Scuba Diving in Shikoku, Japan
Shikoku is an island in Japan that offers a wide range of scuba diving experiences for both beginners and experienced divers. With its clear waters, diverse marine life, and interesting underwater topography, it's a great destination for those looking to explore the underwater world.
Best Scuba Diving Spots for Experienced Divers:
- Yura Misaki: Located on the southern tip of Shikoku, Yura Misaki offers a challenging drift dive where divers can see a variety of marine life, including pelagic fish, rays, and sometimes even hammerhead sharks.
- Izu Shichito: This dive site, located off the coast of Kochi Prefecture, features a series of pinnacles and rock formations that provide a home to a variety of fish species, including schools of barracuda and tuna.
- Oboke Koboke: This dive site, located in the Yoshino River, offers a unique freshwater diving experience where divers can explore the river's underwater canyon and see freshwater fish species such as trout and salmon.
Best Scuba Diving Spots for Beginners:
- Kashiwajima: Located off the coast of Kochi Prefecture, Kashiwajima features a variety of dive sites suitable for beginners, with easy access from shore and calm waters. Divers can expect to see colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and sometimes even dolphins.
- Naruto: This dive site, located in the Naruto Strait, is known for its strong currents but also offers some areas with calmer waters suitable for beginners. Divers can see a variety of marine life, including octopus, squid, and schools of fish.
Marine Life:
Shikoku's waters are home to a diverse range of marine life, including schools of fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and even larger pelagic species such as hammerhead sharks. Divers can also expect to see colorful reef fish, nudibranchs, and other invertebrates.
Dive Conditions:
Dive conditions in Shikoku vary depending on the location and time of year. Water temperatures range from around 16-26°C (61-79°F) throughout the year. Currents can be strong in some areas, so it's important for divers to have appropriate experience and training. Visibility can be excellent, with some locations offering up to 30 meters (98 feet) of visibility.
Cost:
The cost of scuba diving in Shikoku varies depending on the dive center and location. As a general guideline, a single dive can cost between 8,000-12,000 yen (approximately 72-108 USD), with discounts available for multiple dives or packages. Equipment rental is usually available at an additional cost.
