Update on Apia, Samoa

Created by sue. Last modified on 2009-10-05 12:55:03
Countries: Samoa

Samoa Updates

Clearance
The “24 hour notification” mentioned in “Clearance” is also used to make a reservation at the marina. We made our notification using e-mail: spa@spasamoa.ws. We received a prompt reply that space for our boat was available and our reservation was confirmed. Cruisers intending to call at Apia should make there notification (reservation) as soon as they can ETA.

Notify Apia Port Control when an hour away. They will give permission to enter the harbor, and a boat will be sent out to guide you to the marina.

Docking
The marina has slips of various sizes and can accommodate most cruising boats including multi-hulls. It is well protected from sea and wind with floating piers fabricated by Bellingham. Finger piers make getting on and off the boats easier. The piers are being well maintained. The marina is comfortable, quiet, and secure.

Water
Water and electricity is available at each slip. Electricity is 220 volt, 50 cycle. The marina is providing converting transformers at no charge for boats with 120 volt systems.

Apia:
Approaches
The entrance to Apia harbor is indicated by a range. The lower range mark is on the shore. From sea when on course, the lower mark will appear to be between a conspicuous white church on the east side and a large multistory building with a rather homely fale (traditional Samoan structure) looking structure on its roof.

The rear range mark is on top of the hill behind the town and is silhouetted against the sky. There is at least one other tower on the hill, but this tower is the only one silhouetted against the sky. At night the lower mark is lighted with an isophase green light and the upper with a fixed red light.

Profile
Whoever decides whether a port is a good port of refuge for cyclone season, should take another look at Apia harbor. The marina is well maintained and appears structurally sound. The pilings that the floating piers ride on extend above the level of the surrounding land. It is protected from the wind and sea from most directions.

If I were planning to spend cyclone season in this area, I would not hesitate to stay here. The downside is it would probably be very hot.

Communications
Wi-Fi internet on your boat is available from Lava Spot. Cards can be bought at the restaurant across from the marina (next door to the ice cream store). A five hour wi-fi card costs 45 Tála (about $18.00 USD). The best deal is to go to the source, the CSL internet business across from McDonald’s. There you can purchase a 20 hour card for 137 Tála (about $55.00 USD).

Repair Facility
Refrigeration Repairs, contact David Grevel, 777-2729, djgrevel@lesamoa.net.

Donald Bryden