Plizio Visual Lab

Blackett Strait

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

battlefield

Weather…

Blackett Strait is a strategically vital waterway located between Kolombangara and Arundel Islands in the Solomon archipelago. During World War II, it was a primary transit route for the Japanese 'Tokyo Express,' the high-speed nocturnal convoys used to resupply their garrisons. The strait gained international fame due to the sinking of the PT-109 on August 2, 1943, which was commanded by the future U.S. President John F. Kennedy. During a patrol in the pitch-black night, the Japanese destroyer Amagiri rammed the small torpedo boat, cutting it in two and leaving the crew stranded. Earlier, in March 1943, the strait was the site of the Battle of Blackett Strait, where U.S. naval forces successfully ambushed and sank two Japanese destroyers. Known for its challenging currents and deep waters, the strait remains a significant site for naval history and underwater exploration, housing numerous wartime shipwrecks.

Location: Solomon Islands
Nearby: Mbabanga Island (7 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Nov, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	28	28	28	28	28	28	28	27	28	28	28	28
Rain mm	315	353	313	262	308	295	326	273	272	278	224	229

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The historic strait is entirely viewed from the water, often experienced from the deck of a boat as you transit through the scenic and historically significant waterway.

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Typical hours

Boat tours and transit journeys operate exclusively during daylight hours, as navigating the reef-studded waters after dark is generally considered unsafe for small vessels.

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Photography

Bring a telephoto lens to capture the distant shores of Kolombangara and Arundel Islands, and a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the water during bright tropical afternoons.

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Time needed

A typical boat transit or dedicated historical cruise through the strait will take around two to four hours, depending on the speed of your vessel and the weather conditions.

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Combine with

This maritime journey pairs excellently with diving excursions to the nearby sunken wrecks or a land-based historical tour of the military installations on New Georgia.

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Getting there

The only way to experience the strait is by booking a specialized boat charter, joining a dive liveaboard, or taking a local ferry service that travels between the main islands.

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Insider tip

Keep a close eye on the water surface and weather conditions, as sudden tropical squalls can make the journey choppy; motion sickness medication is highly recommended for sensitive travelers.

Geography

Coordinates

-8.05000, 156.90000

Facts

PT-109 was rammed and sunk by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri on August 2, 1943.
Future President John F. Kennedy swam for miles to lead his crew to safety on nearby islands.
The Battle of Blackett Strait occurred on March 5, 1943, as a night engagement.
U.S. forces utilized superior radar technology to ambush the Japanese destroyers.
The Japanese vessels Murasame and Minegumo were destroyed during the 1943 battle.
The strait reaches depths of over 1,000 feet (300 meters) in certain sections.