Port of Pago Pago Live Cam

Natural Formation and Geographic Significance of Pago Pago Harbor

Geological Origins of the Inlet

Pago Pago Harbor is a quintessential example of a drowned volcanic crater that formed millions of years ago on the southeastern flank of Tutuila Island. As eruptive vents built up a volcanic cone, subsequent lava flows and pyroclastic deposits created a massive caldera. Over time, sea level rise and marine erosion flooded the caldera, producing the deep U‑shaped inlet known today as Pago Pago Bay. This volcanic crater harbor cuts nearly across the width of the island, offering unparalleled shelter from Pacific swells and making it one of the most protected — and strategically valuable — deepwater ports in the South Pacific.

Harbor Depth and Underwater Topography

With maximum depths exceeding 180 feet and an average channel depth around 100 feet, the Port of Pago Pago accommodates large commercial freighters, cruise ships, and naval vessels. Underwater surveys reveal steep caldera walls descending into a central basin, with dredged navigation channels extending from the harbor mouth past Fagatogo Wharf. These dredged channels are maintained on a regular schedule to prevent sediment infill, ensuring safe passage for modern Panamax-class vessels. The underwater topography also features seamount pinnacles and extinct lava tubes that now serve as habitats for diverse marine species.