Upolu’s 5 Top Cruises And Boat Tours

Upolu, Samoa’s lush and lively island, is a fantastic destination for cruise ship passengers and boat tour enthusiasts alike. With its mix of pristine beaches, dramatic waterfalls, and vibrant local culture, it’s no wonder so many travelers want to explore by water. We particularly love tours that combine iconic sights like To Sua Ocean Trench and Lalomanu Beach with personalized experiences—these tours offer more than just pretty scenery—they deliver real Samoa. For instance, the Ultimate Upolu Highlights Tour gets high praise for its small groups and tailored approach, ensuring you see the best with plenty of swimming and scenic stops.

Whether you prefer a shared tour, a private transfer, or an exclusive personalized adventure, Upolu offers a variety of options. The tours range from around 6 to 7 hours, with prices between $130 and $155 per person, providing a mix of cultural insights, natural beauty, and relaxation. For those seeking a luxury private experience, the Private Samoa Island Tour for Cruise Ship Passengers offers a customized itinerary in a comfortable vehicle—perfect for travelers who value flexibility and a personal touch. Below, we break down the top five options to help you decide which fits your style and budget.

1. Ultimate Upolu Highlights Tour – Apia Cruise Ship Shore Excursion

This well-reviewed tour offers a 6.5-hour journey through some of Samoa’s most iconic sights, all tailored for cruise ship timing, with only two small groups. The focus is on experiencing Samoa’s natural beauty while keeping the pace relaxed enough for swimming, sightseeing, and photos. The tour visits Piula Cave Pool, a freshwater spring formed from ancient lava tubes, perfect for a cooling dip, and the To Sua Ocean Trench, a 30-meter-deep swimming hole accessed via a long ladder. Both sites are highlights for their unique geology and stunning crystal-clear waters. Moving on, you’ll unwind at Lalomanu Beach, known for its soft sand and stunning views of outer islands, and finish with a visit to Papapapaitai Falls, Samoa’s most-photographed waterfall, cascading into a deep gorge.

What makes this tour stand out is its small-group size—only two parties—which ensures personalized attention and a relaxed experience. Reviews consistently praise the guides’ friendliness and local knowledge, with one guest noting, “This was the best trip ever! Shawn & Jannelle made it memorable.” The price is reasonable considering the comprehensive itinerary, and all entrance fees are included. If you want a tailored, stress-free glimpse of Samoa’s top sites, this tour hits all the marks.

Bottom Line: Perfect for cruise visitors who want a smooth, well-organized day that includes swimming, scenic views, and local culture in a small-group setting.

2. Cruise Ship Island Tour with Tour Samoa

This 6 to 7-hour tour is designed specifically for cruise ship passengers, with a focus on balancing cultural sites, natural beauty, and convenient logistics. Starting with a visit to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, you’ll admire its art and architecture, then explore Old Apia Market for a taste of local produce and souvenirs. Moving on, the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum offers insight into the famed author’s time in Samoa, with a quick visit to his former home and the gravesite on nearby Mt. Vaea. The tour also includes stops at the Baha’i House of Worship—a peaceful spot of spiritual significance—and the stunning Papapapaitai Falls.

This tour is slightly more structured than others and offers flexibility with optional lunch (order à la carte at the beach stop). Its curated stops provide a good mix of culture, history, and scenery, appealing to travelers interested in a comprehensive introduction to Apia and its surroundings. While reviews are limited, the consistent theme is a smooth, informative experience that fits well into cruise schedules.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a balanced overview of Samoa’s culture and scenery in a manageable timeframe, with the ease of a cruise-friendly schedule.

3. Private Transfer from Apia city hotels to Apia Cruise Port

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best—especially when time is tight. This private transfer service offers quick, door-to-door transportation from your hotel to the cruise port in about 15 minutes. It’s perfect for avoiding long taxi lines or busy shared shuttles. The cars are clean, the drivers professional, and the booking straightforward. While it doesn’t include sightseeing, it guarantees a comfortable and reliable start or end to your day in Samoa.

