The Passage

A narrow channel between Gam and Waigeo islands, only about 60 ft (20m) wide, “The Passage” is an extraordinary site, not only underwater, but also above! Approaching from the Kaboei Bay on first impression “The Passage” looks like a swiftly flowing river lined by dense rainforest. The entrance to “The Passage” is a maze of rock islands that the dive boat must wind its way through before entering the crevasse of towering rainforest. The shady conditions and swift currents create a unique, mysterious appearing environment where soft corals, sea fans and black corals grow almost to the surface.

Divers drop in up-current and drift down the long passage stopping in small bays where the water eddies and churns in circles. In these bays are nudibranchs, flatworms, blennies, octopus and many small creatures such as the Broadclub Cuttlefish. The common (in Raja Ampat) Wobbegong Shark can be found here too

 

 

 

 

Macro photographers can spend a dive or two on the shallow sandy bottom photographing the 5 or more species of shrimp gobies that pockmark the slope with their holes. The area is also a heaven for sponges and tunicates which make amazing macro photo objects.

 

An underwater arch and two caves are interesting features when the visibility and light are right. Out in the current, encounters with schools of fish, such as jacks, bump head parrotfish and black and white tip sharks, barracuda, turtles and rays are common. The area also has the banded sea snake and lots of the normally elusive archerfish.

Often at this site award winning photo’s are made. It is a favorite with the many professional photographers who were our guest and is mentioned in Asian Diver 101 Planets Coolest Dive list.

Sorong, Indonesia Office: Papua Diving Phone: +62 (411) 401 660 Fax:     +62 (411) 401661	Contact us	Worldwide Travel Agencies: See our reservations Page and Dive Travel Agency List for contact information

Home

© 2006, . All rights reserved. No one, for any reason, is permitted to copy the photos, graphics or text on these pages without written permission from Papua Diving, Write the webmaster to inquire for permission or information.