Pohnpei · Micronesia · Channel & pass · Reef
Palikir Bridge
Tuna, wahoo and gray reef sharks over a reef bridge
Area photo: Zykasaa · CC BY-SA 4.0
Palikir Bridge is a deep dive that follows the reef bridge across the mouth of Kepidauen Palikir, the pass on Pohnpei's barrier reef. It is known for schools of large pelagics, gorgonian fans, jacks, barracuda, humphead parrotfish and huge schools of gray reef sharks.
Where it is and how deep
No published position for this site — the map shows Pohnpei and its other sites; operators know the mooring.
The dive
The dive follows the reef bridge across the mouth of Kepidauen Palikir and is best on an incoming tide at 30 to 36 m. Gorgonian fans line the route, and schools of large pelagics such as tuna and wahoo pass through, with jacks, barracuda and humphead parrotfish. Huge schools of gray reef sharks gather here.
Marine life and season
- Tuna
- Trevally & jacks
- Barracuda
- Reef sharks
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Good |
Season follows Pohnpei: Diving runs year-round; the relatively drier Dec-Apr months give the clearest water, while near-constant rain the rest of the year can reduce inshore visibility.
Know before you go
- Currents can be strong at the pass mouth, and the dive sits at 30 to 36 m.
Dive videos
How we dive...Pohnpei Dive Sites: Palikir Bridge · Random Adventure & Interest on YouTube
Sources
- Pohnpei Diving - North Side Sites — Pohnpei Eco-Adventure Guide
More dive sites in Pohnpei
Wall
Sea fan wall with white-tip reef sharks and barracuda
Drift
Drift into the passage past schools of black-tip and gray reef sharks
Drift
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Channel & pass
A current-swept channel holding a school of grey reef sharks
Wall
Outer barrier reef wall with giant clams and white-tip sharks
Similar dives elsewhere
Channel & pass
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Adult grey reef sharks breed in the swell-driven current
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Every manta in or out passes through one narrow restriction
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