Plizio Visual Lab
Ferguson Passage
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
battlefield
Weather…
Water temperature…
Ferguson Passage, a narrow waterway near Gizo in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands, is historically renowned as the site of the PT-109 disaster during World War II. On the night of August 2, 1943, the torpedo boat commanded by Lieutenant John F. Kennedy was rammed and sliced in half by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri while patrolling these treacherous waters. The surviving crew members were forced to swim through the passage's strong currents to reach the safety of nearby deserted islands, including what is now known as Kennedy Island. The passage was a high-traffic area for the "Tokyo Express," the Japanese supply runs to their garrisons, making it a frequent site for naval skirmishes. The eventual rescue of the crew, aided by Solomon Islander scouts Biuku Gasa and Eroni Kumana, remains one of the most enduring stories of heroism and survival in American military lore. Today, Ferguson Passage is a popular destination for divers and history enthusiasts, offering a direct connection to a defining moment in the life of the 35th U.S. President.
- Location: Solomon Islands
- Nearby: Mbabanga Island (5 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
Visiting
The maritime passage can be visited by boat year-round; as an open water area with historical significance, it is best experienced by traversing it during a guided tour.
Typical hours
Being an open waterway, there are no official operating hours; however, boat tours typically take place during daylight hours when visibility and weather conditions are favorable.
Photography
Photography is permitted without any restrictions; using a waterproof camera or secure housing is highly recommended to safely capture the surrounding islands and shimmering water.
Time needed
Traversing and viewing the passage by boat generally takes about one to two hours, depending entirely on the specific route of your booked tour and the traveling speed.
Combine with
An excursion here perfectly combines with a visit to the nearby islands of the Western Province, where additional World War II relics and historical remnants can be explored.
Getting there
Access is typically achieved by chartered boat or water taxi from the larger settlements in the region; making prior arrangements with local transport providers is essential.
Insider tip
Read up on the historical route of PT-109 beforehand to better understand the significance of the nighttime operations and fully appreciate the historical dimension of the site.
Geography
Facts
- The collision between PT-109 and Amagiri occurred at approximately 2:00 AM.
- Ferguson Passage is located between the islands of Gizo and Kolombangara.
- John F. Kennedy swam for miles in the passage while towing an injured crewman.
- Tidal currents in the passage can exceed 3 knots, complicating night navigation.
- The coconut shell used to summon help was later kept as a paperweight by President Kennedy.
- The remains of PT-109 were discovered in the vicinity by Robert Ballard in May 2002.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is the passage important?
Significant area for underwater history.
Is it for beginners?
No, only for experienced divers.
How deep is it?
Varies, sometimes very deep.
Are there sharks?
Yes, possible in the reefs.
When to visit?
Visibility is usually good.
Ferguson Passage: where is it located?
Ferguson Passage is located in Solomon Islands.
Ferguson Passage: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Nov, Dec.
Ferguson Passage: why is it worth visiting?
Ferguson Passage, a narrow waterway near Gizo in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands, is historically renowned as the site of the PT-109 disaster during World War II.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Oceania
More places in Solomon Islands →
Nearby cities
Honiara
The capital of the Solomon Islands is located on the north coast of Guadalcanal.
Point Cruz Business District
This district in Honiara is the commercial heart of the country.
🗺️
Kokumbona
A former village west of Honiara that served as the headquarters for the Japanese 17th Army during the Guadalcanal campaign.
Gizo
Gizo is the administrative center of the Western Province and is known for its tourism importance.
Gizo Town
The administrative center of the Western Province.
Maru
Maru is a coastal community near Gizo, known for its traditional fishing practices.
Buala
Buala is the capital of Isabel Province, located on the Maringe Lagoon.
Lambeti
A village near Munda that was the scene of heavy fighting as Allied forces advanced toward the Munda airstrip in 1943.
Munda
Munda is the largest settlement on the island of New Georgia.
🗺️
Munda Logistics Center
Munda on New Georgia Island serves as a strategic logistics hub.
Taro Island Trade Post
Taro Island is the capital of Choiseul Province.
Taro
Taro is the capital of Choiseul Province, located on a small island in Choiseul Bay.
Mbabanga Island
A picturesque island near Gizo, famous for its luxury resorts, tranquil lagoons, and excellent snorkeling opportunities.
🗺️
Kukudu
Kukudu is a well-known Seventh-day Adventist settlement on Kolombangara Island.
Ringgi Cove
Ringgi Cove is a settlement on the west coast of Kolombangara, serving as a base for forestry operations.
History & landmarks
Honiara City Council
The city council's administrative building is the hub of Honiara's local government.
🗺️
Nusatupe Island
An island just off Gizo that served as an airstrip in WWII and is now the primary airport for the Gizo region.
Gizo Central Market
The market in Gizo is known for its lively atmosphere and fresh fish sold directly from canoes.
Kennedy Island
John F.
Kennedy Island (Kasolo)
A small island near Gizo where John F.
Simbo Island
An active volcanic island formerly known as a major regional trading hub and center for ritual headhunting culture.
Nature
More places
Noro
Noro is a major industrial town in the Western Province known for its deep-water port.
Choiseul Bay
Choiseul Bay is the main port and entry point for Choiseul Province in the country's northwest.
🗺️
Fatima Cathedral, Gizo
The cathedral in Gizo is a central religious landmark in the Western Province.
Fatima Statue, Gizo
The statue of Our Lady of Fatima in front of the cathedral in Gizo is a well-known religious monument in the town.
🗺️
Gizo Trade Port
Gizo is the primary commercial hub in the western Solomon Islands.
Kennedy Memorial
A memorial plaque on Kasolo Island marking the spot where JFK and his crew took refuge after the sinking of PT-109.
Blackett Strait
A strait between Kolombangara and the Arundel Islands.
Kolombangara Forest Station
The station directs the sustainable reforestation projects on the island.