How to Get to Aore Island from Luganville, Vanuatu

Aore Island sits just across the Segond Channel from Luganville, the main town of Espiritu Santo. That closeness makes reaching Lapita Beach far easier than most travellers expect — here is exactly how to get to Aore Island from Luganville, step by step.

1. Fly into Santo (Luganville)

Santo's airport (code SON) is the gateway to Aore. There are two straightforward ways in:

• Direct from Australia. Solomon Airlines flies Brisbane (BNE) to Santo twice a week — Thursdays and Saturdays — which lines up perfectly for a seven-night escape.
• Via Port Vila. Fly into Port Vila (VLI) and connect with Air Vanuatu's domestic service to Santo, with roughly two flights a day, six days a week. The hop takes about 50–70 minutes.

On arrival at Santo International Airport in Luganville, our team can arrange a private transfer to the ferry departure point. Just send us your flight details when you book.

2. Cross the channel to Aore Island

From Luganville it is a short, scenic boat ride across the channel to Aore Island. Lapita Beach operates its own dedicated ferry boat, so we meet your flight and bring you straight across — no waiting around and no logistics for you to solve.

We coordinate the crossing around your schedule, whether you are arriving for a day tour, a holiday stay, or a real estate inspection. Day-trippers are collected in the morning and returned in the afternoon; overnight guests are transferred seamlessly to their beachfront accommodation.

3. Arrive at Lapita Beach

Around ten minutes later you step onto the white sand of Lapita Beach — a private beachfront estate with the lagoon at your door and a private marine reserve off the shore. From here you can snorkel the reef before breakfast, relax on your veranda, or head out on a Nemo Bay tour.

A few practical tips

• Share your itinerary early. The single most helpful thing you can do is send your flight times when you book — it lets us line up transfers and any custom ferry timing.
• Travel light. Island life on Aore is informal; you will need far less than you think. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear, a hat and a dry bag for the boat.
• Confirm flights close to travel. Schedules can change, so check directly with Solomon Airlines or Air Vanuatu nearer your dates.

For the full breakdown of flights, transfers and timing, see our complete guide to getting to Aore Island. When you are ready, book your stay or tour and we will take care of the rest.