A Comprehensive Guide to Diving on Kumejima | From Beginner Intro Dives to Recreational Dives: Dive Sites, Seasons, and Precautions
Enjoy diving in Kume Island!
Kume Island, which has some of the most beautiful waters among the islands of Okinawa, offers numerous diving spots.
Licensed divers, of course,Spots for all levels of amateurs and beginners.Many tourists visit Kume Island each year.
For those who want to enjoy diving in Kume Island
◆To learn about popular diving experience tours
◆If you want to know the recommended diving spots
In this issue, we will introduce the appeal of diving experiences on Kume Island, as well as recommended diving spots and tours!
Diving Attractions in Kumejima Island
Kume Island is famous for its cliff-like (drop-off), sand, and caves, which make it an excellent diving spot.
Each point has different characteristics and can be enjoyed by beginners and experts alike, depending on their level of experience!
Furthermore, the water temperature of the sea on Kumejima is warm even in winter,Diving in all seasons and at any time of the yearThis is also one of the attractions of the project.
One of the most beautiful coral reefs in Okinawa
In the sea of KumejimaOver 400 species of coralsIt is said to do so.
The overwhelming scale of the ecosystem created by these coral colonies has attracted attention from around the world!
You can meet many sea creatures.
The rich ecosystem created by the coral reefs is home to a wide variety of marine life.
The marine life is unparalleled among the remote islands of Okinawa,Many people are surprised by the number of creatures during the dive.
tropical fish
PopularClownfish, butterfly fish, and tilapiaThere are too many tropical fish to introduce here, such as the following.
You will be able to see precious tropical fish that cannot be seen in the seas of mainland Japan.
manta ray
There are cleaning stations for manta rays, where you can meet manta rays in the waters of Kumejima.
Mantas have the habit of having their bodies cleaned by small fish,You can see manta rays visiting the station!
Also, local dive shops can tell you where manta rays are most likely to appear and under what conditions!
sea turtle
In diving in Kume Island,Swim with sea turtlesThere are also opportunities.
Especially in the warm season, many sea turtles come to lay eggs, and the encounter rate with green turtles and loggerhead turtles is high!
whale shark (Rhincodon typus)
There is also a chance to see whale sharks, a large species that many divers are attracted to.
Whale sharks are among the largest sharks in the world and in Japan.Creatures so rare that they can only be found in aquariums and Okinawa.It is.
They are rarely seen in the waters of Kumejima, so if you see one while diving, you are very lucky!
Beginners can also enjoy
There are many diving tours on Kume Island that are open to beginners who do not have a license!
Instructors can train you in advance,Guided tours to points where it is easy to swim even for beginnersThe company will do this for you.
The experience takes only about 3 hours and is easy to participate in, so those who are interested are encouraged to try it!
Diving in Kumejima
When is the best season?
Because the water temperature on Kumejima is relatively warm year-round,You can enjoy diving all year roundThis is Shima.
That said, depending on the season,Water temperature, sea conditions, and marine life you might encounterSince conditions vary, knowing the best season for your specific goals will make your diving experience even more rewarding!
Spring (March–May) | The season when sea conditions begin to stabilize
Around March, the water temperature began to rise gradually, andcrystal-clear seaYou'll be able to enjoy it.
Although Kumejima is prone to northerly winds during the winter, once spring arrives, the sea conditions calm down, andThe best time of year for beginners and first-time diversIt is.
◆The sea conditions are calm, making it easy even for beginners to dive
◆A Glimpse of Humpback Whales Seen from January Through March...and other things to enjoy as well
Summer (June–September) | The season when water temperatures are at their highest
In the summer, the water temperature rises to around 28–29°C, andThe busiest diving season of the yearIt is.
This is also a time when you're more likely to encounter big fish, and,A Chance to Encounter Whale Sharks and Sea Turtleswill increase.
However, since summer is also a time when typhoons are likely to form,Checking the Weather and Sea Conditions in Advanceis essential.
◆Increased Chance of Encountering Large Marine Life
◆Due to typhoon season, it is essential to check the tour status
Fall (October–November) | The season when manta ray sightings are most frequent
In the fall, as the effects of typhoons begin to subside,The ideal season when sea conditions stabilize againIt is.
The water temperature is still on the high side, andThe chances of encountering manta rays at Manta Station are increasingIt is also known as a time of the year.
