The Passage Dive Site in Raja Ampat
Dive through the jungle river of the sea
Information about The Passage
The Passage, nestled between the islands of Waigeo and Gam in Raja Ampat, offers a dive experience unlike any other. Resembling a jungle river more than a typical ocean dive, The Passage combines the lushness of rainforest with the vibrancy of coral reefs. This narrow stretch of water, only 20 to 40 meters wide and about 1.6 kilometers long, provides divers with spectacular underwater scenery.
Divers can explore limestone walls adorned with orange soft corals, tunicates, and sea squirts. The currents flowing through The Passage bring in a variety of marine life, from flatworms and nudibranchs to blue-spotted rays and reef sharks. The site’s shallow depth, averaging 5 to 10 meters, makes it accessible for all experience levels while still offering exciting encounters with larger schools of fish at the ends of the channel.
Non-divers can enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding islands, with options for snorkeling, hiking, and bird-watching. The Passage is a destination that truly captures the essence of Raja Ampat’s unique marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Interesting facts about The Passage
Getting there: The best way to reach The Passage is by liveaboard, allowing you to fully explore this iconic site. Alternatively, you can fly into Sorong and take a boat from there.
Best time to visit The Passage: The ideal time to visit is during the dry season from October to April. Water temperatures range from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F), offering excellent diving conditions.
Diving Conditions: The Passage features depths from 5 to 15 meters with variable currents that can be brisk, providing shelter behind coral bommies. The diverse topography includes caverns and overhangs perfect for photography.
Our liveaboard trips: Several of our liveaboard vessels operate in this region, offering trips that typically last 7-10 days and include visits to other renowned Raja Ampat dive sites such as Melissa’s Garden and Cape Kri.
A little known fact: The Passage is often referred to as the “Jungle River of the Sea” due to its unique blend of rainforest and coral reef ecosystems, creating an otherworldly diving experience.
Pictures of The Passage
Possible Activities in The Passage
Diving
Snorkeling