Here is a pretty comprehensive list of all the courses Dave can teach. Please click on a course to link to the PADI webpage about that course:
Bubblemaker (children 8+ years)
Seal Team (children 8+ years)
Discover Scuba Diving
Open Water Diver
Advanced Open Water Diver
Rescue Diver
Divemaster
Deep Diver
Digital Underwater Photography
Enriched Air (Nitrox)
Equipment Specialist
Night DiverSearch & Recovery Diver
Underwater NaturalistUndewater NavigatorOxygen Provider (as a DAN certification and a PADI Distinctive Speciality)
DSAT Gas Blender
Emergency First Response (EFR) courses and can teach the following:
EFR Primary Care
EFR Secondary Care
EFR Care For Children
About Dave - In August 2006 he passed the Instructor Examinations and became a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor.
Email or call Dave Webb - email soldave@okinawa.email.ne.jp or call 090-6865-4396 if you’re in Okinawa and are interested in doing any of these courses. He would be more than happy to introduce you to the underwater world or help you continue your diving education.
Showing posts with label outdoor fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label outdoor fun. Show all posts
21 July, 2008
20 July, 2008
Neo Park Okinawa
Neo Park
Enjoy nature and its rare animals and birds Okinawa. Neo Park has nurtured a natural park introducing all the bounties of Okinawa’s climate. With "Flamingo Lake" spreading, visitors are welcomed by a multitude of birds free-flying, symbol of pure freedom. The park houses replicas of animal habitats found in the Amazon jungle, African savannah, Southeast Asia and Oceania. While feeding the many rare animals and birds of the park, there are many promenade courses within the facility. And don’t forget to discover the giant tortoise in the "giant tortoise farm".
Features/Amenities
Entrance fee
Adult 630 yen
Junior/Senior High School students 315 yen
4 - Elementary School students 210 yen
Hours
Under normal circumstances 9:00 - 17:30
Summer time (July 21- August 31) 9:00 - 19:00
Closing Day Open year-round
Last Entry: 17:00 (Summer time: 18:30)
Descriptions/Additional Information
6 baby car are available (300 yen - 500 yen deposit refundable)
Access/Directions
From Naha Airport Approximately 90 by car (via highway)
From Okinawa Expressway : Kyoda I.C. Approximately 20 by car (via highway)
From Nearest bus stop : Kencho Kitaguchi Approximately 30 on foot (Stop for line : 65, 66, 67, 72, 73)
Parking：available Number of Parking Space : 533
Address
4607-41 Nago, Nago City, Okinawa 905-0012
Phone Number
0980-52-6348
FAX Number
0980-52-6329
E-mail
neopark@yanbaru.ne.jp
Web Site
http://www.yanbaru.ne.jp/~neopark/
Enjoy nature and its rare animals and birds Okinawa. Neo Park has nurtured a natural park introducing all the bounties of Okinawa’s climate. With "Flamingo Lake" spreading, visitors are welcomed by a multitude of birds free-flying, symbol of pure freedom. The park houses replicas of animal habitats found in the Amazon jungle, African savannah, Southeast Asia and Oceania. While feeding the many rare animals and birds of the park, there are many promenade courses within the facility. And don’t forget to discover the giant tortoise in the "giant tortoise farm".
Features/Amenities
Entrance fee
Adult 630 yen
Junior/Senior High School students 315 yen
4 - Elementary School students 210 yen
Hours
Under normal circumstances 9:00 - 17:30
Summer time (July 21- August 31) 9:00 - 19:00
Closing Day Open year-round
Last Entry: 17:00 (Summer time: 18:30)
Descriptions/Additional Information
6 baby car are available (300 yen - 500 yen deposit refundable)
Access/Directions
From Naha Airport Approximately 90 by car (via highway)
From Okinawa Expressway : Kyoda I.C. Approximately 20 by car (via highway)
From Nearest bus stop : Kencho Kitaguchi Approximately 30 on foot (Stop for line : 65, 66, 67, 72, 73)
Parking：available Number of Parking Space : 533
Address
4607-41 Nago, Nago City, Okinawa 905-0012
Phone Number
0980-52-6348
FAX Number
0980-52-6329
neopark@yanbaru.ne.jp
Web Site
http://www.yanbaru.ne.jp/~neopark/
Nago Pineapple Park
Nago Pineapple Park
A theme park that cultivates about 100 types of pineapples. Boarding a pineapple-shaped shuttle bus, take a tour in pineapple fields and multi-colored tropical gardens. There are also a promenade allowing plant enjoyment and an observation platform to fully discover views of the whole park. Visitors can also discover the process of pineapple cultivation, explore the parks winery and enjoy samples of pineapple and pineapple wine. As a complete pineapple world, Nago Pineapple Park also features a souvenir shop and restaurant.
