Ghizo - Kennedy Island Dive Site — Solomon Islands
About Ghizo - Kennedy Island
Kennedy Island (Plum Pudding Island) is where young Lieutenant John F. Kennedy and his surviving crew swam ashore after their PT-109 torpedo boat was rammed and sunk by a Japanese destroyer in August 1943. The surrounding reef slopes gently from 5-18m, offering beautiful coral gardens with healthy table corals, staghorn thickets, and brain corals. Hawksbill and green turtles frequent the area, and the shallow reef top hosts colourful nudibranchs and anemonefish. The historical significance adds a unique dimension — local guides can point out the exact channel where PT-109 sank and recount the remarkable survival story. A mellow, reflective dive combining natural beauty with living history.
Site Information
- Depth: 5–18 m
- Difficulty: beginner
- Site type: Reef
- Current: Mild
- Best time: Year-round
- Region: Solomon Islands
Highlights
- WWII History
- Coral Gardens
- Turtles