West Passage is an incredible dive site located in the Ngarmlangui state and village of Palau, offering divers of all levels an unforgettable experience. This channel runs from East to West and connects the inner lagoon with the open ocean. It is situated 18 miles (30.0 kilometers) Northwest of Koror, and can be reached by speedboat in just 30 minutes.

Diving in West Passage is suitable for both novice and advanced divers, but it should be noted that strong currents can make diving more challenging. The diving depth summary ranges from 30 to 90 feet (10 to 30 meters) for wall diving and 90+ feet (30+ meters) for a moderate slope of sand and corals. The walls are covered with soft and hard corals, making the dive site an exceptional sight.

Visibility at West Passage is typically excellent, with incoming tides offering up to 60 to 120 feet (20 to 40 meters) of visibility. Outgoing tides may decrease visibility to 60 to -30 feet (20 to 10 meters), so it is essential to time your dive accordingly. Additionally, visibility can be poor during low tide.

This Palau's largest channel in the barrier reef, and it channels a large quantity of water during tide changes. During the incoming tide, the current flows from the open ocean into the lagoon. Conversely, during the outgoing tide, the current carries murky debris-laden water from the lagoon to the open ocean. Therefore, it's necessary to know the tidal patterns in Palau, particularly in the Blue Corner tide and current section.

West Passage is famous for its abundance of marine life, particularly sharks and tropical fish. It's not uncommon to see many gray reef sharks patrolling the entrance. There's a diverse range of soft and hard corals, making the dive site an exceptional sight.

Diving at West Passage is only possible during the incoming tide. Divers are usually dropped at the mouth of the channel and will drift along the eastern or western wall according to the guide's decision, both sides offering an equally exceptional experience.

Finally, it's fascinating to note that West Passage is the main channel for commercial vessels that visit Malakal harbor, underscoring its critical role in Palau's commerce.

In conclusion, West Passage is an incredible dive site that offers divers an unforgettable experience. With its abundance of marine life, beautiful coral formations, and excellent visibility, it's a must-visit for any diver visiting Palau.