Dive sites in Ogasawara Islands

Top Dive Sites

Chichijima

Description: Chichijima is the principal island in the Ogasawara group. The diving experience here is akin to an underwater adventure in an untouched paradise. The dive site features a mix of coral gardens, underwater caves, and striking drop-offs.

Marine Species: You’ll encounter vibrant hard and soft corals, schools of jackfish, barracudas, and colorful reef fish. Sea turtles are frequent visitors, and if you’re lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of manta rays.

Unique Encounters: Apart from the regular marine life, Chichijima is renowned for its encounters with bottlenose dolphins. You’ll also discover intriguing rock formations and several World War II relics scattered underwater.

Photography: The site’s rich biodiversity and clear waters offer excellent macro and wide-angle photography opportunities. The underwater caves and swim-throughs create dramatic backdrops for photos.

Suitability: The site is suitable for all levels; however, some of the deeper caves and drop-offs are best suited for advanced divers. It’s a versatile site where both beginners and seasoned divers can enjoy the underwater wonders.

Hahajima

Description: Hahajima is another major island in the Ogasawara archipelago, offering pristine and diverse dive sites. It is less crowded than Chichijima, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a tranquil diving experience.

Marine Species: The vibrant reefs are teeming with parrotfish, angelfish, and squadrons of eagle rays. Sea anemones flourishing with clownfish can also be seen, alongside various species of nudibranchs.

Unique Encounters: Hahajima is famous for whale watching from January to April. These months present unique opportunities to see humpback whales. The underwater terrain also includes interesting features like pinnacles and sand patches.

Photography: The calm and clear waters provide excellent conditions for photography. The unique encounters with humpback whales and eagle rays offer breathtaking shots that are not easily found elsewhere.

Suitability: Suitable mostly for intermediate and advanced divers due to some stronger currents and deeper sites. However, there are shallow areas where beginners can still enjoy diving safely.

Minamizaki

Description: Minamizaki is a small but stunning dive site located near Chichijima. The site is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and immaculate coral reefs. Divers often describe this location as a real-life aquarium.

Marine Species: You can see a plethora of tropical fish such as butterflyfish, damselfish, and wrasses. It’s also common to encounter smaller creatures like shrimps, crabs, and a wide variety of mollusks.

Unique Encounters: One of the unique aspects of Minamizaki is the chance to see reef sharks up close. The site is also famous for its seasonal encounters with spinner dolphins, adding to the site’s allure.

Photography: The vibrant coral gardens and abundant marine life make Minamizaki a goldmine for macro photography. The visibility often exceeds 30 meters, providing ample chances for stunning wide-angle shots.

Suitability: This site is perfect for beginners due to its shallow depth and mild currents. Advanced divers will also find plenty to explore, including some minor caverns and swim-throughs.

Dive Considerations

Water Temperature: The Ogasawara Islands enjoy a subtropical maritime climate, which means water temperatures vary based on the season. During the summer months (June to September), the water temperature ranges between 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F). In the winter months (December to February), temperatures can drop to around 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F). A 3mm to 5mm wetsuit is typically recommended for most of the year, while a thicker wetsuit or drysuit might be necessary for the colder seasons.

Visibility: Visibility in the waters around the Ogasawara Islands is generally excellent, often ranging from 20 meters to more than 30 meters (65 to 100 feet). The crystal-clear waters offer spectacular views of the rich marine life and vibrant coral reefs. However, visibility can be affected by factors such as plankton blooms and seasonal weather changes.

Currents and Tides: Currents around the Ogasawara Islands can be quite variable. Some dive sites experience strong currents, suitable for drift diving, which can bring larger pelagic species closer to shore. However, there are also sites with mild currents, ideal for beginner divers. It’s crucial to check with local dive operators about the current conditions and tide schedules to ensure a safe and enjoyable dive experience.

Safety Tips:

• Always dive with a buddy and ensure that you’re both familiar with each other’s equipment and dive signals.
• Check your gear thoroughly before each dive, ensuring that everything is in working order and properly fitted.
• Be mindful of the weather forecast and sea conditions, as sudden changes can impact dive safety.
• Monitor your air supply and bottom time closely, ascending with plenty of air remaining in your tank.
• Adhere to safe ascent rates and conduct safety stops to prevent decompression sickness.
• Be cautious of marine life, avoiding contact with species you’re unfamiliar with, as some may be dangerous or venomous.

Regulations: Diving in the Ogasawara Islands is subject to local regulations to protect the delicate marine ecosystems. It’s essential to:

• Obtain proper permits from authorized dive operators before embarking on dives in regulated areas.
• Respect no-touch policies for corals, reefs, and marine life to prevent ecological damage.
• Follow guidelines on waste disposal and avoid leaving any trash behind, protecting the underwater environment.
• Abide by fishing restrictions to preserve the biodiversity of the waters.
• Stay within designated dive areas and adhere to designated depth limits, ensuring both safety and conservation.