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Kennedy Island: WWII History & Private Snorkel in the Slot

Swim ashore to the tiny island where JFK survived his WWII PT-109 sinking, then snorkel technicolour reef untouched by mass tourism. One of the Pacific's most charged historical encounters.

What to expect

A short speedboat ride from Gizo brings you to the tiny palm-fringed islet where Lieutenant John F. Kennedy swam ashore after the PT-109 was rammed and sunk in 1943. Your local guide walks you through the full wartime story on the beach before you slip into gin-clear water above shallow bommies alive with parrotfish and clownfish. After snorkelling, a freshly prepared Solomon Islands lunch can be arranged on the shore. The return journey follows the same legendary coastline JFK once desperately navigated.

Book it with
Gizo Hotel (official tours & boat charters)
SBD 800–1,200 per boat (private charter, up to 4 pax); approx USD 110–165
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Good to know

Book the private charter directly with Gizo Hotel at least 48 hours in advance. Journey is ~20 minutes each way. Allow 3–4 hours total, well within a typical all-aboard window. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag for valuables, and snorkel gear (hotel can provide).

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Gizo — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Seabourn · Seabourn Pursuit
22 nights · calls at Gizo
from $24,224
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