SEALs Tec Buoy

An hour from Naha Airport on the Okinawa Expressway, Cape Maeda is located in a resort area lined with hotels in Onna Village in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa. This is the most popular point on the main island of Okinawa.

This dive site offers a diverse topography with half drops, arches, and crevasses. You’ll find large sea fans and isobranchs at various spots, providing a habitat for goatfish. In the past, Dennis pygmy seahorses could be found here. What makes this dive site truly remarkable is the opportunity to encounter large fish species like giant trevally (GT), Napoleon wrasse, and giant grouper.

The dive site is named “Kouri Zanpo,“ which translates to “broken lingering waves“ in Okinawan dialect. This name stems from the island’s history when it once existed but was targeted by naval gunfire during the postwar U.S. military occupation, resulting in its collapse. The main attraction of this dive site is a drop-off that descends to a depth of 40 meters. Divers typically anchor on the north side of two wash rocks, allowing them to explore the Babel tower-like coral formations at the end of the drop-off. Divers can follow a route that starts in shallow water, passes through the first arch, proceeds to the second arch, and returns to shallow water. There are numerous other fascinating sights to explore, and various diving routes are available. The curtain of light filtering through the arches is a particular highlight that shouldn’t be missed!

Dive site name: Tanicha Tower Drop-Off This dive site boasts a striking single coral formation that ascends from the depths of 40 meters. As you venture from this central root, you’ll encounter a stunning expanse of sandy seabed. The typical dive route entails commencing at the 40-meter drop-off and navigating through the crevices around the root. It’s also a prime location for encountering sizable marine creatures. The underwater terrain extends offshore from the root’s base, starting at approximately 35 meters and leading into a flat sandy stretch.

Dive site name: Sand Cross or Yonbori This dive site offers a serene experience, featuring a complex network of coral formations and pure coral sand pathways that connect these formations. It presents a diverse topography with a combination of arches, tunnels, and crevices, teeming with a wealth of marine life. In the past, there was a substantial population of Yaemenid fishes, but unfortunately, over the last few years, around 80% of them have perished. Nevertheless, the corals in the shallower areas are making a remarkable recovery and returning to their former vibrant state.

Dive Site Name: Tetra MaeThis point is located at the entrance of the Tsuya fishing port, adjacent to the tetrapods of the Ichimonji breakwater. The sandy bottom is beautiful and the huge tetrapods are spectacular. Since the tetrapods have been turned into fish reefs, many underwater creatures can be seen. The site is relatively shallow, with a depth of about 4.5 meters. A large colony of Hamanomis is present, making this an ideal site for experience diving, training, and snorkeling. As long as there is no wind from the west, it is also suitable for beginner freediving lessons.

This dive site is characterized by its stunning drop-off and abundant coral formations on the shallow reef. As you descend along the drop-off, you’ll find a gently sloping rocky area with a depth of approximately 35 meters. The site is adorned with archways, tunnels, and crevasses, offering divers various exploration routes. It’s a haven for wanderlust divers. During the safety stop at a shallower depth, there’s a high likelihood of encountering multiple hawksbill turtles. The vibrant coral and the mesmerizing dance of small fish in the shallows add to the site’s beauty.

This site is a 10 minute boat ride from Toya Fishery Port. The depth range is 5m to 18m. There is no current and many snorkelers and beginning divers can enjoy this site. This spot is known as Kumanomi (Anemone Fish) Paradise. As the nickname shows, there you can see many & various species of anemone fish.

This dive site is situated near the green marker of Hija Fishing Port, located to the north of the Hija River mouth. It features a large reef that stretches from east to west across the sandy seabed. The shallow areas, about 5 meters deep, are dominated by soft corals, while the deeper regions to the south have a sandy muddy bottom. Notably, on the deepest part of the western side, there is a peculiar boulder that resembles granite, often referred to as a “stone circle.“ This may have been a tombstone from a ship’s cargo that ended up in this location for unknown reasons.

港からの所要時間は約１５分。オーバーヘッドロックは万座毛付近にあるドロップオフのダイビングポイント。ドロップオフの上は５ｍ程の深度で綺麗な珊瑚が広がりアオウミガメもよく見られる。水深３０～４０ｍ付近ではロウニンアジを観察できることもある。地形、珊瑚、生物の全てを楽しめることが出来るダイビングポイント。