Scuba Diving in Okinawa
The Ultimate Guide
Straddling the subtropical Ryūkyū chain in Japan’s far south, Okinawa Prefecture is a mosaic of islands offering everything from shallow coral gardens to deep wrecks and wild drift dives. The main island provides easy access to the vibrant reefs of the Kerama National Park, where Tokashiki and Zamami Islands boast pristine hard corals, sea fans and more turtles than you can count. Just offshore, Cape Manza’s Dream Hole drops through a chimney into a colourful cavern system teeming with soldierfish, angelfish and feather stars. Further north, history buffs can dive the 100‑metre USS Emmons, a WWII destroyer resting intact at 35–40 m. Closer to shore, Cape Maeda’s Blue Cave offers an easy swim‑through with magical blue light – but expect crowds. Away from the main island, Okinawa’s outer islands extend the experience: Ishigaki’s Manta Scramble (April–Nov) promises manta ray ballets, Yonaguni’s currents bring hammerhead sharks in winter, and Miyako’s caves and tunnels deliver topography diving at its finest. Whether you crave reef fish, big pelagics, swim‑throughs or macro critters, Okinawa’s warm, clear waters offer a Japanese diving adventure for every level of diver.
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Temperature
20–30°C
Visibility
15–40 m
Diving Highlights
Best Months to Dive
Getting to Okinawa for Diving
✈️Transportation
Fly into Naha Airport (OKA) on Okinawa’s main island from major cities in Japan or regional hubs in Asia.
From Naha, ferries and speedboats connect to the Kerama Islands (about one hour) and limousine buses run to resort areas like Onna (around 1.5 hours).
To explore outer islands, book domestic flights from Naha to Ishigaki, Miyako and Yonaguni;
there are also direct flights from Tokyo to Ishigaki and Miyako. Some dive operators will arrange hotel pickups and boat transfers.
Country
Japan
Currency
Japanese Yen
Electricity
100V, 50/60Hz, Type A/B plugs
Cost of a Dive Trip in Okinawa
Day Trip
Meal
Accommodation
Best Dive Sites in Okinawa
🐠Dream Hole (Cape Manza)
Located at Cape Manza on the main island, the Dream Hole starts at 5 m and drops through a chimney to 25 m, exiting into a vibrant cavern. The walls are covered in soft corals, soldierfish and royal angelfish, and large yellow gorgonians greet you at the bottom. Good buoyancy control and a torch are essential.
🐢Tokashiki Island (Kerama National Park)
Part of the Kerama National Park west of Naha, Tokashiki Island boasts some of Okinawa’s clearest water with visibility often exceeding 40 m. Hard coral slopes, giant sea fans and frequent green turtle sightings make this an easy yet rewarding dive for all levels.
🦈Zamami Island (Kerama)
Zamami Island’s shallow reefs teem with anemones, clownfish and tomato anemonefish. While its coral gardens are slightly less pristine than Tokashiki’s, the abundance of sea turtles and colourful reef fish makes it a favourite for photographers.
🐙USS Emmons Wreck (Kouri Island)
The USS Emmons is a 100‑m‑long American destroyer sunk during World War II and now lying at 35–40 m off Kouri Island. Divers explore the bow and stern on two separate dives, drifting along the wreck with strong currents and admiring the intact hull covered in marine growth.
🐚Blue Cave (Cape Maeda)
This popular swim‑through at Cape Maeda features an entrance at 5 m and a cavern glowing with blue light from sunlight filtering through its opening. Despite the crowds, it remains a good site for beginners and snorkellers; expect soldierfish, juvenile batfish and a few larger batfish during your safety stop.
What Divers Say About Diving in Okinawa
Yuki Tanaka
Underwater Photographer / Master Scuba DiverDiving around Okinawa is endlessly varied. One day you’re floating over coral gardens with curious turtles and schools of fusiliers streaming past; the next you’re squeezing through a chimney into a cathedral‑like cavern, your torch picking out sleeping soldierfish. The Kerama Islands’ water is so clear it feels like flying, with hard corals and delicate sea fans as far as you can see. Dream Hole and its Mini counterpart are absolute delights – airy tunnels, colourful gorgonians and a jacuzzi of bubbles from divers above. The downside? Popular sites like the Blue Cave can be packed and typhoons do interrupt the season, but plan well and you’ll be rewarded. For thrill‑seekers, the USS Emmons wreck and Yonaguni’s hammerheads add extra adrenaline. Overall, Okinawa combines Japanese hospitality with world‑class diving – I can’t wait to go back.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diving in Okinawa
When is the best time to dive in Okinawa?
Diving is possible all year, but conditions vary. October and November offer warm water and fewer crowds. July–September provides access to Yabiji reef and manta rays but can be affected by typhoons. Winter months (December–March) have cooler water yet clearer visibility and bring humpback whales and hammerhead sharks to the islands.
What marine life can I see?
Expect sea turtles, reef fish, nudibranchs, and occasional reef sharks at most reefs. Kerama Islands host large hard corals and sea fans with turtles everywhere. Ishigaki’s Manta Scramble sees manta rays from April to November, while Yonaguni draws schools of hammerhead sharks in winter. Tokashiki and Zamami also offer healthy coral gardens and frequent turtle encounters.
Is Okinawa suitable for beginners?
Yes. Many sites have calm conditions and shallow reefs ideal for novice divers. However, some sites such as Dream Hole, USS Emmons and Yonaguni’s hammerhead dives require advanced skills and experience with overhead environments and currents.
How many dive sites are there?
There are dozens around the main island and its surrounding archipelagos. Popular areas include Kerama National Park (over 30 sites), Onna Village’s Cape Manza, the wreck of USS Emmons, Cape Maeda’s Blue Cave, and numerous sites on Ishigaki, Miyako and Yonaguni.
What is the water temperature and visibility?
Water temperatures range from about 20°C in winter to 30°C in summer. Visibility varies with location and season, generally between 15 and 40 m.
Do I need a liveaboard to dive in Okinawa?
No. Most diving is done via day boats from Naha, Onna, Ishigaki or Miyako. Liveaboards exist but are not necessary unless you want to explore multiple island groups in one trip.