The laid-back capital of Samoa sits on the north coast of Upolu — ships dock a short walk from town, where fales open onto turquoise lagoons, a Victorian-era novelist rests on a jungle hilltop, and one of the Pacific's most dramatic swimming holes awaits just down the road.
Ships dock at Matautu Wharf on the eastern edge of Apia Harbour — a flat 10-minute walk or quick taxi ride brings you into the town centre.
💡 Pro move: Samoa drives on the left. Buses exist but are slow and infrequent for shore-day use. A day-hire taxi or organised tour is the most time-efficient way to reach the south-coast sights.
All visiting cruise ships dock at Matautu Wharf on Apia Harbour — no tendering required.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines | Matautu Wharf, Apia Harbour📍 | Docked |
| Expedition / small ships | Apia Harbour📍 | Docked |
Apia's highlights range from a legendary literary grave on a jungle peak to one of the Pacific's most jaw-dropping natural swimming holes — here's how to spend your day.
A giant natural swimming hole carved into the lava shelf on Upolu's south coast, connected to the sea via an underwater cave. Descend a long wooden ladder into impossibly blue water — one of the most photographed spots in the Pacific.
Find To Sua tours →The Scottish author of Treasure Island spent his final years at Vailima, his grand estate above Apia. Tour the beautifully preserved house-museum, then hike 30–40 minutes up Mt Vaea to his tomb and sweeping island views.
Find RLS Museum tours →Consistently rated one of the finest beaches in the South Pacific — powder white sand, turquoise water, and traditional open-sided fales right on the shore. On Upolu's south-east tip, about an hour from town.
Find Lalomanu beach tours →A freshwater pool inside a sea cave beneath the Piula Methodist church on Upolu's north coast, about 20 minutes east of Apia. You can swim through the cave into a second chamber — serene and uncrowded.
Find Piula Cave tours →One of the tallest waterfalls in Samoa, plunging roughly 100 metres into a rainforest gorge in the highlands above Apia. Best viewed from the roadside lookout — the jungle backdrop is dramatic.
Find waterfall tours →Evening fire-knife dancing, traditional singing, and an umu feast (food cooked in an earth oven) are a highlight of Samoan culture. Some resorts stage afternoon shows timed for cruise passengers.
Find fia fia show tours →Apia's compact waterfront town is easy to explore on foot — the main sights are within 15 minutes of the wharf.
Stroll Beach Road from the wharf past the Apia Fish Market, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral (a striking colonial landmark), the town clock, and the colourful Fugalei Market for fresh produce and souvenirs.
A protected lagoon reserve a short walk from central Apia where healthy coral and reef fish are visible in shallow, calm water. Bring or rent snorkel gear — one of the easiest reef dips in the Pacific.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Apia, Upolu, Samoa (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 85°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 29 | 6:10 AM | 7:01 PM |
| Feb | 85°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 26 | 6:25 AM | 6:57 PM |
| Mar | 85°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 28 | 6:30 AM | 6:41 PM |
| Apr | 85°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 28 | 6:33 AM | 6:20 PM |
| May | 84°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 26 | 6:39 AM | 6:07 PM |
| Jun | 83°F / 28°C | 77°F / 25°C | 22 | 6:48 AM | 6:06 PM |
| Jul | 83°F / 28°C | 76°F / 24°C | 22 | 6:51 AM | 6:14 PM |
| Aug | 83°F / 28°C | 76°F / 24°C | 22 | 6:42 AM | 6:20 PM |
| Sep | 83°F / 28°C | 76°F / 24°C | 23 | 6:22 AM | 6:22 PM |
| Oct | 84°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 25 | 6:01 AM | 6:24 PM |
| Nov | 85°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 26 | 5:49 AM | 6:34 PM |
| Dec | 85°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 29 | 5:54 AM | 6:50 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Taxis wait at Matautu Wharf and are the easiest way into downtown Apia, about 1–1.5 miles away. Fares are not metered — agree on a price before you get in.
Some cruise lines offer a shuttle into the city center. Check with your ship before docking; schedules are tied to departure times.
Very cheap village-route buses run from the market area near downtown. No set schedule and not tourist-oriented, but adventurous and cheap for short hops.
Full-day tours cover highlights like To Sua Ocean Trench, Piula Cave Pool, and Sopoaga Falls with air-conditioned transport and a guide. Best way to see the island in a day.
Several local rental agencies operate in Apia. Driving is on the right, and a valid foreign license is accepted. Good option for independent exploration of Upolu island.
Upcoming cruises that call at Apia, Upolu, Samoa. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.