Port information & tips for Nendö (Santa Cruz Islands)
Nendö is the largest and most fascinating island of the Santa Cruz Islands within the Solomon Islands and welcomes travelers as an untouched paradise in the South Pacific. The island impresses with its dramatic volcanic landscapes and a deeply rooted Melanesian culture, which is reflected in authentic traditions and warm hospitality. Special highlights include visiting traditional Tepukei sailing canoes, hiking through dense rainforests, and excursions to the picturesque nearby coral reefs. Cruise ships mostly use the Lata Wharf in the main town of Lata, which, thanks to its central location, offers convenient and direct access to local markets, small shops, and the original lifestyle of the islanders.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
Nendö in the Santa Cruz Islands is a remote and authentic cruise destination in the Solomon Islands. Travel for guests from the DACH region is primarily by plane, as road or rail connections are not relevant for international travelers. Due to the long travel times and limited flight frequency, a pre-cruise stay is strongly recommended.
Airplane
Travel to Nendö is usually via international flights to Honiara International Airport (HIR) on Guadalcanal, the capital of the Solomon Islands. From Honiara, Solomon Airlines offers domestic flights to Luova Airport (SCZ) in Graciosa Bay near Lata on Nendö, typically on Tuesdays and Fridays. The flight time from Honiara to Santa Cruz is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Onward Travel & Transfers
From Luova Airport (SCZ) in Lata, there are no established public transportation systems in the Western sense. Transfers to embarkation points or local accommodations on Nendö are mostly carried out via local vehicles or on foot. For exploration along the coast or to nearby islets, motorized canoes ("banana boats") are the usual means of transport. Prices should be negotiated in advance.
Pre-Cruise Stay
Due to the remoteness of Nendö and the infrequent flight connections, a pre-cruise stay in Honiara and/or directly on Nendö is strongly recommended. On Nendö itself, there are no formal hotels; instead, simple guesthouses, church accommodations, or arrangements with local families are available. A stay the day before embarkation allows for a relaxed arrival and adjustment to the local time.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as berthing and departure times may change at short notice.
