Palikir Pass
Reef pass on the west side of Pohnpei with strong currents and grey reef sharks, recommended for experienced divers; best dived on an incoming tide. Barracuda, Napoleon wrasse and bumphead parrotfish are seen along the pass. P-Pass is also a well-known surf break.
Facts
- Region: Micronesia – Yap, Pohnpei & Kosrae
- Area: Pohnpei (incl. Ant Atoll)
- Depth: 6–37 m
- Level: advanced
- Current: strong
- Type: channel, drift
- Coordinates: 6.935, 158.1 (approximate)
- Highlights: grey reef sharks, barracuda, Napoleon wrasse, bumphead parrotfish
- Permit: Diving inside Pohnpei's marine protected areas needs a state permit from the Division of Forestry and Marine Conservation. The 2014 MPA regulations list a non-resident snorkel/scuba user fee of US$5 (one time), US$10 (monthly) or US$30 (yearly), plus a separate boat registration fee, children 12 and under exempt; current amounts may differ. In practice the dive operator holds the permits. The Palikir MPA extends from the Palikir shore to Palikir Pass.
- Issuer / contact: Division of Forestry and Marine Conservation, Dept. of Land and Natural Resources (Pohnpei State)
- Website: https://www.pohnpei-adventure.com/mpa/
- issuer named in the 2014 MPA regulations (permits sold Mon-Fri 9:00-16:00); no phone or email published there
- Unverified: Position is approximate: no published GPS was found; the pin places the site on the correct side of Pohnpei's reef/atoll only. Your dive operator knows the exact spot.
- Tips: Dive on an incoming tide with a surface marker and a guide; the current can be strong.