Explore Shonan & Miura Peninsula
The Shonan and Miura Peninsula, nestled conveniently close to Tokyo and Yokohama, offers a unique diving experience steeped in both natural beauty and biodiversity. Its underwater landscape is characterized by a distinctive striped terrain formed from the accumulation of sand and rocks over time. This fascinating environment supports a diverse array of marine life, making it a prime destination for divers seeking both adventure and discovery. The area is particularly renowned for its vibrant sea slug population, with divers potentially encountering up to 30 different species in a single dive. These colorful creatures add a splash of intrigue and wonder to the diving experience.
Diving options in Shonan and the Miura Peninsula are varied, with opportunities ranging from shore dives to boat excursions. The region's rich seaweed beds provide a thriving habitat for seahorses, which can often be spotted mimicking the seaweed as they move gracefully through the water. Additionally, the presence of coral reefs and sandy areas creates a diverse diving environment that caters to various diving preferences. Whether you're exploring the intricacies of the coral or observing the fascinating behaviors of seahorses, the peninsula offers a diving experience that is both enriching and memorable.
Dive Activity
Diving in Shonan & Miura Peninsula
Shonan and the Miura Peninsula offer some of Japan's top dive sites, attracting enthusiasts with their diverse underwater experiences. Among the highlights are notable wreck dives, such as the Tachibana Maru, where divers can explore the remnants of this World War II vessel, teeming with marine life. Popular shore dives include Jogashima, where accessible entry points and vibrant reefs make it a favorite among divers seeking convenience and natural beauty. Unique underwater experiences abound in this region, with opportunities for night dives that reveal the enchanting nocturnal behaviors of marine creatures. This area also features a balance between shore dives and liveaboard options, catering to varied preferences. Liveaboard trips offer a comprehensive exploration of the peninsula's hidden gems, making them a perfect choice for those seeking a thorough diving adventure.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Shonan & Miura Peninsula
The Shonan and Miura Peninsula, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, offers a unique blend of marine ecosystems, making it a popular diving destination. Divers can often encounter a variety of reef fish such as the sergeant major, clownfish, and angelfish. These species are commonly seen throughout the year, thriving in the area's diverse coral environments.
Seasonal highlights include the sightings of sharks, turtles, and rays, which are more prevalent during warmer months. The loggerhead sea turtle and the Japanese stingray are notable species, often spotted near Enoshima Island and Jogashima. While sharks are less common, divers might glimpse the occasional reef shark in deeper waters during late summer. The likelihood of encountering these species depends on specific dive sites and seasonal changes, adding an element of excitement for marine enthusiasts.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
10 Sightings
J
2
F
2
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
2
J
0
A
0
S
2
O
0
N
2
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
9 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
4
O
0
N
4
D
0
Alamy-WaterFrame
Common Seahorse
28 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
2
J
7
J
10
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
7
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3000
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch
14 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
4
A
2
M
0
J
2
J
0
A
0
S
2
O
0
N
0
D
4
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 50
istock-atese
Frogfish
9 Sightings
J
3
F
4
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
2
O
0
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 120
AdobeStock-Composer.
Flounder
9 Sightings
J
1
F
2
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
2
J
0
A
0
S
2
O
0
N
2
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 150
Shutterstock-aquapix
Sweetlips and Grunts
9 Sightings
J
2
F
2
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
3
J
0
A
0
S
2
O
0
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 350
Alamy-Andre Seal
Damselfish
8 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
2
J
0
A
0
S
2
O
0
N
2
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 80
iStock/Extreme-Photographer
Stingrays
4 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
2
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 130
iStock-Christian von Mach
Pipefish
3 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
2
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
The best Months to dive in Shonan & Miura Peninsula
The Shonan and Miura Peninsula offers year-round diving opportunities with varying conditions. Water temperatures range from 14°C–25°C/57°F–77°F, with the warmest months being July to September. Visibility typically ranges from 5 to 20 meters/16 to 66 feet, depending on the season and weather conditions.
During winter, northerly winds can affect diving conditions, causing stronger currents and reduced visibility. While diving is possible all year, late spring to early autumn is generally more favorable due to milder weather and calmer seas.