If your priority is efficient, hassle-free transport, this service is worth considering. It’s especially useful if you’re arriving early or leaving late and want to avoid the stress of last-minute arrangements. It’s not a tour, but it’s a critical part of your Samoa experience—making sure you get to or from the ship smoothly.

Bottom Line: A practical, no-fuss option for travelers who value convenience and punctuality, ensuring a stress-free start or end to your day.

4. Samoa Apia: Cruise Ship Shore Excursion

This 6-hour tour is tailored for cruise ship passengers wanting to see Samoa’s most popular sites with local stories and flavor. It includes stops at Lalomanu Beach, Piula Cave Pool, Sopoaga Falls, and more. The itinerary is designed to give you a taste of Samoa’s best outdoor spots, with enough time to relax and take photos. The tour stops at ILe Mafa Pass, offering panoramic views of the island’s landscapes—an especially scenic and memorable part of the experience.

The tour’s strength lies in its combination of natural attractions and local storytelling, making the day engaging and informative. It’s well-suited for families, couples, or adventure-seekers looking for a balanced mix of beach, waterfalls, and cultural insights. The price per person is $155, which offers good value considering the diverse stops and inclusive admission fees.

As one traveler put it, “Visiting Lalomanu Beach and Piula Cave Pool was breathtaking… a perfect way to enjoy Samoa’s beauty in a short day.” If you’re after a full, active day with local context, this tour covers all the highlights.

Bottom Line: Great for those wanting a lively, scenic day that mixes natural beauty with local stories in a comfortable, organized package.

5. Private Samoa Island Tour For Cruise Ship Passengers

For travelers seeking exclusivity and total flexibility, this private tour is the top-tier option. Costing $1,200 per group (up to four people), it offers a 7.5-hour personalized experience tailored entirely to your interests. You’ll enjoy your own knowledgeable local guide, who can adjust stops and timing—whether you want to focus on waterfalls, beaches, or cultural spots. The itinerary includes Piula Cave Pool, To Sua Ocean Trench, Lalomanu Beach, Togitogiga Waterfall, and Papapapaitai Falls.

What sets this apart is the ability to customize your day. If you’re a small group or family who wants to avoid crowds and have an authentic, in-depth experience, this tour delivers. Reviews are yet to be posted, but based on the offering, it’s perfect for those who value privacy, flexibility, and a personal connection with local guides.

This experience is best suited for travelers with a higher budget who want to make the most of their limited time in Samoa, or those celebrating a special occasion or honeymoon.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for privacy, customization, and a deeply personal Samoa adventure—ideal for small groups willing to invest in a personalized day.

How to Choose the Right Cruise and Boat Tour in Upolu

When deciding among these tours, consider your budget, interests, and schedule. If you want a relaxed, small-group experience, the Ultimate Upolu Highlights Tour offers excellent value and engaging sights. For a curated cultural and scenic overview, the Cruise Ship Island Tour with Tour Samoa balances sightseeing with cultural storytelling.

If you prefer maximum convenience and are on a tight schedule, the Private Transfer ensures comfort and peace of mind. For a comprehensive, active day with a mix of beaches, waterfalls, and nature, the Samoa Apia Shore Excursion hits just the right spot.

Finally, if privacy and bespoke experiences are your priority, the Private Samoa Island Tour offers a truly personalized day with a dedicated guide.

Booking early is advisable, especially for private tours, to secure your preferred times and arrangements. Consider the cruise schedule, and plan to arrive at the port well before your ship departs, leaving plenty of time for your Samoa adventure.

Final Thoughts

Upolu offers a rich selection of cruise-friendly and private boat tours, each with its own personality. For a social, small-group outing, the Ultimate Upolu Highlights Tour provides a well-rounded experience. If cultural insight matters most, the Cruise Ship Island Tour with Tour Samoa is a reliable bet. For those craving privacy, the Private Samoa Island Tour** delivers exclusivity and flexibility.

Whatever your style, Samoa’s waters and shores will not disappoint. Just remember to book early, confirm your pick-up times, and enjoy this beautiful island paradise.