The Passage - Raja Ampat

Dos Amigos Pequeño is one of those spots that just sticks with you. It’s got these two rocky islets, sure, but what really grabs you are the arches and tunnels beneath the surface. We always drop in expecting big things, and Dos Amigos Pequeño rarely disappoints. We’ve drifted past schools of hammerheads here, sometimes hundreds strong, like a shimmering wall moving through the blue. What we particularly love, though, are the whitetip reef sharks. Find a good cave or overhang, settle in, and watch them pile up, dozens of them just stacked on top of each other, resting out of the current. It’s not uncommon to see a whale shark cruise by in the distance, a gentle giant adding to the already dramatic scene. You’ll definitely want to keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too, like the iridescent rainbow basslets flitting about or the quirky rounded batfish. It’s a site that rewards patience and a keen eye, perfect for divers who appreciate both the pelagic show and the intricate details of a vibrant reef.

Location
Raja Ampat, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-0.430600, 130.556200
Type
cave

Marine Protected Area: SUAKA ALAM PERAIRAN KEPULAUAN RAJA AMPAT DAN LAUT SEKITARNYA

Best Time to Dive in Raja Ampat

The warmest water temperatures in Raja Ampat occur in November, averaging 30.3°C. The coolest conditions are in July at 29.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.7°C
  • February: 29.4°C
  • March: 29.6°C
  • April: 29.9°C
  • May: 29.9°C
  • June: 29.7°C
  • July: 29.3°C
  • August: 29.4°C
  • September: 29.6°C
  • October: 30.0°C
  • November: 30.3°C
  • December: 30.1°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Raja Ampat

Nearest Dive Centres to The Passage

Marine Life in Raja Ampat

Home to 250 recorded species including 176 reef fish, 43 hard corals, 8 seagrass & algae, 5 sea cucumbers, 4 clams & mussels, 4 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for The Passage

Based on average water temperature of 29.7°C, currents 20 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 30°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 diving depth at The Passage dive site in Raja Ampat?
The maximum diving depth at The Passage in Raja Ampat is 17 meters. This makes it a relatively shallow dive, ideal for extended bottom times and observing macro life.
What kind of marine life and unique underwater features can divers expect to see at The Passage?
The Passage is a unique narrow canyon situated between Gam Island and Waigeo Island, making it an excellent spot for macro enthusiasts. Divers can expect to encounter a rich variety of marine life, including pygmy seahorses, flatworms, nudibranchs, sweetlips, stingrays, eels, turtles, sharks, angelfish, and groupers.
How challenging is diving at The Passage, particularly concerning currents and navigation through its unique topography?
Diving at The Passage is rated as intermediate difficulty, primarily due to potentially strong currents. Divers might experience currents so intense they "feel like flying in a river" as they navigate this narrow canyon between Gam Island and Waigeo Island.
What is considered the best time of year to dive The Passage in Raja Ampat for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive The Passage for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving in Raja Ampat, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications or experience levels are recommended to dive The Passage?
Given its intermediate difficulty, The Passage is recommended for divers with some prior experience. Divers should be comfortable with strong currents and navigating unique underwater topographies.
What are the typical current strengths and water temperatures experienced when diving The Passage?
Divers at The Passage can expect strong currents, described as feeling "like flying in a river." However, the provided data does not include information on typical water temperatures for this dive site.