Pangaimotu boat info

lord_stan07:38 UTC15 Sep 2013

Ok, let's get this sorted out for once and for all.

I missed the boat three times because of ridiculously varying information. I also met other disappointed travellers.

You will hear whatever you do but there's only one boat per day leaving at 11am and returning at 4pm.

As I never got there even this could be misinformation. But this is coming from a man who works at the cafe next to where the boat leaves so I'm assuming this to be correct.

It just never stops surprising how unorganised some things can be in the developing world. Why is there not a sign telling the information? I could've done it for them free.

watsoff15:44 UTC15 Sep 2013

Welcome to the South Pacific where disorganization is part of the charm :-)

wksamoa17:56 UTC15 Sep 2013

What would the sign say?
"Boat operated on Island Time" or
"The boat goes when the boat goes"

It would not be unusual if the boat would go, when there are enough passengers to make it worth going for the boat owner. At a certain time it will go anyway though, as there is a high chance of getting more than enough passengers for the return trip at the destination or the driver simply wants to get home. Many small ferries and even buses in Samoa are operating that way. So this boat might go at 11.00 am latest - but maybe earlier. Depending on how many people are there to go.

Yes, its part of the charm. But a ferry with a schedule and on time has a lot of its own charm too :-)

Edited by: wksamoa

nabanga03:50 UTC09 Oct 2013

The boat is operated by the island resort to bring customers over to spend money, and 11am is their regular time.
I have only been on sundays and they do both 11am and 1pm on sundays, usually on time as it is a scheduled trip that many local expats plan their day around. It pays to call them on the morning you want to go over to check. They will send the boat just for you if there are more than 2-3 people.

Pangaimotu boat info Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Tonga
lord_stan07:38 UTC15 Sep 2013	Ok, let's get this sorted out for once and for all. I missed the boat three times because of ridiculously varying information. I also met other disappointed travellers. You will hear whatever you do but there's only one boat per day leaving at 11am and returning at 4pm. As I never got there even this could be misinformation. But this is coming from a man who works at the cafe next to where the boat leaves so I'm assuming this to be correct. It just never stops surprising how unorganised some things can be in the developing world. Why is there not a sign telling the information? I could've done it for them free.
watsoff15:44 UTC15 Sep 2013	Welcome to the South Pacific where disorganization is part of the charm :-)	1
wksamoa17:56 UTC15 Sep 2013	What would the sign say? "Boat operated on Island Time" or "The boat goes when the boat goes" It would not be unusual if the boat would go, when there are enough passengers to make it worth going for the boat owner. At a certain time it will go anyway though, as there is a high chance of getting more than enough passengers for the return trip at the destination or the driver simply wants to get home. Many small ferries and even buses in Samoa are operating that way. So this boat might go at 11.00 am latest - but maybe earlier. Depending on how many people are there to go. Yes, its part of the charm. But a ferry with a schedule and on time has a lot of its own charm too :-) Edited by: wksamoa	2
nabanga03:50 UTC09 Oct 2013	The boat is operated by the island resort to bring customers over to spend money, and 11am is their regular time. I have only been on sundays and they do both 11am and 1pm on sundays, usually on time as it is a scheduled trip that many local expats plan their day around. It pays to call them on the morning you want to go over to check. They will send the boat just for you if there are more than 2-3 people.	3