Aquarium Pass, Noumea
New Caledonia · France
The Aquarium Pass is a tidal channel cutting through the barrier reef near Noumea, concentrating extraordinary fish diversity in a compact area named for the density of marine life that inspired the city's famous aquarium. Strong tidal currents flush the pass twice daily, drawing in pelagics and creating the nutrient upwelling that sustains enormous schools of snapper, surgeonfish, and barracuda patrolling the coral-lined walls.
Conditions
Depth
8 to 30 m
Open water and up
Current
Can be moderate
Can pick up on the edge
Visibility
20 to 30 m
Clearest in the calm season
Water
20 to 27°C
5mm wetsuit
Month by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water (°C) | 24 | 24 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| Vis (m) | 10 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 18 | 15 | 10 |
| Current | Strong | Strong | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Strong | Strong |
Your chances of seeing each animal
Luzon Sea Star
Last confirmed Jul 4, 2026 · 352 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
White-Spotted Puffer
Last confirmed Jul 4, 2026 · 265 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Eastern Turtle-Headed Sea Snake
Last confirmed Jul 4, 2026 · 926 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Green Sea Turtle
Last confirmed Jul 6, 2026 · 444 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Common Seahorse
Last confirmed Jun 20, 2026 · 789 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Great Barracuda
Last confirmed Apr 10, 2026 · 21 records
Very likely
Most dives
Longfin Batfish
Last confirmed May 30, 2026 · 28 records
Very likely
Most dives
Humphead Parrotfish
Last confirmed Apr 12, 2026 · 10 records
Very likely
Most dives
Gear