Explore Kii Peninsula

Nestled on the largest peninsula in Japan, the Kii Peninsula offers a captivating diving experience in the heart of Kansai. Divers flock to this region, drawn by the warm waters of the Kuroshio Current that create a unique blend of tropical and temperate marine life. With 1000 out of the 4000 types of fish found in Japan swimming through these waters, it's a vibrant underwater paradise. The colorful soft corals and expansive coral reef provide a stunning backdrop for macro enthusiasts, while sightings of turtles and hammerheads add a thrilling element to the dives. The Kii Peninsula boasts a variety of dive environments, from vibrant reefs and dramatic walls to intriguing wrecks. Shore dives and boat dives are both popular, catering to divers of all preferences and skill levels. For those seeking a truly unique experience, river diving in the Koza River offers a chance to encounter the world’s largest amphibian, the Japanese giant salamander. Seasonal shifts bring migratory giants like hammerhead sharks, making each dive an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re exploring the colorful coral gardens or marveling at the impressive marine life, the Kii Peninsula promises a rewarding dive journey.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Kushimoto

Kushimoto, the southernmost town on Honshu, is strongly influenced by the Kuroshio Current, and has a large variety of tropical fish from Okinawa and Izu, making it one of the top fishing areas in Japan.

424
Logs
112
Divers
17.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Shirahama

The area is easily accessible from the Kansai area and has long been a popular diving area for Kansai divers as it has prospered as a hot spring tourist attraction. It has a long history as a dive site in the Kii Peninsula. There are plenty of points for both beach entry and boat entry.

406
Logs
96
Divers
16.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Tanabe

This area is very popular because it is close to the Kansai area and you can take a day trip there. It can be divided into three main areas: Tanabe, Hoyo, and Minabe. There are more than 30 points in the entire area with boat beaches.

104
Logs
40
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Glass World

This site is located at one end of the tidal cape. Anchors are placed at four main locations from the shallow area. The shallow area is shallow, about 8 meters below the anchors. There are clusters of white corals and care should be taken not to touch the corals. The depth at the other anchor points is usually about 15 meters. This site is dotted with sand and roots, so it is important to maintain neutral buoyancy to avoid sand uplift and to protect the habitat of the creatures. There is little current and the point is easy to dive.

658
Logs
210
Divers
17.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★☆☆ Bizen

This is one of the west side points of Kushimoto. It is a deep point about 18m deep under the anchor. There are two big roots near the anchor, and it is a channel. The west side and the south side are sandy, and in the sandy area of the south side, the spawning ground of the cuttlefish is set up depending on the season. On the north side, there is a series of coral reefs, and after passing through the coral reefs, the sandy bottom spreads out. The depth of the sandy area is about 25 to 27m. There is almost no current, and it is a point that can be enjoyed by beginners to advanced divers.

641
Logs
179
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
10.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★☆☆ Sumisaki

This popular diving spot in Kushimoto features a large pinnacle under the anchor, reaching about 12m. The depth increases to a maximum of 27m further north. With minimal current, it’s suitable for divers of all levels. Remote pinnacles are scattered, with one in the northeast and a cleaning station in the west.

1,129
Logs
231
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
10.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★☆☆ Marine Center Front

Beach point on Route 42 has a sloped terrain; caution with equipment to avoid falls. Watch tide levels—low tide reveals rocks at entry. Ideal for diving during high tide; calm waters, shallow for easy diving. Beware of coral clusters; maintain neutral buoyancy while exploring.

1,836
Logs
396
Divers
6.0 m
⌀ Depth
6.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★☆☆ Soshimaoki-1none

The tops of the roots are 13m to 17m. The top of the roots is 13m to 17m and the dive is usually done along the western drop-off which drops vertically to 30m. The white sandy seabed is beautiful and the mountainous roots are covered with soft corals such as sea squirts. It is recommended for intermediate to advanced divers because of the current depending on the time of day and season. The most popular point in the shallow area, the shallowest depth is 14m and the maximum depth is 30m.

103
Logs
50
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Shimamawari

The top of the root is 6m and the bottom is 30m. The topography is like Ayers Rock in Australia sinking into the water. East, west, north and south are drop-offs. There is a small cave on the west side with a remote root. The current can be a bit swift, but it is not that strong. The tops of the roots are wide and covered with corals and anemones.

