Aquarium Pass, Noumea

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.