Apia cruises, Samoa

Your journey starts at the pier where your English speaking escort will meet you for the short scenic drive to the Samoan Highland Hideaway.

The property boasts a wonderful combination of edible and, ornamental trees, flowers, and shrubs to create a garden paradise where these varieties bring in birds of nearly all feeding strategies. The location between the high mountain region and, the ocean is perfect for viewing the birds that fly overhead on their way between those two major habitats.

After a walk around the hideaway you’ll move to an area to sit quietly and observe the birds.

During your tour refreshments will be offered.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach or minivan and on foot. There is approximately 1 hours total walking on this tour. Smoking and flash photography is not permitted. Please wear a hat and sunscreen. Bring insect repellent and bottled water. Do not forget your binoculars and camera. Wildlife Sightings are not guaranteed. Please wear comfortable, flat-soled shoes.

Start your day with a beautiful scenic drive along the north-eastern coast of Upolu stopping at Plum Pudding Rock and a slow drive through Le Mafa Pass (1,700 feet above sea level). The Pass has breathtaking views of the northern shorelines and the scenic drive is through lush green forests, waterfalls, plantations and traditional Samoan villages.

Sopo’aga Mini Botanical Gardens and Waterfalls, our next stop has a variety of indigenous plants and your guide will tell you about their medicinal qualities. You will also be shown a coconut demonstration, during which you’ll learn about the different uses of the coconut in the daily life of Samoan’s.

A BBQ lunch is served at the Tafatafa Beach, where you’ll have approximately 1½ hours to relax and enjoy the sea and sunshine. The return trip to Apia is made via the south-western part of the island, stopping at Papapapaiuta Falls which drop into an old volcanic crater. The scenic return trip is via rainforests, plantations and mountains.

As you descend towards the township to the wharf, fantastic coastal views of the Apia Township can be seen.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot and involves approximately 15 minutes of walking. The ground at the Falls is rather uneven. Passengers are reminded to wear swimwear, take a towel and sunscreen. You will have approximately 1½ hours at Tafatafa Beach. There may be independent suppliers on the beach that offer water sports, these are provided by parties unconnected to P&O Cruises.

Begin your tour with a visit to Robert Louis Stevenson’s Museum, former home of the famous Scottish author, who wrote novels such as Treasure Island and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. The settings are from the period when he was residing in Samoa. The grounds at ‘Vailima’ are well maintained with local plants, flora and fauna that boasts a tropical haven.

Your tour then continues with a hike to Robert Louis Stevenson’s grave, situated on Mount Vaea. Mount Vaea is a 1500 foot summit overlooking Apia, the capital of Samoa located on the north central coast of Upolu island. Mount Vaea is most well known as the burial place of Robert Louis Stevenson who lived the last four years of his life in Samoa before his death on 3 December 1894.

Your hike takes you around the steep hillside up to grave, where you can enjoy the magnificent view before you descend back down the mountain taking a shorter route.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach or minivan and on foot. There is approximately 3 hours total walking on this tour. Please wear a hat and sunscreen. Bring insect repellent and bottled water. Please wear comfortable, flat-soled shoes. You must be in good physical condition to participate on this tour. Guests with heart conditions or back problems cannot participate. There are steep inclines and uneven terrain to negotiate.