The Complete Guide to Diving on Miyako Island | Beginners Welcome: A Detailed Look at Prices and Popular Spots
Why Divers from Around the World Choose to Dive in Miyako Island
Miyako Island, with its crystal-clear "Miyako Blue" sea and a concentration of geological features rarely found anywhere else in the world, isDivers of all levels—from beginners to advanced—can enjoy itThis is the ocean I've always dreamed of.
From introductory dives that require no license to recreational dives exploring sunlit caves and the Yaese Reef—one of Japan’s largest coral reefs—there’s a wide variety of options to choose from.
On this page, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know when considering diving in Miyakojima—from the different types of dives and how pricing works to popular spots, the best seasons, and what to expect on the day of your dive!
◆For those who want to try diving for the first time
◆For those who want to know about popular diving spots
◆For those who want to know estimated prices and the best time to visit
◆For those looking for a tour they can join even if they can't swim
Click here for popular diving tours and prices on Miyako Island
Types of Diving on Miyako Island and How to Choose
When choosing a diving experience on Miyako Island, consider two key factors: “participation style” and “entry method.” Find the combination that’s right for you.
Introductory Diving (No License Required)
"Introductory Diving" isAnyone can easily participate, even without a diving certification.Plan.
Instructors provide support in a setting that's almost like one-on-one instruction and carefully teach basic skills such as equalizing and breathing.
Many people make their diving debut on Miyako Island, andMost of the participants were first-timersSo you can participate with confidence.
Recreational Diving (License Required)
If you have a C Card (diving certification), you can participate in "recreational diving,"Landmarks unique to Miyako Island, such as Torii Pond and the Demon King’s PalaceYou can fully enjoy the
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You’ll also have the option to explore deeper dive sites that aren’t accessible during introductory dives, as well as terrain suited for advanced divers. If you’re considering getting certified, please also see the section titled “Why Get Certified?” later in this guide.
The Beach or a Boat—Which Will You Choose?
There are two ways to sign up: "beach diving" and "boat diving."
Beach diving isA style where you enter the water from the beach into shallow waters. You can start in calm waters where you can touch the bottom, and since you don't have to get on a boat,No need to worry about seasickness—perfect for first-timersIt is.
Boat DivingThis style involves traveling by boat to a spot offshore and diving there.Most diving on Miyako Island is done from a boatYou can enjoy the ocean, which offers a variety of terrain and deep waters. There are also tours that include snorkeling, so you can switch to snorkeling if you feel uneasy.
Click here for popular diving tours and prices on Miyako Island
Estimated Prices and How to Choose a Diving Tour on Miyako Island
Prices vary depending on the plan. Generally speaking, the further down the list you go, the longer the sessions tend to be and the more comprehensive the content, so prices tend to increase.
② Half-Day Boat Diving Experience
③ One-Day Boat Diving Experience (2 Dives)
④ Recreational Diving (for certified divers)
The main reasons for the price difference are:Boat Availability, Number of Dives, and DurationThere are three options. The more you use the boat and the more often you dive, the higher the fee will be.
In addition,Includes photos and videos, ,Private Rental, ,Equipment rental includedThe price also varies depending on options such as these.
We recommend choosing a plan that fits your preferences, such as “I want to focus on taking photos” or “I want to dive at our own pace.”
The latest rates and promotions are updated regularly on each plan's page. Please check the current prices below.
View the latest diving tours and prices
Quick Reference Chart for the Best Seasons for Diving in Miyako Island
Miyako Island isYou can enjoy diving all year roundThat's part of its appeal, but sea conditions and recommended areas vary depending on the season.
◆June–August: Due to southerly winds, diving conditions are favorable around Irabu Island. You can also enjoy the island’s seasonal delicacies, such as mangoes.
◆November–March: Water temperatures drop slightly, but visibility improves, resulting in crystal-clear waters. The Shimojishima area is recommended.
