Grand Passage (18°44'S., 163°15'E.) lies between the N extremity of Grand Recif de Cook and the S extremity of Recifs d'Entrecasteaux, and is about 20 miles wide. The current through the passage is generally W at a rate of 1 knot, though a NW current of about 2 knots has been experienced after a period of strong winds. Since the N limits of the barrier reefs were determined, several vessels have touched, and some been lost, on reefs in Grand Passage.

Location