Alofi Passage (Passe d'Alofi) - Futuna & Alofi

50m Max

30-55m Vis

boat

Site Overview

Alofi Passage, or Passe d'Alofi, is the powerful channel that separates Futuna from the uninhabited island of Alofi, and it is one of the most exciting drift dives in the territory. The tidal flow funnels between the two volcanic islands, accelerating into a highway for pelagics: dogtooth tuna, mackerel, grey reef sharks and huge schools of trevally, with the realistic but rare possibility of black marlin and reef mantas gliding through the blue. Depths reach about 50 m with an average near 25 m, and visibility can stretch past 50 m in the dry season. The passage is a true advanced drift, with strong current, surge against the walls and limited shallow refuge, so it suits experienced divers comfortable with negative entries and surface marker buoys. Access is by private boat from Leava, and with no dive centre the site is completely untouched. For pelagic hunters, Alofi Passage is the thrilling, current-charged heart of the Futuna & Alofi - Volcanic Walls & Seamounts region and a genuine expedition highlight. With tuna and trevally ripping through the current and the blue beyond holding the promise of mantas and marlin, the passage is the thrilling, current-charged soul of diving between Futuna and Alofi.

Dive Briefing

"The dive at Alofi Passage begins with a careful skipper briefing on the tide, because the channel between Futuna and Alofi can run a powerful drift at peak flow. The boat positions at the entrance and the group rolls in together for a negative or controlled descent to around 20 m. The current then accelerates through the passage, and divers drift with the flow as dogtooth tuna, mackerel and trevally stack in the current, grey reef sharks patrol the walls and mantas or marlin may appear in the blue. The maximum depth reaches about 50 m while the average sits near 25 m, so a computer and disciplined gas planning keep the profile safe. The guide uses a reef hook for a stationary look, and the group deploys a surface marker buoy for the safety stop so the boat can track them in the swell. Because there is no dive centre, all gas and emergency planning are self-provided; the passage is best dived from May to October when surface conditions are calmest, and a streamlined, current-aware dive rewards the patient observer with spectacular pelagic action."