office.
Visiting yachts are given keys to the gate and showers, and the Marina ask that yacht crew lock the entrance gate in the evenings. In the past, there have been incidents with petty theft here, but nothing recently.
- Photo from MY Pendana June 2015
Anchoring
Anchoring in the harbour is at the discretion of Samoa Ports Authority and appears to be somewhat dependent upon how many commercial vessels are at anchor.
There is no charge to use the Port’s dinghy dock (behind the main wharf). Vessels on anchor can pay $50 per week or part thereof for the use of the marina to access shore. This includes the use of the dinghy dock, bathroom/showers and security. Alternative shore access is on the main beach in front of the Sheraton Hotel.
For the latest fees for anchoring download the Apia Marina Information sheet or see the Related User Comments section.
The harbour is clean and the marina, although subject to some swell, is well sheltered.
For information on anchoring elsewhere see: Savaii Island Anchorages
Facilities Ashore
All garbage must be put into sealed plastic bags.
See the Samoa/fees section for the details.
The building facing the marina houses four restaurants/bars, all playing music until the early hours at weekends and on Wednesdays.
Note:
- Ensure that rat guards are fitted to mooring ropes as those in the port have learned to climb them. Ensure there are none aboard your boat before moving on.
- Charts for anywhere but the north coast are not to be relied upon as accurate.
Last updated: August 2019
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Related to following destinations: Apia (Upolu), Samoa
Port Navigation
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Just wanted to clarify something about the anchoring out situation. I was in a meeting with two representatives from the American Embassy in Apia, The CEO of the Port of Apia and the Port Captain. They assured me and the American Embassy reps, in no uncertain terms. It is Perfectly LEGAL to anchor in the harbor as long as you are not interfering with the port operations. Basically, anchor inside the large yellow bouy near the marina entrance. And the official cost to do so was $110 Tala for a lights and buoy fee and for our 38 foot boat, a $7.60 Tala fee.
The owner of the marina will try to tell you other wise, but ignore him. He is just trying to get you into his marina. You can use the Ports “dinghy access” for access to shore, which is just inside the area where the ports tugs are docked.
May 15, 2015 … Plenty of room inside the marina but our 20 meter POWERCAT was not allowed inside.
There is also limited draft at 2.2 meter; a sailboat with 2.6 meter draft was denied entry.
The Samoa PQort Authorities have just leased the marina to a private operator who promised that the fees would go up.
Finally, even at anchor in the harbor, we were obliged to pay the same as inside the marina, 87 Talas/day for our 20 meters, AND we’re also charged for the 2 days we were NOT in port but cruising in Sava’i… Very distressing
The marina repairs have been completed. Pier A is now open for use and power and water have been restored to every berth. Pier B has been completely dismantled and removed.