Apia Cruise Port
Apia, Samoa · Pacific
Cruise ships dock at Matautu Wharf - Main Cruise Berth, Apia.
Plan my port daysWalk-off wharf on Apia Harbour with a compact capital nearby and To Sua Ocean Trench the big day-trip.
At a glance
Port summary
Ships berth alongside at Matautu Wharf, a working commercial port a short walk from central Apia. The town is easily explored on foot, but the famous sights — To Sua Ocean Trench, Piula Cave Pool and the sliding rocks — are spread around Upolu and need a taxi, rental car or tour. If your call falls on a Sunday, most of Apia closes for church.
Cruise dock
🚢 Matautu Wharf - Main Cruise Berth
The single main berth at the Port of Apia, a working commercial wharf in Matautu that also handles cruise ships one at a time. Central Apia is a flat 20-minute walk away and taxis wait at the gate.
📍 Latitude: -13.825027, Longitude: -171.759411
See dock on port map →Getting to Apia
From the cruise terminal to the city centre
The flat, paved walk into central Apia takes about 20 minutes and is the easiest option.
📍 Exit the wharf gate and follow the harbour road along Beach Road into town
Agree the fare before you get in — taxis are unmetered and cash-only; a To Sua charter runs about WS$150–250.
📍 Taxis wait at the wharf gate on cruise days
Some ships run a shuttle to the Beach Road tourism fale; availability varies by call.
📍 Shuttle drop-off is usually the Samoa Tourism fale on Beach Road
Local buses are cheap and characterful but run on informal schedules and pay the driver in cash; very limited on Sundays.
📍 Colourful wooden Samoan buses leave from Maketi Fou (Fugalei) market in town
Best for reaching To Sua and the coast at your own pace; drive on the LEFT and a temporary Samoan licence (~WS$21) is required.
📍 Rental agencies are in Apia; arrange pickup in town
Map & things to do
Money & payments
Carry cash in Samoan tālā — markets, taxis, buses and To Sua entry are all cash-only, and there is no ATM at the wharf.
Things to do
To Sua Ocean Trench
⭐ Highlight
Samoa's iconic sight: a deep garden swimming trench reached by a tall wooden ladder.
🕐 Morning, on a rising tide
Apia Waterfront and Beach Road
Short stop🚶 Walk
A flat waterfront stroll past the clock tower, cathedral, markets and government fale.
🕐 Cooler morning or late afternoon
Maketi Fou (Fugalei Market)
Short stop🛒 Market
Apia's big covered produce and handicraft market and the hub for local buses.
🕐 Weekday mornings are liveliest
Palolo Deep Marine Reserve
Short stop🎯 Activity
A protected lagoon with a deep coral hole you can snorkel straight off the beach.
🕐 High tide, late morning
Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Short stop⛪ Church / Cathedral
Apia's landmark white waterfront cathedral, with a carved timber interior.
🕐 Daytime outside services
Museum of Samoa
Short stop🏛️ Museum
A small national museum in a colonial schoolhouse, covering Samoan culture and history.
🕐 Weekdays — closed at weekends
Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
Short stop🏛️ Museum
The restored Vailima home of the Treasure Island author, set in tropical gardens.
🕐 Morning, cooler for the gardens
Papapapaitai Falls
Short stop📸 Viewpoint
A tall plunge waterfall viewed from a free lookout on the Cross Island Road.
🕐 Any time; clearer after rain
Mount Vaea and Stevenson's Grave
📸 Viewpoint
A steep rainforest hike to Robert Louis Stevenson's hilltop grave and a view over Apia.
🕐 Early morning before the heat
Papaseea Sliding Rocks
🌿 Nature
Natural volcanic rock waterslides into jungle pools, best after rain.
🕐 Wet season for the best flow
Piula Cave Pool
🌿 Nature
A crystal-clear spring-fed cave pool beneath a seaside Methodist church.
🕐 Midday when it is warmest
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Plan my port days →Frequently asked questions
- Where does my cruise ship dock in Apia?
- Your ship docks directly at the Apia cruise terminal in Samoa.
- Can I walk from the cruise port into Apia?
- Yes. Apia is walkable from the cruise port — many cruisers reach the city centre on foot.
- How do I get from the cruise port to Apia centre?
- Typical options include On foot, Taxi, Shuttle bus, Local bus, Car rental. Durations and costs are listed in the transport section above.
- How much time do I need in Apia?
- Plan for at least 3 hours ashore to see Apia independently and return to the ship with a safe buffer.
- What currency is used in Apia and are cards accepted?
- Apia uses the Samoan Tala. Carry some cash for markets, taxis, and smaller vendors — cards aren't accepted everywhere.
- Is there Wi-Fi at the cruise port?
- Wi-Fi isn't reliably available at the Apia cruise terminal. Consider a local SIM or your cruise line's data package.
- When should I be back at the ship?
- Cruise lines usually require all passengers on board about 30 minutes before scheduled departure. Confirm the exact all-aboard time on your daily programme.
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