Features/Amenities
Entrance fee
adults 500yen
children 250yen
Hours 9:00 - 18:00
Closing Day Open year-round
Access/Directions
From Naha Airport Approximately100 by car (via highway)
From Okinawa Expressway : Kyoda I.C. Approximately 25 by car (via highway)
From Nearest bus stop : Watajabaru Approximately 5 on foot (Stop for line : 70, 76)
Address
1195 Bimata, Nago City, Okinawa 905-0005
Phone Number
0980-53-3659
FAX Number
0980-53-0421
A theme park that cultivates about 100 types of pineapples. Boarding a pineapple-shaped shuttle bus, take a tour in pineapple fields and multi-colored tropical gardens. There are also a promenade allowing plant enjoyment and an observation platform to fully discover views of the whole park. Visitors can also discover the process of pineapple cultivation, explore the parks winery and enjoy samples of pineapple and pineapple wine. As a complete pineapple world, Nago Pineapple Park also features a souvenir shop and restaurant.
Features/Amenities
Entrance fee
adults 500yen
children 250yen
Hours 9:00 - 18:00
Closing Day Open year-round
Access/Directions
From Naha Airport Approximately100 by car (via highway)
From Okinawa Expressway : Kyoda I.C. Approximately 25 by car (via highway)
From Nearest bus stop : Watajabaru Approximately 5 on foot (Stop for line : 70, 76)
Address
1195 Bimata, Nago City, Okinawa 905-0005
Phone Number
0980-53-3659
FAX Number
0980-53-0421
Okinawa Fruits Land
Okinawa Fruits Land
A subtropical paradise abounds with birds, butterflies and fruits of the south.
A subtropical paradise abounds with birds, butterflies and fruits of the south.
The facility exhibits rare tropical/subtropical fruit trees. Begin your tour from the Fruit Zone, which showcases rare fruits of the south, on to the Butterfly Zone to get a good look at tree nymph butterfly, the biggest butterfly in Japan, and then through the Bird Zone to listen to the humming of the colorful birds. This all-weather facility also houses restaurants, a fruit parlor and gift shops.
Features/Amenities
Entrance fee
Adults 800 yen
Children 400 yen
Hours
Summer season 9:00 - 18:30
Winter season 9:00 - 18:00
Closing Day Open year-round
Last entry: 17:50 ( Summer season ) / 17:30 ( Winter season )
Access/Directions
From Naha Airport Approximately 100 by car (via expressway)
From Okinawa Expressway : Kyoda I.C. Approximately 5 on foot (Stop for line : 70, 76)
Parking：available Number of Parking Space : 150 （Free）
Address
1220-71 Bimata, Nago City, Okinawa 905-0005
Phone Number
0980-52-1568
FAX Number
0980-52-1104
Sightseeing Info
Sightseeing Info
Museums and Folkcraft Centers
Awamori Masahiro Gallery
Address: 5-8-1 Nishizaki Itoman-shi
Telephone: (098) 994-8080
Bashofu Hall
Address: 1103 Kijoyoka Ogimi-son
Telephone: (0980) 44-3033
Closed Sundays and National Holidays.
Ginoza Museum
Address: 232 Ginoza Ginoza-son
Telephone: (098) 968-4378
Himeyuri Peace Prayer and Memorial Museum
Address: 671-1 Ihara Itoman-shi
Telephone: (098) 997-2100
Hirara City Comprehensive Museum
Address: 1166-287 Higashi-Nakasonezoe Hirara-shi
Telephone: (098) 073-0567
Closed Mondays and National Holidays.
Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum
Address: 4-1 Tonoshiro Ishigaki-shi
Telephone: (098) 082-4712
Ishikawa City History and Folklore Museum
Address: 2865-1 Ishikawa Ishikawa-shi
Telephone: (098) 965-3866
Kihoin Temple Shushuin Treasure House
Address: 108 Taketomi Taketomi-cho Yaeyama-gun
Telephone: (098) 085-2202
Kyoei Glasswork Factory
Address: 85 Fuchaku Onna-son
Telephone: (098) 965-3090
Moromi Folklore Hall
Address: 3-11-10 Moromi Zato Okinawa-shi
Telephone: (098) 932-0028
Motobu Town Museum
Address: 847-1 Ohama Motobu-cho
Telephone: (0980) 47-5217
Nago Museum
Address: 1-8-11 Agaire Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 53-1342
Closed Mondays and holidays.
Nago Shellfish Exhibition Hall
Address: 1004 Miyazato Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 53-7501
Naha City Traditional Craft Center
Address: 1-1 Toma Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 858-6655
Nakagusuku Castle Museum
Address: 563 Oshiro Kitanakagusuku-son
Telephone: (098) 935-3347
The Nakamura's Residence
Address: 106 Oshiro Kitanakagusuku-son
Telephone: (098) 935-3500
Nakijin Village History and Culture Center
Address: 5110 Imadomari Nakijin-son
Telephone: (0980) 56-5767
Okinawa City Hometown Museum
Address: 235-3 Uechi Okinawa-shi
Telephone: (098) 932-6882
Closed Mondays and National Holidays.
Okinawa Craft Village
Address: 6203-1 Onna Onna-son
Telephone: (098) 966-2910
Okinawa Peace Prayer and Memorial Hall
Address: 448-2 Mabuni Itoman-shi
Telephone: (098) 997-3011
Okinawa Prefectural Museum
Address: 1-1 Shuri Onaka-cho Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 884-2243
Closed Mondays and National Holidays.
Okinawa Shellfish Specimen Hall
Address: 486 Kushi Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 55-2153
Prefectural Peace Prayer and Memorial Museum
Address: 604 Mabuni Itoman-shi
Telephone: (098) 997-2874
Ryukyu Glasswork Village
Address: 169 Fukuchi Itoman-shi
Telephone: (098) 997-4784
Ryukyu no Yakata
Address: 5-11-2 Nishizaki Itoman-shi
Telephone: (098) 992-1000
Sakima Art Museum
Address: 358 Uehara Ginowan-shi
Telephone: (098) 893-5737
Tama-udun
Address: 1-3 Shuri Kinjo-cho Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 885-2861
Tropical Nature Museum
Address: 527 Yonehara Ishigaki-shi
Telephone: (098) 088-2124
Urasoe City Art Museum
Address: 1330 Nakama Urasoe-shi
Telephone: (098) 879-3219
Yomitan Village Art Museum
Address: 708-6 Zakimi Yomitan-son
Telephone: (098) 958-2254
Closed Mondays and National Holidays.
Yomitan Village History and Folklore Museum
Address: 708-4 Zakimi Yomitan-son
Telephone: (098) 958-3141
Closed Mondays and National Holidays.
Yomitan Village Traditional Craft Center
Address: 2974-2 Zakimi Yomitan-son
Telephone: (098) 958-4674
Closed Sundays and National Holidays.
Sightseeing Spots
Busena Resort (Underwater Tower)
Address: 1744-1 Kise-busenabaru Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 52-3379
Chinen Marine Leisure Center
Address: 676 Kudeken Chinen-son
Telephone: (098) 948-3355
Dogashima Orchid Center
Address: 961-30 Kadekaru Ishikawa-shi
Telephone: (098) 965-3400
The Former Japanese Navy's Headquarters in the Underground Shelter
Address: 236 Tomigusuku Tomigusuku-son
Telephone: (098) 850-4055
Fukushu-en (Chinese-Style Garden)
Address: 2-29 Kume Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 869-5384
Gyokusendo Kingdom Village & Habu Park
Address: 1336 Maekawa Tamagusuku-son
Telephone: (098) 949-7421
Himeyuri Park
Address: 1300 Maehira Itoman-shi
Telephone: (098) 997-3111
Kin Kannodera Limestone Cave
Address: 222 Kin Kin-cho
Telephone: (098) 968-8581
Matsuyama-goden
Address: 1-12 Shuri Tobaru Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 885-1690
Mexican Cactus Park Sarabanda
Address: 1010 Odo Itoman-shi
Telephone: (098) 997-3355
Mogulin (Underwater 30m Cruise)
Address: Marina in Sun Marina Hotel, Onna-son
Telephone: (098) 964-5555
Nago Paradise
Address: 1774 Koki Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 52-6262
Nago Pineapple Fields
Address: 1195-1 Bimnata Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 53-3659
Nakagusuku Castle Park
Address: 503 Oshiro Kitanakagusuku-son
Telephone: (098) 935-5719
Nakijin Castle
Address: 4874 Imadomari Nakijin-son
Telephone: (0980) 56-4400
Nankai Okoku Ryukyu no Kaze
Address: 1040 Takashiho Yomitan-son
Telephone: (098) 958-1111
Neo Park Okinawa
Address: 4607-41 Nago Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 52-6348
Okinawa Children's Park (Island Park)
Address: 5-7-1 Goya Okinawa-shi
Telephone: (098) 933-4190
Closed Tuesdays.