◆Year-Round / Introductory diving is available all year round. You can dive somewhere as long as a typhoon isn't making a direct hit.
In the summer, the south wind blows toward Irabu and Shimojishima, and in the winter, the north wind blows toward the southern side of Shimojishima, and so on.The area that's easiest to dive in changes depending on the wind direction.That is what makes Miyako Island unique.
The shop will choose the best spot based on the day's sea conditions, so even first-timers have nothing to worry about.
↓Learn more about the best season↓
Popular Diving Spots on Miyako Island
There are approximately 40 to 100 diving spots scattered throughout Miyako Island, andA diverse range of ocean experiences to satisfy everyone from beginners to experienced divers...are all available.
Here, we’ll introduce some of the most popular areas and spots, along with information on currents, maximum water depth, and recommended skill levels.
↓Learn more about the diving spots
Irabu Island Area
Irabu Island, which can be reached from Miyako Island via the 3,540-meter-long Irabu Bridge, isA treasure trove of iconic dive sites on Miyako Island. It is famous for the Blue Cave and the “W Arch,” where two arches overlap to form a heart shape.
◆Twin Holes (Blue Cave) / Current: Occasional / Cave terrain /Beginners Welcome
◆Nakanoshima Channel / Coral and Topography・Beginners Welcome
◆Tsunami Rock / Dramatic Rocks・Intermediate and above
◆White Road / White Sand and Terrain・Beginners Welcome
This area is recommended for introductory boat diving experiences that even beginners can enjoy.
↓Click here for popular tours on Irabu Island.
↓Learn more about Irabu Island tours
Shimojishima Area
"Tori-ike," "The Demon King's Palace," and others,A mecca for terrain enthusiasts, home to Miyako Island’s three major attractions. While most of the sites are geared toward intermediate divers and above, there are also some relaxing spots where even beginners can dive.
◆António Gaudí / Current: Almost none · Maximum depth: 33 m ·Intermediate and above
◆Toriike Pond / Current: Sometimes strong; maximum depth 45 m;For advanced users
◆White City / Current: Almost none · Maximum depth: 14 m ·Beginners Welcome
"The Demon King's Palace" is a majestic cave with light streaming in through a hole in the ceiling, while "White City" features a vast expanse of beautiful white sand,Even beginners can enjoy it with confidenceSpot.
↓Click here for recommended tours on Shimoji Island.
Yabiji Area
Stretching out off the coast of Ikemajima,One of Japan's Largest Coral Reef Areas. Designated as a National Natural Monument, the crystal-clear waters are teeming with colorful corals and fish.
◆Hanadai Arch / Current: Occasional · Maximum depth: 33 m ·Intermediate and above
Accessible by boat from Ikemajima. The magnificent coral reef offers such breathtaking views that you’ll forget all your fears about diving.
↓Click here for recommended tours in Yaebise
↓Learn more about the Yaebise
Kurima Island—South Coast Area
Kurima Island and the southern coast are,A relaxing spot with gentle currents that's perfect for beginnersAn area with plenty of them. The white sandy bottom stretches out, and you can observe coral and fish up close in the shallow waters.
◆Coral Garden / Current: Almost none · Maximum depth: 8 m ·Beginners Welcome
◆Angel Cave / Current: Occasional · Maximum depth: 12 m ·Beginners Welcome
We’ve got a great selection of spots that are perfect for first-time divers—places where you can relax and enjoy your dive!
Click here for popular diving tours and prices on Miyako Island
A Typical Day of Diving on Miyako Island
(Sample Schedule)
To help ease your concerns—such as “How long will it take?” and “What will the day be like?”—we’ve put together sample schedules for our most common plans.
