Palikir Pass - Pohnpei

Site Overview

Palikir Pass is one of the most celebrated dive sites in Pohnpei, an outer-reef channel with strong currents and schools of grey reef and silvertip sharks, tuna, barracuda and occasional hammerheads and sailfish, an advanced drift. The site is defined by an outer-reef pass cutting through the barrier reef, with a coral wall and strong current funnelling pelagics through the channel, creating an underwater landscape that rewards divers with every visit. Schools of grey reef and silvertip sharks, tuna and barracuda charge the pass, with hammerheads and sailfish seasonal and the wall alive with anthias. Water clarity in this part of the Federated States of Micronesia is frequently excellent, with visibility often extending well beyond 15 metres and a comfortably warm tropical temperature year-round. The combination of healthy hard and soft corals, nutrient-rich currents and sheltered reef systems makes Palikir Pass a reliable location for both macro photography and wide-angle encounters. Local dive operators run regular trips to the site from nearby bases, and the geography means conditions are suitable across a range of experience levels with appropriate guidance. Conservation is taken seriously throughout Micronesia, and Palikir Pass benefits from marine protection that keeps fish stocks high and coral coverage dense. Divers who plan their visit around the calm season will find the most predictable conditions, though the site can be enjoyed throughout the year. Palikir Pass deserves a place on any serious Pacific diving itinerary, offering a genuine taste of the untouched beauty that makes Micronesia diving so highly regarded internationally. Regular visitors note that the marine life here, including grey reef shark, silvertip shark, schooling tuna, schooling barracuda, hammerhead shark, sailfish, makes every descent memorable.