Port information & tips for Owaraha (ex Santa Ana Island)
Owaraha, formerly known as Santa Ana, is a hidden gem of the Solomon Islands and enchants visitors with its untouched beauty and deep-rooted Melanesian traditions. The remote island offers an authentic atmosphere where turquoise waters meet lush greenery and the warm hospitality of the inhabitants. Cultural highlights include the intricately carved Spirit Houses with their ritual artifacts and canoes, as well as the impressive traditional warrior dances in the villages of Gupuna and Natagera. Expedition cruise ships anchor in the picturesque bay and use the landing site directly on the beach of Gupuna for their tender boats. Thanks to this direct connection, travelers reach the village center and the most important sights within a few minutes' walk, allowing for an immediate immersion into island life.
Traveling to the remote cruise port of Owaraha (formerly Santa Ana Island) in the Solomon Islands is an expedition in itself, as the island has no tourism infrastructure of its own and, as a pure tender port, can only be reached by Zodiac or ship's tender. There is no permanent terminal or pier here.
Airplane
Primary travel from the DACH region is via Honiara International Airport (HIR) on Guadalcanal, which serves as the main gateway to the Solomon Islands. There are no direct long-haul flights from Europe; instead, guests typically travel with stopovers, for example via Brisbane (Australia) or Nadi (Fiji). Due to the long flight duration, an overnight stay in Honiara is recommended to start the onward journey rested. The airport is located only about 8 kilometers east of the capital Honiara and is easily accessible from there by taxi.
Transfer & Local Connections
From Honiara, you can either take a domestic flight with Solomon Airlines to Santa Ana Airport (NNB) on Owaraha or, alternatively, to Kirakira Airport (IRA) on the neighboring island of Makira. From Kirakira, the onward journey to Owaraha is by motorized canoe, a crossing of approximately 73 kilometers. Please note that the baggage limit for domestic flights can be around 16 kilograms per person. Since Owaraha is a pure tender port, cruise passengers are taken by Zodiacs or the ship's own tenders from the ship to Port Mary Beach. On the island itself, there are no roads or motorized land transport; all exploration is on foot or with locally organized canoes.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Traveling to the cruise port of Owaraha is hardly conceivable without a pre-cruise overnight stay in Honiara. A stay of at least one night in a hotel in Honiara is strongly recommended to recover from the long international journey, cushion potential flight delays, and prepare for the adventure. The capital offers various hotel options. Additionally, in Honiara, you have the opportunity to withdraw or exchange local currency (SBD), as Owaraha has no ATMs or options for card payment.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Traveling to the remote cruise port of Owaraha (formerly Santa Ana Island) in the Solomon Islands is an expedition in itself, as the island has no tourism infrastructure of its own and, as a pure tender port, can only be reached by Zodiac or ship's tender. There is no permanent terminal or pier here.
Airplane
Primary travel from the DACH region is via Honiara International Airport (HIR) on Guadalcanal, which serves as the main gateway to the Solomon Islands. There are no direct long-haul flights from Europe; instead, guests typically travel with stopovers, for example via Brisbane (Australia) or Nadi (Fiji). Due to the long flight duration, an overnight stay in Honiara is recommended to start the onward journey rested. The airport is located only about 8 kilometers east of the capital Honiara and is easily accessible from there by taxi.
Transfer & Local Connections
From Honiara, you can either take a domestic flight with Solomon Airlines to Santa Ana Airport (NNB) on Owaraha or, alternatively, to Kirakira Airport (IRA) on the neighboring island of Makira. From Kirakira, the onward journey to Owaraha is by motorized canoe, a crossing of approximately 73 kilometers. Please note that the baggage limit for domestic flights can be around 16 kilograms per person. Since Owaraha is a pure tender port, cruise passengers are taken by Zodiacs or the ship's own tenders from the ship to Port Mary Beach. On the island itself, there are no roads or motorized land transport; all exploration is on foot or with locally organized canoes.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Traveling to the cruise port of Owaraha is hardly conceivable without a pre-cruise overnight stay in Honiara. A stay of at least one night in a hotel in Honiara is strongly recommended to recover from the long international journey, cushion potential flight delays, and prepare for the adventure. The capital offers various hotel options. Additionally, in Honiara, you have the opportunity to withdraw or exchange local currency (SBD), as Owaraha has no ATMs or options for card payment.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Arrival on the charming island of Owaraha is easy and convenient, as the ship's own tender boats take you directly to the fine sandy beach. Thanks to the island's manageable size, the untouched surroundings can be explored wonderfully in a short amount of time.
On Foot
Exploring on foot is the ideal choice and leads you along natural paths directly to the main villages of Gupuna and Natagera. A walk between the settlements takes about 30 to 45 minutes and also provides fascinating insights into the local culture and the island's impressive spirit houses.
Traditional Outrigger Canoes
The locals use traditional outrigger canoes to get around on the water and often offer visitors the opportunity to experience the coastline in this original way. This authentic form of transport is a special experience and connects you directly with the maritime tradition of the Solomon Islands.
Tender Service
The transfer from the cruise ship to the shore is ensured by the ship's own tender boats, bringing you quickly to the central landing points on the beach. This service is perfectly coordinated and ensures a comfortable transition to the cultural performances and the warm welcome of the islanders.
To best enjoy the magic of the remote island of Owaraha, it is recommended to focus on exploring the vibrant island village and the centuries-old cultural traditions.
Gupuna Village
The island's main settlement delights visitors with its authentic atmosphere and offers a wonderful insight into the traditional everyday life of the Solomon Islands, thanks to warm encounters with the locals.
Kastom Houses
These impressive spirit houses fascinate with their intricate carvings and represent a cultural treasure that keeps the deep-rooted myths and ancestor worship of the island community alive.
Owaraha Coastline
The island's fine sandy beaches are ideal for relaxing hours under palm trees and, thanks to the short distances from the landing point, can be perfectly combined with a discovery tour through the colorful coral gardens in the turquoise water.
Gupuna Village and the Ritual Spirit Houses
The charming village of Gupuna welcomes cruise guests directly at the landing beach and offers an incomparable insight into the centuries-old traditions of the Solomon Islands. Especially worth seeing are the magnificent spirit houses with their detailed carvings, which reflect the deep spiritual connection of the islanders to the sea and create a mystical atmosphere. Thanks to the warm community, you can experience authentic warrior dances as well as excellent handicrafts, which are also perfect for purchasing unique handmade items. Ideally, visit the village directly after the first landing to experience the ceremonial welcome in its entirety and to start your relaxed return journey to the ship in the early afternoon.
Returning to the landing site on Owaraha is particularly straightforward thanks to the island's manageable size and the warm support of the villagers. Since your ship is anchored offshore, the central beach area near the main village of Gupuna serves as a safe meeting point for the tender boats.
Tender Boats and Transfer
The ship's own tender boats operate regularly between the landing beach at Gupuna and your cruise ship. Allow a little time for the short trip across the water and enjoy the direct view of the coastline while the staff accompanies you safely back on board.
On Foot
The paths on Owaraha are flat and lead through shady palm groves and well-maintained village structures directly to the shore. Thanks to the clear paths, you can comfortably reach the central meeting point from the cultural performance sites or the surrounding beaches in just a few minutes and can rely entirely on the friendly locals for orientation.
Local Accompaniment and Guides
Local guides accompany you from the sights and the spirit houses back to the beach and also ensure a smooth boarding process. This personal assistance guarantees you a punctual arrival at the meeting point and conveys a high degree of safety throughout your entire stay on land.
