

Best for intermediate divers, 25-50m, boat entry, strong current.
Passe de Dumbéa is a deep reef drift dive located near Îlot Signal. This site features a reef wall ranging from 25 to 50 metres in depth, making it suitable for intermediate divers comfortable with significant depth and strong currents. Access is by boat only, and divers should time their entry with the outgoing tide to utilise the current. Visibility typically ranges between 10 and 30 metres, with water temperatures between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius. Due to the strong currents and depth, a surface marker buoy is essential for safety. Divers should monitor depth gauges closely and avoid contact with reef structures to prevent entanglement.
-22.35207, 166.25018
Time your entry to match an outgoing tide so the current carries you through the pass rather than against it. A surface marker buoy is essential as the current can push you well clear of the boat by the end of the dive.
Located 13 nautical miles from Noumea, requires boat access and a knowledgeable guide due to lack of surface moorings.
Recorded at this site
Depth
25-50m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
23-25°C
Current
Strong
Typical Dive
60 min
Best Time
Oct, Nov
The site is known for pelagic traffic along the wall, with Napoleon wrasse, whitetip reef sharks, and sea kraits frequently sighted.
No, this site is rated for intermediate divers due to the significant depth of 25 to 50 metres and the presence of strong currents.
The reef structure extends from 25 to 50 metres deep.
This is a boat dive located approximately 24 kilometres from the shore.
The main hazards include strong currents and the presence of sharks. Divers must also manage risks associated with deep diving and potential entanglement.
Diving at Passe de Dumbéa in Noumea requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near Passe de Dumbéa in Noumea. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Passe de Dumbéa in Noumea. Water temperatures range from 23°C to 25°C.
The best months to visit Passe de Dumbéa in Noumea are October and November. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Passe de Dumbéa in Noumea can have strong currents. Advanced experience with drift diving and current navigation is recommended.
Visibility at Passe de Dumbéa in Noumea typically ranges from 10 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.