Dive Site: The Passage

About The Passage

The Passage is a truly unique dive site in Raja Ampat, formed by a natural saltwater river flowing between the islands of Gam and Waigeo. This distinctive channel is renowned for its breathtaking above-water scenery, with towering limestone cliffs extending below the surface to create a dramatic underwater landscape. Diving here offers an unusual experience, as you drift through what feels like an extension of a terrestrial river, encountering both freshwater and saltwater marine life. The topography below the surface features shallow reefs, intricate caves, and intriguing caverns carved into the cliff sides. The floor of The Passage is characterized by sandy patches, lush soft coral growth, and impressive sea fans. While the site can be dived in calm conditions, the true adventure unfolds with the current, transforming the dive into a dynamic drift through this extraordinary environment. This constant flow of water brings nutrients, supporting a diverse ecosystem. Marine life here is a fascinating mix, adapted to the unique conditions. You'll find a wide array of macro critters, including numerous nudibranchs and various shrimp species, particularly in the sandy areas and within the protective mangrove roots. The soft corals and sea fans are vibrant, and with a keen eye, divers can spot rarer finds like ornate ghost pipefish and pygmy seahorses. While larger pelagics are less common here, the site excels in its unique topography and rich, smaller-scale biodiversity. Access to The Passage is typically via liveaboard, often as part of a broader Raja Ampat itinerary. The site is best experienced during the off-season or specific tidal conditions when currents can be either gentle enough for exploration or strong enough for an exhilarating drift. Diving here requires good buoyancy control, especially when navigating close to the walls and exploring the numerous crevices and overhangs.

Dive site facts: The Passage

Depth

3–18 m

Current

Mild to very strong

Water temperature

27–28°C

Entry

Tender

Level

Intermediate to Advanced

Dive type

Drift, macro, caverns

Region / port

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Coordinates

-0.42087, 130.56545

Conditions & Currents

Currents at The Passage are a defining feature, and can range from mild to very strong, reaching several knots. The site is a natural saltwater river between two islands, and the flow of water creates an exhilarating drift dive experience when the currents are robust. Dives are often planned to coincide with specific tidal states to optimize either exploration of caverns and swim-throughs in lighter currents, or a thrilling ride during stronger flows. Divers must be prepared for dynamic conditions and possess good buoyancy control. Negotiating entry and exit points in varying currents requires careful planning and coordination with the dive tender. Visibility can fluctuate depending on the current strength and recent rainfall, but the nutrient-rich water, regardless of clarity, supports abundant marine life.

Marine life & sighting chances

Nudibranchs

common

Shrimp species

common

Ornate ghost pipefish

occasional

Pygmy seahorses

occasional

Wobbegong sharks

occasional

Manta rays

December-April · rare

Soft coral

common

Sea fans

common

Reef sharks

rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at The Passage typically begins with a tender drop, often involving a negative entry to get quickly below the surface and into the current. The exact entry point depends on current conditions and the desired drift path. You'll descend to explore the varying depths along the natural channel, following the current as it guides you past sheer rock walls, intricate soft coral gardens, and impressive sea fans. The route often involves navigating through caves and swim-throughs when currents permit. Keep an eye out for macro life hidden within the cracks and crevices of the limestone and the sandy patches. The dive progresses along the channel, with the turning point determined by the length of the passage and your air consumption. The safety stop typically occurs near the end of the drift, often in a calmer area or against a section of the wall, before surfacing to meet the waiting tender.

Underwater photography

The Passage offers unique opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or wide-angle lens is ideal to capture the dramatic underwater topography, including the towering cliffs, extensive sea fans, and lush soft corals. The interplay of light filtering through the water into the caves and caverns can create stunning atmospheric shots. For macro enthusiasts, there's an abundance of subjects, from nudibranchs and various shrimp species to the elusive ornate ghost pipefish and pygmy seahorses. A macro lens will be essential for these smaller critters. Good buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing the delicate coral and stirring up sediment in the sandy areas. External strobes are highly recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of the soft corals and to properly light macro subjects in darker recesses.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Yeben Shallows

  Shallow reefs and garden eels

• Wofoh

  Black coral wall, macro life, wobbegong sharks

• Cape Kri

  High biodiversity, schools of fish, pelagics

• Manta Point Nusa Penida

  Known for manta ray sightings

• Manta Alley

  Frequent manta ray encounters

• TK3

  Raja Ampat central dive site

Getting there & logistics

Diving The Passage is typically part of a liveaboard itinerary exploring Raja Ampat. The primary international gateway for Raja Ampat is Sorong (SOQ) in West Papua, Indonesia. Travelers usually fly into Sorong via connecting flights from major Indonesian hubs like Jakarta (CGK) or Makassar (UPG), or directly from certain international destinations. From Sorong, liveaboards depart for multi-day trips, ranging from one to two weeks, exploring the archipelago's diverse dive sites including The Passage. A Raja Ampat Marine Park Entry Permit (approximately USD $100) is required for all divers, valid for one calendar year. This site is commonly combined with other iconic Raja Ampat locations like Misool and Dampier Strait to offer a comprehensive diving experience.

Safety & environment

For diving in Raja Ampat, including The Passage, comprehensive dive insurance covering emergency medical care and evacuation is strongly recommended, as medical facilities are extremely limited and evacuation to a major city like Jakarta or Singapore would be necessary for serious incidents. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Makassar, a considerable distance away. Divers should maintain excellent buoyancy control, especially given the potentially strong and unpredictable currents at The Passage, and avoid contact with the fragile coral and rock formations. Always follow your dive guide's instructions regarding entry, exit, and dive plan. While generally safe, the remote nature of Raja Ampat means self-reliance and preparedness are key.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

The Passage FAQ

Liveaboards diving The Passage

These liveaboards may visit The Passage on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

$274/day

Ecopro Duyung Baru

Indonesia

6 guests27 m

$361/day

Jaya

Indonesia

14 guests23 m

$280/day

Wellenreng

Indonesia

9 guests25 m

$427/day

Komodo Aggressor

Komodo, Indonesia

16 guests29 m

$312/day

Blue Manta

Indonesia

20 guests45 m

Mari

Indonesia

14 guests32.2 m

$328/day

Situju7

Komodo, Indonesia

10 guests32.7 m

$362/day

Pindito

Indonesia

16 guests37.79 m

$533/day

Mermaid II

Komodo, Indonesia

18 guests

$355/day

Pearl of Papua

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

14 guests30 m

$303/day

Putri Naga

Komodo, Indonesia

6 guests25 m

$223/day