Port information & tips for Gizo (Ghizo)
Gizo, the charming capital of the Solomon Islands' Western Province, presents itself as a hidden tropical jewel in the heart of the South Pacific. Its idyllic location on turquoise lagoons promises an authentic island flair with lush vegetation and remarkably warm hospitality. Unforgettable highlights in the immediate vicinity include the lively Gizo Market right on the shore as well as the historic Kennedy Island, which is easily accessible via a short boat ride. In addition, the fascinating shipwreck of the Toa Maru attracts snorkelers and divers to the fish-rich coral gardens. Cruise ships use the central Gizo Town Wharf or the local tender pier, meaning the bustling main street and local shops are directly and comfortably accessible on foot in just a few steps.
Gizo, the charming capital of the Western Province of the Solomon Islands, is a less frequented but authentic port of call for cruise ships. The ship usually anchors offshore, and passengers are transferred by tender boats to the small pier directly in the heart of the city.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region typically involves a long-haul flight to Honiara International Airport (HIR), the main airport of the Solomon Islands. From Honiara, you can take a domestic flight with Solomon Airlines to Gizo Airport (GZO), also known as Nusatupe Airport. This is located on the small neighboring island of Nusatupe, making the arrival your first island experience.
Transfer to the Port
A scenic boat transfer is required from Nusatupe Airport (GZO) to Gizo itself, as the airport is located on an offshore island. A short, approximately 10- to 15-minute boat ride takes you directly to the town of Gizo and the pier, from where you can easily reach the tender pier for your cruise ship. Resorts on the surrounding islands also organize boat transfers.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long international flights, an overnight stay in Gizo or one of the nearby island resorts is strongly recommended before embarkation to start your cruise adventure relaxed. There are various accommodations, such as the Gizo Lodge or the Fatboys Resort, which are often located directly on the water and offer a relaxed atmosphere. This also allows you to discover the local culture before going on board.
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 travel to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Gizo, the charming capital of the Western Province of the Solomon Islands, is a less frequented but authentic port of call for cruise ships. The ship usually anchors offshore, and passengers are transferred by tender boats to the small pier directly in the heart of the city.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region typically involves a long-haul flight to Honiara International Airport (HIR), the main airport of the Solomon Islands. From Honiara, you can take a domestic flight with Solomon Airlines to Gizo Airport (GZO), also known as Nusatupe Airport. This is located on the small neighboring island of Nusatupe, making the arrival your first island experience.
Transfer to the Port
A scenic boat transfer is required from Nusatupe Airport (GZO) to Gizo itself, as the airport is located on an offshore island. A short, approximately 10- to 15-minute boat ride takes you directly to the town of Gizo and the pier, from where you can easily reach the tender pier for your cruise ship. Resorts on the surrounding islands also organize boat transfers.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long international flights, an overnight stay in Gizo or one of the nearby island resorts is strongly recommended before embarkation to start your cruise adventure relaxed. There are various accommodations, such as the Gizo Lodge or the Fatboys Resort, which are often located directly on the water and offer a relaxed atmosphere. This also allows you to discover the local culture before going on board.
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 travel to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Gizo is located right in the heart of the town, providing you with direct access to local sights and markets.
On Foot
The compact town center of Gizo can be easily explored on foot, and you can reach the colorful market as well as local shops within two to five minutes. A stroll along the waterfront also offers beautiful views of the turquoise water and the surrounding islands.
Banana Boats (Water Taxis)
These typical motorized canoes wait directly at the shore and take you comfortably to the paradisiacal neighboring islands or remote snorkeling spots. The drivers stand ready at the quay and, thanks to their local knowledge, organize individual excursions to destinations such as Kennedy Island or nearby resorts.
Taxi
Local taxis are available in the marketplace area and near the pier for trips across Ghizo Island. These vehicles are excellent for tours to more remote beaches or viewpoints while offering a comfortable option for a private island tour.
To make the most of your stay in Gizo, we recommend a combination of the lively hustle and bustle in the harbor center and exploring the surrounding, untouched island world.
Gizo Waterfront & Markt
The heart of the city impresses with its authentic market right on the shore and offers cruise guests the perfect opportunity to discover local handicrafts and exotic fruits amidst a colorful atmosphere.
Kennedy Island
This historically significant island is just a short boat ride from the harbor and, thanks to its crystal-clear water and the famous history of John F. Kennedy, is ideal for snorkeling and relaxing in a paradisiacal setting.
Saeragi Beach
The picturesque beach in the west of the island of Ghizo delights with its fine white sand and turquoise blue lagoons; additionally, the adjacent village offers a wonderful insight into the relaxed island life of the Solomon Islands thanks to its traditional construction.
Kennedy Island
The idyllic Kennedy Island, locally known as Kasolo, can be reached in just about fifteen minutes by boat directly from the pier in Gizo and impresses with its fine white sand as well as a vibrant coral reef right off the coast. This history-steeped location offers perfect conditions for snorkeling thanks to its crystal-clear water and is also ideally suited for travelers seeking a quiet oasis in the middle of untouched nature. On site, you can enjoy a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere and will mostly find small offerings for cool refreshments right under shady palm trees. It is best to set off in the morning to take advantage of the best underwater visibility, and plan the short boat trip back to the harbor at least ninety minutes before departure to conclude your stay in a relaxed manner.
The return journey to Gizo Wharf in the heart of the town is very straightforward and safe thanks to the manageable size of the place. Since cruise ships in Gizo usually lie at anchor, the central pier directly at the market is the fixed starting point for the tender boats back to the ship.
Water Taxis
If you have spent the day on one of the surrounding islands like Kennedy Island or at one of the resorts, water taxis will bring you directly back to the main pier of Gizo. These boats depart reliably from the piers of the resorts or the Gizo Waterfront Hotel and head directly for the central landing site.
On Foot
As the town center and the lively Gizo Market are immediately adjacent to the port area, you can easily reach the tender boats from most shops and cafés in just a few minutes. The path leads along the main road directly by the water and offers easy orientation, so you can find the pier relaxed at any time.
Taxis and Minibuses
For the return journey from more distant points on the island, taxis and local minibuses are available at the marketplace and in front of the larger guesthouses. Thanks to the short distances on the island, you will reach the port quickly and can start the final return trip to the ship punctually and without time pressure.
