Japan's Island Reefs: Okinawa Manta & Izu Macro
Japan · 3 stops · Intermediate
Island-hop Japan's reef hotspots from the manta dive sites of Ishigaki to the famously clear waters of the Kerama archipelago, then warm down with easy shore diving in the Izu peninsula at Osezaki. Expect manta rays, sea turtles, and striking macro life across a uniquely Japanese setting.
Route at a glance
This is a 9-day Intermediate route through Japan, best travelled May-Oct. It strings together 3 destinations — typically a liveaboard, a regional circuit, or a mix of islands and reefs — so you can plan around a single trip rather than booking each site separately.
Comfort in open water and a reasonable number of logged dives is expected, which makes it a good fit for divers building experience across varied conditions.
Why this route
- Manta rays circling Ishigaki's drift pontoons
- Remarkable 30-40m visibility in the Kerama islands
- Sea turtles cruising along Kerama's coral walls
- Cool-water nudibranchs and macro at Osezaki
Stops
Route details
Ishigaki Island
Drift diving with visibility up to 25 m — a great fit for most divers.. Ishigaki Island is a reef site in the East China Sea off Japan, offering coral reefs and drift dives across its waters. Dives run to 40 m with around 25 m visibility, moderate currents and sea temperatures of 24–29°C. Marine highlights include manta rays, turtles and coral. Best season is May–Oct, typically reached by boat. A good choice for divers with some experience. Open Water certification is sufficient for most sites here. With dives to 40 m, comfort at depth is recommended.
Kerama Islands
Wall-and-reef diving with visibility up to 35 m — a great fit for most divers.. Kerama Islands sits in the East China Sea off Japan, a wall and reef system where dives drop from shallow tops into deeper water. Dives run to 40 m with around 35 m visibility, gentle currents and sea temperatures of 22–29°C. Marine highlights include turtles, manta rays and clear blue water. Best season is Apr–Oct, typically reached by boat. A good choice for divers with some experience. Open Water certification is sufficient for most sites here. With dives to 40 m, comfort at depth is recommended.
Osezaki
Reef diving with a well-rounded site — a great fit for most divers.. Osezaki is a reef site in the Pacific Ocean off Japan, offering coral reefs and shore dives across its waters. Dives run to 35 m with around 15 m visibility, gentle currents and sea temperatures of 15–25°C. Marine highlights include sea slugs, moray eels and macro life. Diving is possible year-round, typically reached by shore. A good choice for divers with some experience. Open Water certification is sufficient for most sites here.