Okinawa Commemorative National Government Park (Oceanic Culture Pavilion, Aquarium, Tropical Dream Center)
Address: 424 Ishikawa Motobu-Cho
Telephone: (0980) 48-2743
Closed on Thursdays.
Okinawa Expo Land
Address: 148 Bise Motobu-cho
Telephone: (0980) 48-2980
Okinawa Fruits Land
Address: 1220-71 Bimata Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 52-1568
Orion Beer Factory
Address: 2-2-1 Agaire Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 52-2136
Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays.
Ostrich Farm
Address: 309 Heshiki Nakijin-son
Telephone: (0980) 56-5608
Paradise Ryugu-jo of Herbs and Butterflies
Address: 390-1 Yamakawa Motobu-cho
Telephone: (0980) 48-3456
Pineapple House
Address: 684-1 Kyomizu Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 858-9009
Ryukyu Village
Address: 1130 Yamada Onna-son
Telephone: (098) 965-1234
Shikina-en
Address: 421-7 Maji Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 855-5936
Shuri Castle Park
Address: 1-1 Shuri Kinjo-cho Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 886-2020
Southeast Botanical Garden
Address: 2146 Chibana Okinawa-shi
Telephone: (098) 939-2555
Tomishiro Castle Park
Address: 863 Tomigukusu Tomigusuku-son
Telephone: (098) 850-0031
Water Sightseeing Boat "Naha"
Address: 3-25-1 Maejima Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 869-4701
Wine House
Address: 1195-1 Bimata Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 53-3659
Yanabaru Sub-tropical Park
Address: 1024-1 Nakayama Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 53-0007
Museums and Folkcraft Centers
Awamori Masahiro Gallery
Address: 5-8-1 Nishizaki Itoman-shi
Telephone: (098) 994-8080
Bashofu Hall
Address: 1103 Kijoyoka Ogimi-son
Telephone: (0980) 44-3033
Closed Sundays and National Holidays.
Ginoza Museum
Address: 232 Ginoza Ginoza-son
Telephone: (098) 968-4378
Himeyuri Peace Prayer and Memorial Museum
Address: 671-1 Ihara Itoman-shi
Telephone: (098) 997-2100
Hirara City Comprehensive Museum
Address: 1166-287 Higashi-Nakasonezoe Hirara-shi
Telephone: (098) 073-0567
Closed Mondays and National Holidays.
Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum
Address: 4-1 Tonoshiro Ishigaki-shi
Telephone: (098) 082-4712
Ishikawa City History and Folklore Museum
Address: 2865-1 Ishikawa Ishikawa-shi
Telephone: (098) 965-3866
Kihoin Temple Shushuin Treasure House
Address: 108 Taketomi Taketomi-cho Yaeyama-gun
Telephone: (098) 085-2202
Kyoei Glasswork Factory
Address: 85 Fuchaku Onna-son
Telephone: (098) 965-3090
Moromi Folklore Hall
Address: 3-11-10 Moromi Zato Okinawa-shi
Telephone: (098) 932-0028
Motobu Town Museum
Address: 847-1 Ohama Motobu-cho
Telephone: (0980) 47-5217
Nago Museum
Address: 1-8-11 Agaire Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 53-1342
Closed Mondays and holidays.
