Samoa: Getting there & around

The major carriers to Samoa are Air New Zealand, Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue. Most of them land at Faleolo Airport 22mi (35km) west of Apia on 'Upolu. Airport buses, public buses and taxis run from the airport to the centre of Apia. There is a departure tax of about US$15.00 , payable at Faleolo Airport. The days of hopping a cargo ship and working a passage around the Polynesian islands are fast becoming a thing of the past, although you might just snag one if you hang around the shipping services long enough. Yachting to Samoa is an attractive option in anybody's book so if you can show enthusiasm for all things yachty or better still, display some working knowledge of sailing, you can sometimes bum a ride on a yacht as a crew member.

Getting around Samoa is uncomplicated but time-consuming. You can normally hopscotch around the islands by bus as long as you remember that a Samoan timetable is a vague idea that may or may not be acted upon depending on the level of interest shown by the driver. Patience is required. Ferries and boats will get you from one island to another but, despite what you may have imagined about the dreamy nature of sea travel in the South Pacific, crossings can often be unpleasant experiences. Cars can be hired on both main islands though petrol stations are rare outside major towns. If you're feeling incredibly fit you might want to cycle around the islands but you will have to contend with the heat and rugged terrain.