The Passage is one of the most famous dive sites in Raja Ampat and is known for its fjord like characteristics. Found between the islands of Waigeo and Gam, the channel is around 25 metres wide and its main section is 5 metres deep. The passage snakes its way into the forest of the two islands with tree canopies lining either side. With its wonderful soft corals and its many underwater tunnels, pools, and passages, it is a magic place to dive.
The water that flows through the channel is drawn in by the tides, bringing nutrients with it and allowing marine life to flourish in the area. The tree canopies and limestone cliffs above the water make it a really beautiful and unique dive. The depth of the passage falls to around 35 metres but divers can expect to dive at around 10 metres. There are many passages and tunnels for divers to explore and these often lead to underwater pools that have further nooks and crannies waiting to be explored.
Divers can find amazing bright orange sea fans and large purple sponges. There are also many sea squirts, sea pens, and hydroids. The site is an underwater photographers dream as the sunlight slants down into the water and the sky and sea mirror each other creating amazing panoramic shots. Divers can see schools of barracuda, tuna, and jacks and Wobbegong sharks are common. Cuttlefish, pygmy seahorses, flatworms, and octopus are easily spotted and there are some resident turtles. The rare archer fish is also spotted here.
If you went to Raja Ampat and Dampier Strait region and you did not dive on The Passage, then you have definitely missed something, and you need to go back!
The Passage is the most mysterious, the most intriguing dive sites I discovered.
It is in the middle of the mangrove, which is something different from the other dive sites of the area.
Once underwater, we started our descent and quickly get closer from the rocky wall.
Following my guide, I quickly saw him entering in a hole and disappearing! I followed him and I ended up in a cave open on the top, in the middle of the jungle!
But this was just the beginning. Once we went out the cave, then came the action. I just moved forward by a meter, and I have been taken by the current. Then I just needed to let me drifted and enjoy the show!