Nago Shellfish Exhibition Hall
Address: 1004 Miyazato Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 53-7501
Naha City Traditional Craft Center
Address: 1-1 Toma Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 858-6655
Nakagusuku Castle Museum
Address: 563 Oshiro Kitanakagusuku-son
Telephone: (098) 935-3347
The Nakamura's Residence
Address: 106 Oshiro Kitanakagusuku-son
Telephone: (098) 935-3500
Nakijin Village History and Culture Center
Address: 5110 Imadomari Nakijin-son
Telephone: (0980) 56-5767
Okinawa City Hometown Museum
Address: 235-3 Uechi Okinawa-shi
Telephone: (098) 932-6882
Closed Mondays and National Holidays.
Okinawa Craft Village
Address: 6203-1 Onna Onna-son
Telephone: (098) 966-2910
Okinawa Peace Prayer and Memorial Hall
Address: 448-2 Mabuni Itoman-shi
Telephone: (098) 997-3011
Okinawa Prefectural Museum
Address: 1-1 Shuri Onaka-cho Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 884-2243
Closed Mondays and National Holidays.
Okinawa Shellfish Specimen Hall
Address: 486 Kushi Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 55-2153
Prefectural Peace Prayer and Memorial Museum
Address: 604 Mabuni Itoman-shi
Telephone: (098) 997-2874
Ryukyu Glasswork Village
Address: 169 Fukuchi Itoman-shi
Telephone: (098) 997-4784
Ryukyu no Yakata
Address: 5-11-2 Nishizaki Itoman-shi
Telephone: (098) 992-1000
Sakima Art Museum
Address: 358 Uehara Ginowan-shi
Telephone: (098) 893-5737
Tama-udun
Address: 1-3 Shuri Kinjo-cho Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 885-2861
Tropical Nature Museum
Address: 527 Yonehara Ishigaki-shi
Telephone: (098) 088-2124
Urasoe City Art Museum
Address: 1330 Nakama Urasoe-shi
Telephone: (098) 879-3219
Yomitan Village Art Museum
Address: 708-6 Zakimi Yomitan-son
Telephone: (098) 958-2254
Closed Mondays and National Holidays.
Yomitan Village History and Folklore Museum
Address: 708-4 Zakimi Yomitan-son
Telephone: (098) 958-3141
Closed Mondays and National Holidays.
Yomitan Village Traditional Craft Center
Address: 2974-2 Zakimi Yomitan-son
Telephone: (098) 958-4674
Closed Sundays and National Holidays.
Sightseeing Spots
Busena Resort (Underwater Tower)
Address: 1744-1 Kise-busenabaru Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 52-3379
Chinen Marine Leisure Center
Address: 676 Kudeken Chinen-son
Telephone: (098) 948-3355
Dogashima Orchid Center
Address: 961-30 Kadekaru Ishikawa-shi
Telephone: (098) 965-3400
The Former Japanese Navy's Headquarters in the Underground Shelter
Address: 236 Tomigusuku Tomigusuku-son
Telephone: (098) 850-4055
Fukushu-en (Chinese-Style Garden)
Address: 2-29 Kume Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 869-5384
Gyokusendo Kingdom Village & Habu Park
Address: 1336 Maekawa Tamagusuku-son
Telephone: (098) 949-7421
Himeyuri Park
Address: 1300 Maehira Itoman-shi
Telephone: (098) 997-3111
Kin Kannodera Limestone Cave
Address: 222 Kin Kin-cho
Telephone: (098) 968-8581
Matsuyama-goden
Address: 1-12 Shuri Tobaru Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 885-1690
Mexican Cactus Park Sarabanda
Address: 1010 Odo Itoman-shi
Telephone: (098) 997-3355
Mogulin (Underwater 30m Cruise)
Address: Marina in Sun Marina Hotel, Onna-son
Telephone: (098) 964-5555
Nago Paradise
Address: 1774 Koki Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 52-6262
Nago Pineapple Fields
Address: 1195-1 Bimnata Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 53-3659
Nakagusuku Castle Park
Address: 503 Oshiro Kitanakagusuku-son
Telephone: (098) 935-5719
Nakijin Castle
Address: 4874 Imadomari Nakijin-son
Telephone: (0980) 56-4400
Nankai Okoku Ryukyu no Kaze
Address: 1040 Takashiho Yomitan-son
Telephone: (098) 958-1111
Neo Park Okinawa
Address: 4607-41 Nago Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 52-6348
Okinawa Children's Park (Island Park)
Address: 5-7-1 Goya Okinawa-shi
Telephone: (098) 933-4190
Closed Tuesdays.
