Pago Pago : Profile

Location

Pago Pago is a popular long term port for liveaboards who report it is safe from hurricanes because of the high mountains around the harbour and therefore there's no need to undertake the rough passage to and from New Zealand for the season. The only real drawback is the cannery.

Clearance

The majority of yachts arriving here to check-in, drop anchor and dinghy ashore to complete the paperwork. It is however also possible to tie up at the tug dock in the container port if arriving between 0800 and 1700 (Mon-Fri). However conditions here are rather "rough" for a yacht.

Harbour Control can be contacted on Channel 16 for berthing instructions if required.

If arriving outside office hours, anchor in the anchorage, fly the Q flag and then dinghy ashore during working hours.

Check in with the Port Capatain (who may also assign an anchoring place) and Customs (both offices are in the Container Port). Immigration is a short walk down the main road. If they are busy, advise them that you are from a yacht and you will be taken directly to the correct official.

A yacht must not be moved without prior permission from the Port Captain. When clearing out, the same procedure as for checking in can be followed.

Last updated September 2010.

American Samoa Government
Dept of Port Administration, Harbor Division - Pier Section, P.O. Box 639, Pago Pago
Tel:+1-684-633-4449, Fax:+1-684-633-1667

Docking

The holding in the harbour is poor and it is advisable to anchor with two anchors and not leave the yacht unattended for long periods. It is best to anchor a distance away from the cannery to avoid the occasional smells that are emitted when they open the pressure cookers. Long term resident yachts have moorings, so bear that in mind when anchoring nearby.

The best holding is between the small boat wharf and the the end of the bay, on the south side, in 35 to 80ft.

Dinghy landing is now more difficult since the dock near the Seaside Market has been fenced off and locked. The dock to the east is very crowded and is often also locked. There is a dinghy dock at the Malaloa Marina.

Anchoring here is free for the first 7 days.

Last updated September 2010.

Malaloa Marina
014° 16.507'S 170° 41.600'W
Dinghy Dock open 0600 to 1800. Floating docks for locking fishing boats, protected by a concrete pier. Often fishing vessels are tied to the outside of the concrete pier.