Arno Pass (North & South Passes) - Arno Atoll

40m Max

20-45m Vis

boat

Site Overview

Arno Pass (North & South Passes) is one of the most celebrated dive sites in Arno Atoll, deep, current-swept channels at Arno with grey reef sharks, whitetip sharks, eagle rays, dogtooth tuna and barracuda tornadoes, an advanced drift dive. The site is defined by deep, current-swept north and south channels at Arno, funnelling rich water past the reef, creating an underwater landscape that rewards divers with every visit. Grey reef and whitetip sharks, eagle rays, dogtooth tuna and spinning barracuda tornadoes fill the blue. Water clarity in this part of the Marshall Islands is frequently excellent, with visibility often extending well beyond 20 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 Arno Pass (North & South Passes) 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 the Marshall Islands, and Arno Pass (North & South Passes) 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. Arno Pass (North & South Passes) deserves a place on any serious Pacific diving itinerary, offering a genuine taste of the untouched beauty that makes Marshall Islands diving so highly regarded internationally. Regular visitors note that the marine life here, including grey reef shark, whitetip reef shark, spotted eagle ray, dogtooth tuna, great barracuda, bigeye trevally, makes every descent memorable.

Dive Briefing

"The dive at Arno Pass (North & South Passes) begins with a controlled entry and a short transfer from the nearest base, with the guide giving a full briefing on the site layout, expected marine life and emergency procedures. Descending toward deep, current-swept north and south channels at arno, funnelling rich water past the reef, divers are immediately surrounded by grey reef shark, whitetip reef shark, spotted eagle ray, dogtooth tuna, with the reef revealing more detail the closer you look. The maximum depth reaches about 40 metres, while the average depth sits near 25 metres, so gas planning and a dive computer keep the profile safe and comfortable. Currents are described as strong, and the guide chooses the entry time to make the most of slack or mild flow, using a reef hook or DSMB when needed. The topography offers natural swim-throughs and ledges that shelter larger animals, and the open water above the reef often holds cruising pelagics. Throughout the dive, neutral buoyancy protects the fragile coral, and the group stays close to the guide to manage depth and any surge. The safety stop is completed in open water on a DSMB, and the boat follows the bubbles to collect divers at the exit point for a relaxed return to base. Dive the pass on a planned slack-to-current window for the most dramatic shark and tuna action"