② Lecture: How to Put on a Mask, Breathing and Ear-Clearing Exercises
③ Entry: Start diving after getting used to the water in shallow areas
④ Underwater Walk / Observe coral and tropical fish (and take photos)
⑤ End of Session / Wrap-Up / Change Clothes, Receive Photo Files
↓Half-day diving experience plan
② Departure / Head to the best spot based on the day's sea conditions
③ First Dive: Getting Acclimated to the Underwater World
④ Break/Lunch: Lunch on board or on shore
⑤ Second Dive: Try taking photos with the underwater landscape and marine life
⑥ Return to Port and Dismissal / Log Entry, Receipt of Photo Data
↓Full day diving experience plan is available here.
Diving tours for first-timers
Choose the plan that's right for you and enjoy the beautiful seas of Miyako Island with complete peace of mind! Here are some popular tours, categorized by type.
Diving popularity ranking is here↓↓.
Half Day Beach Experience Diving
For first-timers or those who aren't confident swimmers,A beach experience where you can relax and snorkel in shallow watersis recommended.
It's just a short walk from the beach, and you don't have to worry about getting seasick.
↓Half-day diving experience plan
Half-Day and Full-Day Boat Diving Tours
We took a boat out to a spot offshore.Up to a maximum depth of 12 metersDive in and observe the underwater terrain and deep-sea creatures at the best spots of the day. With the one-day plan, you can enjoy two dives.
↓Full day diving experience plan is available here.
Shimojishima Beach Experience Diving & Snorkeling
On Shimojishima, known as the “Natural Aquarium,”Enjoy both introductory diving and snorkelingCombo Tour. Since the waves are calm in the cove,Get comfortable in the water and take on the challenge at your own paceCan be done.
↓Diving and snorkeling plan
Enjoy Diving Even More
Why You Should Get a License
For those who want to explore the waters around Miyako Island in greater depth,We recommend getting a diving certification (C-card)It is.
If you have a diving license, you can visit places like "Toriike" and "Maou no Miyako," which aren't accessible during trial dives,Recreational Diving at More Popular SpotsYou can enjoy the
With the Open Water Diver course, you can learn the basics in a small group.
Not only will you get to explore the waters around Miyako Island, but the door to diving spots all over the world will open up for you, too.
↓Click here for more information about diving certifications↓
↓Click here for plans to obtain a diving license.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diving in Miyako Island
Diving stores also offer a wide variety of experience diving and snorkeling tours for beginners, and expert instructors provide safety-conscious instruction so that even first-timers can relax and enjoy the experience.
From November through March, the water temperature drops slightly, butIncreased transparencyYou can enjoy the crystal-clear ocean. The Shimojishima area is highly recommended during this time of year.
The session begins with a safety briefing, instructions on how to put on your mask, and breathing exercises, followed by an actual dive where we’ll check your ear equalization and other skills. If you’d like to do two dives, please consider the one-day tour.
However, to ensure your safety, we may ask older guests to submit a doctor's note.
◆Irabu Island—Known for its beautiful scenery, including the “Blue Cave.” Geographical landmarks such as the “W Arch” are also popular.
◆Shimojishima - Enjoy crystal-clear waters and encounter a diverse array of coral reefs and fish. There are also spots for advanced divers, such as “Tori-ike” and “Maou no Miyako.”
◆Kurima Island - Its main attraction is the rich marine life inhabiting the sandy seabed. With relatively shallow areas, it’s recommended for beginners.
You can rent waterproof cameras and GoPros, and some tours even give you the photos taken by the guide as a gift.Tour with photo giftI highly recommend it because you can really focus on diving!
We recommend this for people who aren't strong swimmers, those who feel a little nervous, and those who want to give it a try with their children.
summary
Miyako Island is,Fun for everyone, from beginners to experienced terrain enthusiastsIt is one of the world's premier diving destinations.
With a wide range of plans—from beach experiences to boat diving and recreational diving—you have complete freedom to choose, including options such as photo packages and private charters.
Choose a plan that suits your schedule, location, and skill level, and enjoy a safe and fun diving experience in the beautiful waters of Miyako Island.
Click here for popular diving tours and prices on Miyako Island
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