Okinawa Commemorative National Government Park (Oceanic Culture Pavilion, Aquarium, Tropical Dream Center)
Address: 424 Ishikawa Motobu-Cho
Telephone: (0980) 48-2743
Closed on Thursdays.
Okinawa Expo Land
Address: 148 Bise Motobu-cho
Telephone: (0980) 48-2980
Okinawa Fruits Land
Address: 1220-71 Bimata Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 52-1568
Orion Beer Factory
Address: 2-2-1 Agaire Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 52-2136
Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays.
Ostrich Farm
Address: 309 Heshiki Nakijin-son
Telephone: (0980) 56-5608
Paradise Ryugu-jo of Herbs and Butterflies
Address: 390-1 Yamakawa Motobu-cho
Telephone: (0980) 48-3456
Pineapple House
Address: 684-1 Kyomizu Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 858-9009
Ryukyu Village
Address: 1130 Yamada Onna-son
Telephone: (098) 965-1234
Shikina-en
Address: 421-7 Maji Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 855-5936
Shuri Castle Park
Address: 1-1 Shuri Kinjo-cho Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 886-2020
Southeast Botanical Garden
Address: 2146 Chibana Okinawa-shi
Telephone: (098) 939-2555
Tomishiro Castle Park
Address: 863 Tomigukusu Tomigusuku-son
Telephone: (098) 850-0031
Water Sightseeing Boat "Naha"
Address: 3-25-1 Maejima Naha-shi
Telephone: (098) 869-4701
Wine House
Address: 1195-1 Bimata Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 53-3659
Yanabaru Sub-tropical Park
Address: 1024-1 Nakayama Nago-shi
Telephone: (0980) 53-0007
Dive Sites in Okinawa
Dive Sites in Okinawa Japan...
Now I don't dive nor do I go into water...but someone asked me if I knew any info on diving spots. So here is all I could find out!!!
Oura Wan Bay (Dive difficulty varies)
At Oura Wan Bay, you can find easy ocean access, a diversity of terrain and chartered boat dives. The south end of the beach is a paradise for underwater macro photographers. The easiest entry is at the north end of the beach. Although the dive is uncomplicated, make sure to stay out of the boat lane. At the outer reef, you can sometimes catch a glimpse of turtles, sharks, eels, lionfish and an occasional whale. Oura Wan Bay is located on Camp Schwab. The dive difficulty varies depending on the part of the bay. Call Oura Wan Boating at 625-3683 for more information.
Junkyard (1)
The Junkyard is home to a fertile coral kingdom and diverse marine animal life. You can see octopuses, eel, anemone, clownfish, angelfish, parrotfish and sergeant majors, and a lot more. For a change of pace, try diving the Junkyard at night.
From Kitamae Gate on Camp Foster, turn right onto Highway 58. Go north for 4.4 km; you will pass Camp Lester on the right. Look for a road sign that states "HIGHWAY BRANCH OFFICE"; turn left at the signal and sign. Travel .9 km to the "T" intersection and turn right. You will have the seawall on your left. Go .6 km. The steps that lead to the dive site will be on your left. Suit up by the steps and walk down to the reef. The 300-yard snorkel to the site is long, but it is worth the effort. Except for the rise and fall of the tide, currents are generally nonexistent. Visibility averages 30 to 40 feet.
Kadena Steps (1)
This dive site's accessibility makes it extremely convenient. Depths eventually reach 45 to 50 feet, and the bottom is comprised primarily of sand, rubble and limestone. Tropical fish including damsels, butterflyfish and wrasses are plentiful.
From Kitamae Gate on Camp Foster, turn right onto Highway 58. Go north for 7.3 km; you will pass Camp Lester and Kadena Gate 1 on the right and the fuel farm on the left. Just past the KFC and just before the building with the green roof, look for Kaneku Road. At Kaneku Road, there is a stop light. Turn left and travel .4 km. This road stops at a "T" intersection; turn left and drive for .3 km along the seawall (on your left). Park on the road along the seawall. Ocean conditions at Kadena Steps are usually favorable, but assess ocean currents before diving. You can suit up at the broad top landing of the stairs. Walk down the flight of stairs and snorkel a short distance to the reef.
