Scuba diving in Okinawa, Japan
Okinawa, Japan, is known for its beautiful coral reefs, abundant marine life, and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular destination for scuba diving enthusiasts from around the world.
Best scuba diving spots for experienced divers:
- Kerama Islands: The Kerama Islands offer some of the best diving in Okinawa with crystal clear water, vibrant coral, and a variety of marine life including sea turtles, reef sharks, and colorful tropical fish. The diving spots in this area range from shallow coral gardens to deeper reef walls, making it a perfect spot for experienced divers.
- Miyako Island: Miyako Island is famous for its underwater caves, canyons, and rock formations, providing a unique diving experience for experienced divers. You can spot various marine life such as manta rays, turtles, and reef sharks, among others.
Best scuba diving spots for beginners:
- Blue Cave: The Blue Cave is a popular spot for beginner divers due to its calm and shallow waters, providing a perfect environment for those learning to dive. The cave is home to a variety of fish species, sea turtles, and beautiful coral formations.
- Maeda Point: Maeda Point is another popular spot for beginner divers as it offers a gentle sloping reef with lots of shallow water formations and colorful fish.
Marine life:
Okinawa is home to a diverse range of marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, rays, reef sharks, and over 400 species of coral. The Kerama Islands are particularly known for their sea turtles, while Miyako Island is known for manta rays.
Dive conditions:
The water temperature in Okinawa ranges from 20-30°C (68-86°F) depending on the season. The visibility can range from 10-40 meters (30-130 feet) depending on the dive site and the time of year.
Cost:
The cost of diving in Okinawa varies depending on the dive operator, dive site, and the type of dive. On average, a two-tank dive can cost around 10,000-15,000 yen ($90-140 USD).
