Destination: Santa Cruz Islands, Solomon Islands
Introduction
The Santa Cruz Islands are the remote southeastern extremity of the Solomon Islands, lying close to Vanuatu's Banks Islands and forming a transitional zone between Melanesian Solomon Islands culture and Vanuatu. Lata on Nendo Island is the main administrative centre. The group includes Tinakula — an active volcano — and the remote Reef Islands with their unique indigenous canoe culture. Very few yachts visit this outstanding and rarely explored area.
GPS Coordinates
10° 43' 0.120"S 165° 46' 59.880"E
10 43 0.120S 165 46 59.880E
Protected Anchorages
Graciosa Bay at Lata (Nendo Island) is the main anchorage for the Santa Cruz group, in 8–15 m over sand and mud. The bay is sheltered from the prevailing southeast trades by the island. Carlisle Bay on the northwestern corner of Nendo offers good anchorage. The Reef Islands (Swallow Islands) have numerous anchorages in shallow lagoons — very shoal-draft vessels can explore extensively. Tinakula's anchorage requires awareness of the active volcano.
Customs Protocols for Visiting Yachts
There is a customs presence at Lata. Vessels should be cleared at Honiara before visiting the Santa Cruz group. The remoteness means officials are not always available immediately.
Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Vicinity
- No facilities. Lata has a government hospital, basic stores, and limited fuel by arrangement. Self-sufficiency is essential — provisions should be loaded in Honiara or Gizo.
Renowned Attractions
- Tinakula active volcano — one of the Pacific's few continuously active volcanoes, visible for miles at sea
- Reef Islands traditional canoe culture — unique navigational traditions and outrigger canoe building
- Traditional feather money (tevau) — unique Santa Cruz currency woven from red feathers, still exchanged in ceremonies
- Pristine diving on the Santa Cruz outer reefs — completely undived reef systems in exceptional condition
- Graciosa Bay exploration — mangrove channels and traditional fishing villages
Currency and Exchange Rate
Currency: Solomon Islands Dollar
Exchange Rate to USD
Nearby Yachting Destinations
Summary
The Santa Cruz Islands are among the most remote and rarely visited destinations in the South Pacific — a frontier cruising ground of extraordinary natural and cultural richness that rewards the well-prepared, self-sufficient sailor seeking true Pacific adventure.