Dive Site: Palikir Pass

About Palikir Pass

Palikir Pass, located in Pohnpei, Micronesia, stands out as a premier dive site for its remarkable marine diversity and exhilarating drift diving opportunities. This channel, a natural gateway through the barrier reef, attracts a consistent population of grey reef sharks, making it a hotspot for pelagic action. The surrounding waters are rich in nutrients, supporting extensive coral formations and a thriving reef ecosystem. Diving here typically involves navigating dynamic currents that sweep through the pass, revealing a spectacular underwater landscape. The reef features dramatic drop-offs adorned with a variety of hard and soft corals. Beyond the pelagic encounters, divers can explore intricate coral gardens and inspect vibrant reef dwellers such as angelfish, butterflyfish, and nudibranchs. The site's healthy reef and abundant marine life are a direct result of Pohnpei's unique environment, characterized by high rainfall and lush tropical forests. These conditions feed nutrient-rich waters into the lagoon, fostering a diverse habitat for juvenile fish and attracting larger marine species. Palikir Pass is often integrated into broader dive itineraries that may include nearby atolls like Ant and Pakin, further enhancing the Micronesian diving adventure. Experienced divers find Palikir Pass particularly rewarding, especially during an incoming tide when the current brings in a greater influx of marine life. The clarity of the water, often exceeding 30 meters, allows for excellent viewing of the dramatic underwater scenery and its inhabitants.

Dive site facts: Palikir Pass

Depth

5–37 m

Current

Strong

Visibility

20–40 m

Water temperature

27–30 °C

Entry

Boat / back-roll

Level

Advanced recommended, current experience helpful

Dive type

Drift, pelagic, reef

Region / port

Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

Coordinates

6.91, 158.15

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Palikir Pass can be strong, particularly on an incoming tide when nutrient-rich waters are drawn into the channel, attracting a concentration of marine life. Divers should be prepared for drift diving conditions and have experience managing currents. The presence of strong currents is often a key factor in the site's appeal, as it enhances pelagic encounters, especially with the resident shark population. Visibility is typically excellent, ranging from 20 to 40 meters, even with varying currents. Entry usually involves a back-roll from a dive boat, with careful planning for an efficient exit that considers the current's direction. Thermoclines are generally not a significant issue, with warm water temperatures maintained year-round.

Marine life & sighting chances

Grey reef shark

common

White-tip shark

occasional

Eagle ray

occasional

Napoleon wrasse

occasional

Tridacna clam

common

Pink anemonefish

common

Orange-stripe triggerfish

common

Lemon-peel angelfish

common

Humphead bannerfish

common

Nudibranch

occasional

Schooling fusiliers

common

Green sea turtle

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Palikir Pass typically begins with a back-roll entry from the boat directly into the water. Following a thorough briefing, you will descend to the outer edge of the reef, aiming for a deep reef observation point around 37 meters. Here, you can observe the resident grey reef sharks in the channel, especially during an incoming tide. The dive progresses as you drift with the current through the pass, allowing the water movement to guide you past vibrant coral formations and schooling fish. You'll explore the reef wall, noting the various hard and soft corals and the diverse smaller reef inhabitants. The turn point is often dictated by air consumption and bottom time, after which you will gradually ascend, conducting your safety stop in the calmer, shallower sections of the pass before surfacing for boat pick-up.

Underwater photography

Palikir Pass offers fantastic opportunities for wide-angle photography, especially to capture the dramatic pelagic action, including schools of grey reef sharks and eagle rays. A wide-angle lens is essential for capturing the vastness of the pass and the density of marine life. Given the strong currents, stabilizing yourself with a reef hook is recommended to compose your shots effectively without disturbing the reef. For macro subjects like nudibranchs and smaller reef fish, a macro lens can be rewarding in the calmer areas of the reef. Utilize natural light in the clear waters, but consider a strobe for vibrant color rendition, especially in deeper sections or when shooting against the light. Maintain excellent buoyancy to avoid stirring up sediment or damaging delicate corals during your photo pursuits.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Mwand Wall

  A stunning wall dive with abundant corals and diverse reef fish.

• Kehpara Island

  Known for its marine protected area and vibrant reef life.

• Ant Atoll

  Offers pristine diving experiences with strong currents and large marine life.

• Black Coral Island

  Features good snorkeling and diving along its outer reef edge.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Pohnpei's dive sites, including Palikir Pass, typically involves flying into Pohnpei International Airport (PNI), with common routes via Guam or Honolulu. Dive centers in Kolonia provide guided dives, equipment rentals, and courses. Most reef sites are reached via short boat rides, though trips to outer atolls like Ant may require longer excursions. A typical diving itinerary might include several days of diving Pohnpei's main sites, with an optional day trip to Ant Atoll. There are no specific park fees mentioned for Palikir Pass itself, but it's advisable to confirm with your dive operator about any local charges.

Safety & environment

Diving at Palikir Pass, due to its strong currents and deeper sections, requires divers to be experienced and comfortable in such conditions. Adequate training and current experience are highly recommended. Always dive with a reputable local operator who understands the site's nuances and tides. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Guam, emphasizing the critical importance of proper dive planning, adherence to dive tables, and having comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency evacuation and medical treatment. Always carry a safety sausage and know how to deploy it. Stay with your dive guide and do not attempt to penetrate any areas without proper training and guidance.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Palikir Pass FAQ

Liveaboards diving Palikir Pass

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

Palau Siren

Micronesia

16 guests

$501/day

Solitude Gaia

Micronesia

18 guests40 m

$310/day

Palau Aggressor II

Micronesia

18 guests32 m

$292/day

Black Pearl

Micronesia

24 guests

$390/day

Ocean Hunter 3

Micronesia

16 guests29 m

$350/day

Pacific Master

Solomon Islands

20 guests30 m

$268/day