Kadena North (1)
Kadena North's easy entrance point makes it a popular site among dive instructors and student divers. Because it's a relatively shallow site, Kadena North is not subject to the stronger currents of deeper waters. Visibility averages 50 feet. Blue sea stars, sea cucumbers, hermit and coral crabs, crinoids, angelfish, butterflyfish, flutemouths, murexes and tritons are some of the creatures found at Kadena North.
Go to Kadena Steps and go .6 km past the steps. The road will end and turn right. This is Kadena North.
Devil's Cove (1) (snorkel)
Devil's Cove attracts divers with its sunken fishing boat, bottom-dwelling creatures like sponges and urchins, varieties of coral, anemones, damsels, angelfish and an occasional octopus or cuttlefish.
From Kitamae Gate on Camp Foster, turn right onto Highway 58. Go north for 9.7 km; you will pass Camp Lester and Kadena Gate 1 on the right and the fuel farm on the left. Travel past Kadena circle and continue going north on Highway 58. There is a stop light at a pedestrian overpass. This is Owan Road (also Highway 16). Turn left and drive for 1.5 km. This road (at press time) has houses on the left and fields on the right.. After going .5 km, you will see the parking area on the left. A walk down the steps leads to the water. To avoid wandering into the boat channel, face the tall, red, cylindrical channel marker (located in the water) and swim along the reef wall until it turns north and parallels the beach.
Sunabe Seawall (1) (snorkel)
Sunabe is one of Okinawa's top dive spots. The limestone rocks slope into cracks, crevasses and cliffs, and visibility averages 50 feet. At the edge of the reef is a soft coral garden, home to various anemone and clownfish. You may also spot an occasional cuttlefish, octopus, shrimp, crab or squid. Mollusks, including tritons, cowries, and murexes, like to seek shelter within coral and rock carpets.
From Kitamae Gate on Camp Foster, turn right onto Highway 58. Go north for 3.7 km; you will pass Camp Lester on the right. There will be a SEGA arcade on the left, at the stop light at Hamagawa Road. Turn left and go .7 km and follow the road as it curves right. You will see the seawall on the left. You can dive at any point from the seawall.
Sunabe is usually free of the sudden current changes that characterize other dive sites. Although the winter season brings waves up to six feet high, flat seas are the norm.
Maeda Point (2) (snorkel)
You haven't dived on Okinawa until you've dived at Maeda Point. At the reef's edge and to the right, the depth is about 20 feet; to the left of the reef, it's about 100 feet. At Maeda Point, you can see chromis, eels, tube worms, anemone, clownfish, lionfish, schools of squid and an occasional turtle.
From Kitamae Gate on Camp Foster, turn right onto Highway 58. Go north for 15.1 km; you will pass Camp Lester and Kadena Gate 1 on the right and the fuel farm on the left. Travel past Kadena circle and continue going north on Highway 58. There is a stop light with a sign for Ryukyu Mura Village; turn left. Travel 3.2 km to a "T" intersection (you will pass Ryukyu Mura on the left.) Turn left at the light on Kuraha road (also named Highway 6.) Go .8 km and turn right at the sign for Cape Maeda. Go .5 km to the parking lot. If you want to go to Maeda Flats, just before the parking lot for Maeda Point, turn left and go .2 km. There will be fields on both sides of the road. Park by the tombs and walk down the path to the beach.
Before suiting up at the point, check the conditions at Maeda. Don't dive if the surf exceeds two feet. The stairs from the parking lot lead to about 15 feet above the waterline. At this point, you'll have to climb carefully down the cliff's limestone rock face before reaching the water. Save some energy for the exit and the climb back up the stairs.
Maeda Flats (2) (snorkel)
Maeda Flats is usually less crowded than Maeda Point, and you won't have to scale limestone to get to the water. The deep sandy floor has been known to shelter stingray, and a swim over the reef reveals excellent visibility, sometimes exceeding 100 feet. The limestone reef is a feeding ground for schools of spadefish. Visitors can walk across the reef at low tide and snorkel at high tide.
