CultureScuba Diving in Okinawa: Best Sites, Seasons, and Dive Operators
By Tour in Japan editors · Updated
Okinawa offers some of the best scuba diving in Asia — crystal clear water, coral reefs, and marine life.
Okinawa offers some of the best scuba diving in Asia — crystal clear water, coral reefs, and marine life.
Why Dive in Okinawa?
- Visibility — 30–50m (sometimes 100m+)
- Water temperature — 20–29°C year-round
- Coral reefs — pristine, colorful
- Marine life — sea turtles, manta rays, whale sharks
- Diverse sites — reefs, walls, wrecks, caves
Best Dive Sites
Main Island
| Site | Depth | What to See |
|---|
| Cape Maeda | 5–40m | Coral, tropical fish |
| Gatou Point | 10–30m | Sea turtles |
| Sunabe Seawall | 5–30m | Night diving |
| American Village | 10–25m | Reef fish |
Kerama Islands
| Site | Depth | What to See |
|---|
| Zamami | 10–40m | Coral, sea turtles |
| Tokashiki | 15–40m | Manta rays |
| Aka Island | 10–35m | Pristine reef |
Outer Islands
| Site | Depth | What to See |
|---|
| Ishigaki | 10–40m | Manta rays |
| Miyako | 10–40m | Crystal clear water |
| Yonaguni | 10–30m | Mystery monument |
Seasons
| Season | Conditions |
|---|
| March–May | Water warming, whale sharks possible |
| June–August | Warmest water, best visibility |
| September–November | Still warm, fewer divers |
| December–February | Cooler water (20–23°C), less crowded |
Dive Operators
Okinawa Main Island
| Operator | Location | Price |
|---|
| Blue Scuba | Chatan | ¥8,000–15,000 |
| Okinawa Diving Center | Naha | ¥8,000–12,000 |
| Marine Blue | Onna | ¥10,000–15,000 |
Kerama Islands
| Operator | Location | Price |
|---|
| Kerama Dive | Zamami | ¥10,000–15,000 |
| Fish Eye | Tokashiki | ¥10,000–15,000 |
What You'll Need
| Item | Notes |
|---|
| Dive certification | PADI, SSI, or equivalent |
| Log book | Prove your experience |
| Medical clearance | If required |
| Swimwear | Under the wetsuit |
| Mask | Personal preference |
| Camera | Underwater camera |
Tips
- Book in advance — especially for Kerama Islands
- Check certification level — some sites require advanced
- Morning dives — best visibility and calmer water
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen — protect coral
- Don't touch marine life — observe only
- Check weather — rough seas mean cancellations
- Rent gear locally — saves luggage space
- Take photos — underwater photography is incredible
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