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Bokissa Island WWII Remains
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Bokissa Island, a small emerald jewel located just south of Espiritu Santo, holds significant World War II relics that bear witness to the massive Allied military presence in the region. During the Pacific Theater, the island functioned as a strategic outpost and a rest and recuperation (R&R) area for American troops stationed at the nearby Segond Channel base. Hidden within its dense coastal jungles, one can still find rusted machinery, remnants of aircraft, and coastal defense fortifications. Historically, Bokissa was an integral component of the vast logistics network that supported the Allied offensive against Japanese forces to the north. Its geographical position offered a prime vantage point for monitoring the entrance to the channel, which was one of the busiest ports in the South Pacific between 1942 and 1945. Beyond its military legacy, Bokissa is renowned for its pristine marine environment and bustling coral reefs, some of which have encrusted submerged wartime artifacts. Today, the island operates as a private resort that actively preserves and integrates this wartime history into its cultural narrative. For historians and divers, Bokissa represents a unique intersection of tropical serenity and the enduring echoes of global conflict.
- Location: Vanuatu
- Nearby: Big Nambas Territory (59 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 272 | 274 | 271 | 272 | 183 | 162 | 116 | 105 | 109 | 151 | 175 | 170 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Bokissa Island is a private resort, but the WWII remains can be visited with special permission. You typically need to arrange a guided tour from Luganville or contact the resort in advance. Access is by boat, and the site is not freely open to the public.
Typical hours
Visiting hours are seasonal and tied to the resort's schedule. Typically there are no fixed opening hours; tours are arranged between 9 AM and 4 PM. Advance booking is essential.
Photography
Photography of the remains is generally allowed, but drones are discouraged due to privacy and respect for the site. Professional shoots require prior permission from the resort. Use the tropical natural light for atmospheric shots.
Time needed
Allow one to two hours to explore the remains on the island. The boat ride and a short walk to the sites require extra time. Best combined with a day trip from Luganville.
Combine with
Combine your trip with a visit to the Millennium Caves or the Bomber No. 2 Wreck near Luganville. A boat tour through the Segond Channel also reveals more WWII remnants.
Getting there
Bokissa is only accessible by boat, typically via organized tours from Luganville or nearby Espiritu Santo. Private access requires prior approval from the resort. For hiring a water taxi, contact local operators.
Insider tip
Book your visit well in advance as the island is private and only allows a limited number of day guests. Ask the resort for a brief historical introduction - the owners love sharing their knowledge about the remains.
Geography
Facts
- The island was part of the 'Button' base complex in WWII.
- Scattered anti-aircraft battery remains can be found on the island.
- Bokissa served as a vital lookout for the 2nd Marine Division.
- Submerged artifacts from the era are popular among snorkelers.
- The island's airstrip was planned but never fully completed.
- It is now a prime location for eco-tourism and historical tours.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Bokissa Island WWII Remains (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What exactly can be found on Bokissa island?
There are historical remains and equipment from the WWII era.
How do you get to the island?
Access is usually by boat from Espiritu Santo.
How much time should I allocate for a visit?
Plan for half a day to explore the relics.
Is there an entrance fee for the relics?
A fee for the boat or access to private property is often required.
Is the terrain suitable for children?
Yes, but caution is advised as the relics are old and sometimes sharp.
Bokissa Island WWII Remains: where is it located?
Bokissa Island WWII Remains is located in Vanuatu.
Bokissa Island WWII Remains: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Bokissa Island WWII Remains: why is it worth visiting?
Bokissa Island, a small emerald jewel located just south of Espiritu Santo, holds significant World War II relics that bear witness to the massive Allied military presence in the region.
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History & landmarks
Port Vila City Hall
The City Hall is the administrative center for the municipal government of the capital, Port Vila.
PBY Catalina Wreck
The wreck of a US PBY Catalina flying boat that sank in the Segond Channel during World War II.
SS President Coolidge
A former luxury liner and troop transport of World War II that sank in 1942 after hitting US mines.
SBD Dauntless Wreck
A US dive bomber that crashed off the coast of Espiritu Santo during World War II.
Million Dollar Point
A historic underwater graveyard off Espiritu Santo, where the US military dumped equipment after World War II.
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Aore Island WWII Relics
Remnants of US military facilities on Aore Island, which served as a recreational center during World War II.
Avenger Wreck
The underwater wreck of a US Navy TBF Avenger torpedo bomber located near Santo.
Luganville Airfield
A massive military airfield constructed by the US on Espiritu Santo during World War II.
Nature
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Bokissa Island Marine Reserve
A private island dedicated to preserving turtle nesting sites and protecting local dugong populations.
Aore Island Reefs
The coastal waters of Aore are rich in brain corals and provide habitats for diverse marine invertebrates.
Ratua Wildlife Reserve
Ratua combines sustainable tourism with the protection of wild horses and tropical bird species.
Malo Peak
Malo Peak is the highest elevation on the island of Malo.
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Riri Blue Hole
Riri Blue Hole is accessible via a shallow river creek rich in mangroves and riparian vegetation.
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Matevulu Blue Hole
Matevulu is one of the largest blue holes on Santo, known for its lush mangroves lining the banks.
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Circe Blue Hole
A lesser-known blue hole distinguished by its deep sapphire color and surrounding undisturbed wilderness.
Oyster Island Mangroves
This small island near Santo hosts an important ecosystem for oysters and other shellfish within its mangroves.
More places
SS President Coolidge Wreck
The wreck of this luxury liner, sunk during WWII, is one of Vanuatu's most famous historical landmarks.
SS President Coolidge Reef
The wreck of the SS President Coolidge is now a massive artificial ecosystem for marine life off Espiritu Santo.
Million Dollar Point Reef
US military equipment dumped after WWII has created a unique artificial reef with high marine biodiversity.
Pekoa Cargo Center
The logistics facility at Pekoa Airport on Espiritu Santo supports the export of northern agricultural products.
Santo Meat Packers
The primary meat processing facility in Luganville, packing premium beef for export to markets like Japan.
Luganville Wharf
The country's second-largest port on Espiritu Santo, serving as a hub for exporting copra, beef, and cocoa.
Pekoa Airport Terminal
The Pekoa Airport terminal serves Luganville and the island of Espiritu Santo.
Santo War Memorial
This memorial in Luganville honors those who served on Espiritu Santo during World War II.