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Apia – 13°46.76'S, 171°28.06'W

L ' Esprit de la Mer visited Samoa July / August 2013 . Samoa is east of the date line and we were surprised as we made our approach to Apia on what we thought was Sunday to find all services functioning . The approach is easy and well buoyed . The latest 'e charts ' are spot on .It is wise to have informed Port Control by e mail of intended arrival before leaving previous port and to call on vhf as approaching . The marina still functions but was badly damaged by the recent tsunami / cyclone . Port officials were friendly and quickly visited us to clear in ( port health , immigration , customs ) The marina still functions and is well protected and secure . Power ( 230 v 50c ) and water is available . Nearby are showers in a clean state and several good bars / eateries with cruisers happy hour . It is a short walk along the seafront to the town which bustles . The tourist centre is helpful .After a while cruising in the Pacific the shops are welcome with well stocked supermarkets and flourishing local produce and fish markets . Prices are very reasonable . We found no chandlerly but local hardware stores are well stocked . We hired a car from a local Taxi driver (Taula ) who was very reasonable and also introduced us to his family for Umu which is a must . Driving is on the left over good roads and driving standards are good .The island is very beautiful and exceptionally clean . Family is very important and most villages represent extended family units . We were welcomed and able to use the facilities at several of the resort complexes along the coast for the cost of a drink and an inexpensive lunch We stayed a month in Samoa based at the marina before sailing with permission to visit Savaai .We found the island and it 's very friendly People delightful and would wish to revisit one day

Tystie visited Apia in July 2015. On calling Port control, I was directed to anchor, clear of the wharves, and then Health, Agriculture, Customs and Immigration came out by dinghy (this took all afternoon). The next day, I was invited into the marina, as there was a rare space on the one undamaged line of floats, at 100 Tala a week, but declined, as it 's comfortable at anchor and landing on the beach by Aggie Grey 's is easy.

This was my second visit, and both were enjoyable.

On leaving, visit the Port office (ask for Claire, who has an office upstairs) to pay $100 USD/253 Tala (the same amount, however long you stay), go back into town to the Immigration office for free clearance (be prepared for a long wait), and finally visit Customs, back out at the port (54 Tala for clearance). Call Port Control as you depart.