Since there are fewer tourists than in the summer,For those who want to enjoy diving at a leisurely paceIt's also recommended for...
◆Increased Chances of Encountering Manta Rays
◆With fewer tourists, you can dive at a relatively leisurely pace
Winter (December–February) | The season when you can enjoy whale watching
In winter, the water temperature drops to around 20–23°C, but compared to the waters off the mainland,Relatively warm, making diving possibleThat's the water temperature.
Furthermore, in Kumejima during the winter,Humpback Whale Whale WatchingSince it's a season when you can enjoy other activities as well, you can make the most of your time by combining them with diving.
Since the water temperature drops slightly,Wetsuits and drysuits with hoodsHaving one makes diving more comfortable.
◆Enjoy this along with humpback whale watching
◆It's reassuring to have a wetsuit with a hood
Points to keep in mind when enjoying diving
Before diving, we will check the depth and plan the dive time well in advance.
Avoid sudden movements while diving, and if any problems ariseDon't hesitate to signal your guide and others around you.
Do not touch coral or marine life unnecessarily or leave debris in the sea.
Follow the instructor's instructions and don't go far on your own.Make sure to do so.
Popular Diving Spots on Kume Island [5 choices
Here are five of the most popular diving spots on Kume Island!
Manta Station
The "Manta Station," introduced earlier, is a spot where manta rays have their bodies cleaned by small fish called cleaners.
The manta rays hardly move from the spot while they are being cleaned,Can be observed closely.Opportunities!
You may also see rare black manta rays.
◆Beginners can also experience it with ease.spot
thongbara
Tombala" is a unique point characterized by huge rocks that seem to rise out of the sea.
There are crevasses (cracks) and arches around the rocks,The joy of exploring naturecan be tasted!
◆The spot with the highest sea clarity in Kume Island.
◆Iso tuna, etc,Large migratory fish can be encountered.
large black rock
Daikoku Iwa is a dynamic underwater rock formation with a fascinating topography.
Divers who like topography and cavesIt is a very popular spot for
◆ Shrimps and crabs.Macro organisms can be seen.
◆Advanced divers can enjoy drift diving!
red bottom
Akashita" is famous for its beautiful coral reefs.
Spots for beginnersSo, if you sign up with a dive shop or join a trial tour, you can dive into the ocean with peace of mind!
◆A wide variety of marine life can be observed
Recommended for those who want to relax and have fun!
chili pepper (chile, chilli)
The "Imazni" is,High encounter rate with schools of pikePoint.
You can see a breathtaking underwater world filled with migratory fish!
◆ in diverse terrainsPopular with experienced divers!
You may be able to see large fish such as horse mackerels.
Recommended Diving Tours in Kumejima
Here are some recommended diving tours that you can enjoy on Kume Island!
Experience Diving
This tour is recommended for first-time divers who want to try diving but are worried about it!
Even those without a license can participate,Experienced instructors provide careful support.The company will do this for you.
The dive lasts only about 30 minutes, which makes it a casual and accessible experience—another great feature!
Fun Diving Tours
The "Fun Diving Tour" is accompanied by professional divers who know the sea of Kume Island very well.Instruction on how to use equipment and enjoy divingThe company will do this for you.
During the dive, we will observe a wide variety of underwater life, sometimes heading to points where large marine life can be seen!
This tour is perfect for beginners and those who have blanks in diving.
▼Click here ▼ for recommended fun diving tours
Night Dive Tours
The "Night Dive Tour" offers the chance to see sleeping fish, nocturnal nudibranchs, cuttlefish, and other crustaceans.
You can never see it during the daytime.A peek into the world of creatures of the nightThe best part of a night dive is that it is the best part of a night dive!
It is also a sight to see various creatures gather as if attracted by the light of the lights you hold while diving.
Kume IslandLearn more about our diving tours▼.
summary
How was it? In this issue, we introduced the appeal of diving experiences and recommended diving spots and tours!
Kumejima Island is located inOne of the best diving spots in OkinawaThere are many tour plans for beginners.
In addition to diving, Kume Island offers a variety of activities and sightseeing spots.
If you're planning a trip to Kumejima, be sure to check out our other articles before you go!
▼Click here for articles to read in conjunction with this article.
