Southern Kyushu
The Satsunan Islands are scattered from Kagoshima south to Okinawa and is home to some of the best diving in Japan.
Explore Kyushu
Kyushu, Japan's southernmost island, offers an exciting and diverse diving experience that captivates both novice and seasoned divers. Surrounded by the sea, Kyushu boasts a range of dive environments, from vibrant coral reefs and dramatic underwater walls to intriguing shipwrecks. The warm Tsushima Current blesses the region with rich marine biodiversity, making it a paradise for those eager to explore colorful soft corals and schools of tropical fish.
One of the standout features of diving in Kyushu is the Goto Islands, where divers can encounter large migratory fish and explore a renowned 100-meter-long shipwreck. The islands promise an underwater adventure filled with vibrant marine life and magnificent coral gardens. Additionally, the northern region near Hakata offers easy access to islands like Shikanoshima and Iki, where both shore and boat dives are available. Whether you're snorkeling in the calm, warm waters or diving beneath the waves, Kyushu's diverse dive sites promise an unforgettable experience.
For those seeking more remote adventures, Okinoshima Island, a World Heritage Site, provides excellent visibility and abundant marine life. This secluded spot, located about 60 kilometers from the mainland and accessible only by dive boat, offers a unique dive experience amid breathtaking natural beauty. With its diverse marine environments and unique dive opportunities, Kyushu stands out as a truly special diving destination.
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Diving in Kyushu
Kyushu, Japan's southernmost main island, offers diverse diving experiences with remarkable sites. Notable wreck dives include the "Tsushima Maru," a World War II shipwreck teeming with marine life. Popular shore dives can be found at Amami Oshima, where clear waters reveal vibrant coral gardens and an array of tropical fish. For unique underwater experiences, divers can explore the mesmerizing night dives at the Yoron Island, showcasing bioluminescent creatures. Kyushu provides a balance between shore and liveaboard diving options, catering to both casual and adventurous divers seeking exploration of its underwater wonders.
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The best Months to dive in Kyushu
Kyushu offers favorable diving conditions throughout the year, with some seasonal variations. Water temperatures range from 16°C–29°C/61°F–84°F, making diving possible year-round. Winter sees cooler waters, while summer welcomes warmer temperatures ideal for divers seeking comfort.
Visibility typically varies, with clearer waters in autumn and winter when fewer plankton are present. Wind and currents are generally mild, though the region may experience typhoons from late summer to early autumn, which can temporarily affect diving conditions. Planning trips outside the typhoon season ensures more stable weather and optimal diving experiences.
Top Wildlife Sightingsin Kyushu
Kyushu, Japan's southernmost main island, boasts abundant marine life due to its warm waters and diverse underwater landscapes. Common reef fish include vibrant species like clownfish and butterflyfish, often seen in coral-rich areas. Divers frequently encounter these colorful inhabitants while exploring the island's numerous reefs.
Kyushu's waters also feature seasonal highlights. Sharks, such as the Japanese dogfish, can be spotted during specific times of the year, particularly in the cooler months around winter. Sea turtles are a delight to observe during their nesting season, often seen near beaches and seagrass beds. Rays, including the majestic manta ray, make sporadic appearances, particularly near deeper offshore sites. The likelihood of encountering these species varies, with turtles being more common in warmer months and sharks in colder seasons.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
1.2k Sightings
J
48
F
40
M
94
A
121
M
177
J
125
J
75
A
105
S
139
O
124
N
61
D
41
iStock-crisod
Reef Manta Ray
559 Sightings
J
7
F
13
M
77
A
60
M
75
J
38
J
47
A
54
S
80
O
52
N
45
D
11
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
490 Sightings
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15
F
12
M
36
A
39
M
85
J
57
J
44
A
55
S
46
O
53
N
33
D
15
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
257 Sightings
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3
F
5
M
25
A
14
M
21
J
37
J
18
A
26
S
31
O
37
N
30
D
10
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle
232 Sightings
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6
F
3
M
9
A
41
M
25
J
24
J
27
A
28
S
28
O
23
N
13
D
5
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
205 Sightings
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10
F
7
M
20
A
18
M
27
J
21
J
24
A
23
S
17
O
9
N
14
D
15
iStock/Extreme Photographer
Whale Shark
120 Sightings
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16
F
4
M
15
A
14
M
13
J
18
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3
A
8
S
5
O
12
N
5
D
7
iStock/Divepic
Giant Oceanic Manta Ray
116 Sightings
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6
F
3
M
11
A
11
M
20
J
5
J
11
A
15
S
10
O
9
N
11
D
4
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
114 Sightings
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7
F
12
M
8
A
9
M
15
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9
J
6
A
6
S
14
O
7
N
9
D
12
Alamy-Christian Zappel
Scalloped Hammerhead
114 Sightings
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25
F
47
M
20
A
8
M
2
J
4
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
7
iStock-ShaneGross
Loggerhead Turtle
69 Sightings
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6
F
3
M
10
A
7
M
8
J
1
J
8
A
6
S
6
O
5
N
9
D
0
