grande passe - Loyalty Islands

Les Gorgones on Moorea is where we send photographers, especially those who appreciate the smaller, more intricate scenes. Dropping down, you're immediately struck by the sheer density of growth on the wall. Think orange and violet gorgonians, so many they practically overlap, with black coral snaking around them. It's a busy, colourful tapestry, almost overwhelming at first glance. Spend some time here just drifting and looking closely. We've seen fat orbicular batfish hovering almost perfectly still in the slight current, and trumpetfish often hang vertically, blending into the coral. Our pick for a good encounter here is finding the blue parrotfish; their vibrant scales really pop against the deeper purples and oranges. Visibility often hits 30 metres, which gives the whole scene a really clear, crisp feel, even at 25 metres. We'd suggest aiming for a late morning dive when the light penetration really makes the colours sing.

Location
Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia, Australasia
Coordinates
-20.835900, 165.381300
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Povilla Forest Reserve

Best Time to Dive in Loyalty Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Loyalty Islands occur in February, averaging 28.2°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 24.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.9°C
  • February: 28.2°C
  • March: 28.1°C
  • April: 27.6°C
  • May: 26.3°C
  • June: 25.4°C
  • July: 24.7°C
  • August: 24.2°C
  • September: 24.5°C
  • October: 25.2°C
  • November: 26.4°C
  • December: 27.6°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Loyalty Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to grande passe

Marine Life in Loyalty Islands

Home to 129 recorded species including 93 reef fish, 11 sea cucumbers, 9 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 clams & mussels, 4 sharks & rays, 3 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for grande passe

Based on average water temperature of 26.3°C, currents 10 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving in Grande Passe?
The maximum depth for diving at Grande Passe is 21 meters. Divers can explore the main plateau and pinnacles, which are covered in gorgonians, within this depth range.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to encounter at Grande Passe?
At Grande Passe, divers will be amazed by pinnacles covered in a dense forest of gorgonians. Keep an eye out for a variety of marine life, including blacktip and whitetip sharks, grey sharks, tunas, jackfishes, and barracudas. You can learn more about these species in our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving in Grande Passe, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
Diving at Grande Passe is considered an intermediate difficulty dive. Getting in and out of the water can be tricky due to currents, so it is best suited for divers comfortable with these conditions rather than all experience levels.
What are the best months or seasons to dive Grande Passe for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
Information regarding the best months or seasons to dive Grande Passe for optimal conditions and marine encounters is not available in our current data. For general guidance on dive seasons, please visit our when to dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required or recommended for diving Grande Passe?
Our current data does not specify the exact scuba diving certifications required or recommended for diving Grande Passe. Given its intermediate difficulty, it's always best to consult with local dive operators regarding specific certification requirements before planning your trip.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like when diving Grande Passe?
At Grande Passe, divers should be prepared for currents that can carry you along depending on the tide, making entry and exit potentially tricky. Despite this, the site boasts excellent average visibility of 29 meters, offering clear views of the underwater landscape.