102
Logs
51
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★☆ Ando no Hana

There is one buoy in shallow water and one in deep water. In the deep area, the buoy is sunk in the sand mixed with mud, and the depth exceeds 20 meters under anchor. The deep buoy is located in the sand. The maximum depth is about 27m. Be sure to maintain neutral buoyancy in the sand. This is a limited time dive site from October, so it is definitely worth a visit.

30
Logs
27
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★☆☆ Nakagurumi

This site features scattered reefs on sandy bottoms, with poor water flow often causing low visibility. Divers use a rope during descent and must control buoyancy and fin kicks to avoid stirring up sand. The maximum depth is about 10 meters, with small tunnels present. Currents are minimal.

73
Logs
51
Divers
11.0 m
⌀ Depth
9.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★☆☆ Isuzumi Reef

The dive takes place around a flat root that extends into the sand. There are two buoys, one in shallow water and one in deep water. There is almost no current and the depth is relatively shallow. The main attraction is a big arch in the root. Inside the arch, soft corals grow in clusters and it is a resting place for creatures. It is easy to dive, so beginners to advanced divers can enjoy this point.

95
Logs
61
Divers
17.0 m
⌀ Depth
10.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Noa Front Beach

Susami can be accessed from the Kansai area in about two hours, so it is home base for many divers in the Kansai area. Beach entry is available, but boat diving is the main activity.It is characterized by good clarity called “Susami Blue“ and a lot of migratory fish.

75
Logs
36
Divers
15.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★☆ Koza River Nukumi

This dive site offers freshwater river diving in the clear Furuza River. You can observe the giant salamander, a special national natural monument. You can also dive downstream, but the giant salamander is often seen in the upstream area, about an hour upstream from Furuza town.

28
Logs
17
Divers
7.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★☆☆ Amiyoko

This popular Kuki Town, Mie, dive site reaches 28m and, being in an inland sea, is rarely closed. At 16m, the sandy bottom splits into sand and gorota zones, home to gobies, tench, and bumpheads. Rich in nudibranchs, crustaceans, and small critters, it’s ideal for varied marine life encounters.

218
Logs
51
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Kii Peninsula

The Kii Peninsula, a hidden gem for divers, offers a captivating mix of dive sites that cater to both shore and liveaboard enthusiasts. This region is renowned for its stunning marine biodiversity and unique underwater experiences. Among the top sites is Kushimoto, famous for its vibrant coral reefs and the chance to spot rare marine species like the Japanese angel shark. The coastal town of Shirahama provides excellent shore diving opportunities, where divers can explore fascinating underwater landscapes close to the shore. For those intrigued by wreck dives, the waters around Kii boast intriguing sunken vessels that promise adventure and discovery. Night dives in the peninsula reveal a different world as nocturnal marine life emerges, offering divers the chance to witness unusual behaviors. The balance of shore dives and liveaboard options ensures that both novice and experienced divers find ample opportunities to explore the rich underwater world of the Kii Peninsula.

The best Months to dive in Kii Peninsula

Diving around the Kii Peninsula offers a diverse experience with varying conditions throughout the year. During the spring and autumn, water temperatures typically range from 16°C–20°C/61°F–68°F, providing comfortable diving conditions. In the summer months, temperatures rise to 24°C–28°C/75°F–82°F, enhancing the underwater experience with increased visibility of up to 20 meters/66 feet. Winter diving is possible, though the water cools to about 14°C–18°C/57°F–64°F, and visibility can decrease due to the seasonal currents. While diving is feasible year-round, the winter months may present more challenging conditions due to stronger winds and colder temperatures, making spring and autumn the most favorable periods for diving enthusiasts.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

ダイブクーザ

串本町古座932-5, 6494115 Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama - JPN

Sports Man Club MTK

三重県尾鷲市九鬼町969-16, 519-3701 尾鷲市, Mie - JPN

サンマーレ

三重県津市藤方593-1, 514-0815 Tsu-shi, Mie - JPN

アリストダイバーズ

三重県志磨市阿児町神明1001-17, 517-050 Shima-shi, Mie - JPN

MARINE-Q Diving Center

印南町印南3429-1, 6491534 Hidaka-gun, Wakayama - JPN

ステイ　ドリーム

和歌山県田辺市目良29-26, 646-005 Tanabe-shi, Wakayama - JPN