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PT Boat Base Sesapi
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The PT Boat Base at Sesapi on Tulagi Island was a vital operational hub for the U.S. Navy's Patrol Torpedo boats during the critical stages of the Solomon Islands campaign in World War II. Strategically positioned within the well-protected inlets of the Florida Islands, the base provided excellent concealment from Japanese reconnaissance and aerial bombardment. Established shortly after the Allied liberation of Tulagi in August 1942, Sesapi served as the primary launching point for nocturnal raids against the 'Tokyo Express,' the high-speed Japanese supply convoys heading to Guadalcanal. The base holds significant historical fame due to its association with Lieutenant John F. Kennedy, who commanded PT-109 and operated in these waters. The facility once consisted of makeshift repair docks, refueling stations, and jungle encampments for the sailors and support staff. Currently, the site features remnants of concrete pads, discarded machinery, and pier pilings reclaimed by the sea. Sesapi remains a poignant landmark for military historians, illustrating the tactical ingenuity and bravery of the small-boat crews in the South Pacific theater.
- Location: Solomon Islands
- Top sights: Battle of Tulagi and Gavutu-Tanambogo · Diocese of Central Solomons · Tulagi
- Nearby: Koli Point (31 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 29 |
| Rain mm | 284 | 282 | 271 | 215 | 201 | 187 | 195 | 167 | 169 | 193 | 194 | 218 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
PT Boat Base Sesapi on Tulagi is an outdoor ruins site where visitors can walk among old foundations and war relics. The site is open to the public, but it is rough terrain and partially overgrown.
Typical hours
The ruins are accessible during daylight hours; there are no gates or guards. The best time to visit is in the morning when the jungle is cooler and the light is good.
Photography
Photography is fully allowed at the ruins; the rusted metal and concrete remnants create evocative compositions. Watch your step while framing shots of the jungle-encased relics.
Time needed
Exploring the PT Boat Base ruins typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how thoroughly you investigate. The site is relatively compact but dense with scattered debris.
Combine with
Combine this site with the nearby PT Boat Base Remnants and other WWII relics on Tulagi, such as the old Japanese tunnels. A full day trip from Honiara via ferry allows you to see multiple sites.
Getting there
To reach Sesapi on Tulagi, take a ferry from Honiara to Tulagi (about 1 hour). From the Tulagi jetty, it's a short walk or taxi ride to the ruins on the eastern side of the island.
Insider tip
Wear long pants and sturdy shoes to protect against sharp metal scraps and insects. Bring a machete-like patience - some paths are narrow and require careful navigation.
Geography
Facts
- The base was constructed by the U.S. Navy Seabees in August 1942.
- John F. Kennedy was stationed at Tulagi and Sesapi in 1943.
- PT boats were famously nicknamed the 'Mosquito Fleet' due to their speed.
- The base utilized Purvis Bay for its naturally deep and sheltered anchorage.
- Several PT boat wrecks and parts are still located in the surrounding mangroves.
- The facility played a key role in the naval blockade of the central Solomon Islands.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town PT Boat Base Sesapi (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Sesapi PT boat base?
A former strategic outpost of the US Navy for patrol boats during World War II.
Can you see the remains today?
Yes, there are still foundations and occasionally old technology to be found.
Is the access free?
Yes, the area is accessible but not officially marked as a museum.
Do I need a guide for the search?
Yes, as the ruins are hidden in the vegetation, a local guide is helpful.
What is the weather like there?
Tropically hot and humid, bring enough water.
PT Boat Base Sesapi: where is it located?
PT Boat Base Sesapi is located in Solomon Islands.
PT Boat Base Sesapi: what is there to see?
Highlights include Battle of Tulagi and Gavutu-Tanambogo, Diocese of Central Solomons, Tulagi.
PT Boat Base Sesapi: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
PT Boat Base Sesapi: why is it worth visiting?
The PT Boat Base at Sesapi on Tulagi Island was a vital operational hub for the U.S.
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The remnants of the US PT boat base at Sesapi on Tulagi include old foundations and rusted jungle relics from the war.
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