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Rice Anchorage
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Rice Anchorage, located on the northern coast of New Georgia, was a crucial landing site for Allied forces during the opening phases of the New Georgia campaign in July 1943. The anchorage was selected as the primary staging area for an overland advance to capture the Japanese strongholds at Enogai and Bairoko Harbor. On July 5, 1943, elements of the U.S. 1st Marine Raider Regiment and Army infantry landed here under challenging conditions, facing narrow beaches and dense mangrove swamps. The subsequent march from Rice Anchorage proved to be an ordeal of endurance, as troops struggled through thick jungle and deep mud, which significantly slowed their progress. Despite the environmental obstacles, the landing established a vital foothold that allowed the Allies to disrupt Japanese communication and supply lines. Today, Rice Anchorage is a remote and tranquil spot accessible mainly by water, serving as a silent monument to the hardships faced by soldiers in the Solomon Islands theater.
- Location: Solomon Islands
- Nearby: Buni (10 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 | 301 | 349 | 309 | 241 | 266 | 261 | 307 | 247 | 251 | 255 | 213 | 228 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The historic landing site at Rice Anchorage can be visited by intrepid travelers, offering an unspoiled and evocative coastal landscape to explore. The area is completely open-air and lacks formal visitor infrastructure, so exploring the dense jungle and shoreline is at your own pace.
Typical hours
As a natural, remote coastal stretch, there are no official operating hours or entrance gates restricting access. However, visits should strictly be planned during daylight hours for safety, as navigating the surrounding waters and dense vegetation becomes highly dangerous after sunset.
Photography
Photography is entirely unrestricted here, allowing you to capture the striking contrast between the serene turquoise waters and the rugged, historically significant shoreline. Bringing a wide-angle lens is highly recommended to fully encompass the dramatic sweeping views of the bay and the encompassing dense jungle environment.
Time needed
You should generally allocate around one to two hours simply to walk along the historic anchorage and absorb the tranquil yet solemn atmosphere of the area. If you plan to hike further inland towards the sites of Enogai or Bairoko, expect the entire excursion to take at least half a day or longer depending on the challenging trail conditions.
Combine with
This visit is most logically combined with broader explorations of the New Georgia island group, particularly the nearby battlegrounds surrounding Enogai and Bairoko. You can also integrate this historical stop with world-class scuba diving or snorkeling excursions around the pristine coral reefs of the adjacent Roviana Lagoon.
Getting there
Reaching this remote anchorage typically requires hiring a local motorized boat from the main hubs in New Georgia, as overland routes are often non-existent or completely overgrown. It is strongly advised to arrange your transport through a knowledgeable local guesthouse or an experienced regional tour operator to ensure safe passage.
Insider tip
Be sure to carry plenty of drinking water, reliable insect repellent, and sturdy, water-resistant footwear for potential muddy landings and jungle walks. Because historical remnants are often swallowed by the dense jungle, hiring a local village guide will significantly enhance your chances of finding hidden wartime artifacts and understanding the terrain.
Geography
Facts
- The landing at Rice Anchorage commenced in the early hours of July 5, 1943.
- Approximately 2,600 Allied troops were put ashore during the initial operation.
- The march from Rice Anchorage to Enogai was delayed by nearly impassable swamp terrain.
- Japanese coastal guns on Kolombangara occasionally shelled the landing area.
- Small craft were used to shuttle supplies into the anchorage to support the inland advance.
- Rice Anchorage remains one of the most isolated historical sites in the New Georgia group.
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 in the town Rice Anchorage (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where did Rice Anchorage get its name?
It is named after an Allied officer from WWII.
What can you see there today?
It is primarily a historical bay without buildings.
Is the area developed for tourism?
No, it is a remote spot for history enthusiasts.
How do you get there?
Accessible only by boat, preferably with a local guide.
Is there a toilet there?
No, there are no sanitary facilities of any kind.
Rice Anchorage: where is it located?
Rice Anchorage is located in Solomon Islands.
Rice Anchorage: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Nov, Dec.
Rice Anchorage: why is it worth visiting?
Rice Anchorage, located on the northern coast of New Georgia, was a crucial landing site for Allied forces during the opening phases of the New Georgia campaign in July 1943.
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