From Kitamae Gate on Camp Foster, turn right and travel north on Highway 58. Make a left at the "Ryukyu Mura" sign, approximately 6 km past Kadena Circle. Turn left at the second stoplight past Ryukyu Mura. About .8 km later, make a right at the white "Maeda Misaki" sign. Turn left just before the parking lot. To get to the site, wade in at the small beach.
Sesoko Island (2)
Sesoko Island is a small islet connected to Okinawa by a bridge just north of Nago. Diving here is possible virtually any time of the year. To get there take Highway 58 north. In Nago, get on Route 449 toward Motobu. Past Motobu Port, you'll see the bridge to the island. Turn left on Route 172 and go across the bridge. To get to the first dive site, take the first left after the bridge toward the beach.
Enter the dive spot through the beach, but be careful of the boat and ferry traffic lanes. Only experienced divers should attempt this site. For the second dive site, cross the bridge and drive about 1.2 km. Look for a blue golf course sign and make a right just before the sign. Make a left at the golf clubhouse, then left again onto the gravel road before the beach. From the beach, snorkel straight out about 400 yards. Visibility averages 50 to 80 feet.
Seragaki Beach (3) (snorkel)
This site's average depth is 70 feet. Coral, anemones, nudibranchs, manta rays and ocean sunfish gather close to the reef's edge. Tropical fish live in the protected cove.
From Kitamae Gate on Camp Foster, turn right onto Highway 58. Go north for 32 km; you will pass Camp Lester and Kadena Gate 1 on the right and the fuel farm on the left. Travel past Kadena Circle and contine going north on Highway 58. You will pass Oki Ham Company on the left. Go past the Ishikawa cut-off. You will then pass Moon Beach, Tiger Beach, Sun Marine Beach Hotel, and Rizian Sea Park Resort on the left. North of Onna Village, you will pas Manza Beach Resort on the left. Look for a sign that says Seragaki Beach and turn left. Go .1 km, turn right, and go across a causeway. Stop and pay your entrance fee of about ¥500 a person. There are many diving points on the island. A "Dive Spot" sign marks the entrance to the staircase that descends to the beach. The water is generally calm, but longshore currents are tricky and run both ways along the reef. There is also a pool, showers and a convenience store on this island.
Channel Crevasses (3)
One of Okinawa's most spectacular coastal areas is found at Channel Crevasses. Visibility reaches 150 feet or more. Nooks, crannies and rocks make a natural dwelling place for crab and lobster. Sea turtles lay their eggs in a protected area on the beach. Beyond the reef, you can see cones, turbans, augers and other shellfish. Beware of strong rip currents during extreme tidal changes.
This site is located about an hour south of Kadena Air Base. Take Highway 58 south through Naha. Highway 58 merges Into Highway 331. Take 331 and continue traveling south. Once through the rotary In Itoman, take the Highway 331 bypass to Yonabaru. When you approach the Intersection of Highways 331 and 7 slow down. Approximately .7 km past the Intersection, you will see a blue and white sign that says "Odo Coast." Turn right at this sign, heading toward the water. At the "T" intersection (dirt road) turn left and proceed to the parking area. (If you get to Peace Park, you have gone too far.) The beach area is accessible to 4WD vehicles only.
Ikei Island (4) (snorkel)
Ikei is a picturesque island dotted with small, old-fashioned villages. You can dive almost anywhere on Ikei. The beauty of the island is that you can choose to dive along the Pacific Ocean side or within Kin Bay. To get to Ikei, take Route 8 toward White Beach. Turn left on Route 31. Follow the road to the bottom of the hill and bear left. Cross the long bridge to Henza and wind around the island. Remain on this road and you'll eventually come to a red bridge that leads to Ikei. All signs to "Big Time Resort" lead to the island.
For Pacific dive sites, take any dirt road on the right off the island's main road. Dive sites here boast visibility far below 100 feet. For Kin Bay sites, travel around the island until you see Blue Lagoon Park. Take a left just past the park and another left before a tobacco processing plant. Follow the road to Mama-san Beach. Visibility is about 50 feet. Snorkeling is good at Mama-san, but watch out for jellyfish — they are known to be quite common in this area.
Ie IslandSoutheast side (2) & Northwest side (4) (snorkel)
Ie Island's beautiful, unspoiled reefs and its location away from the main island make its dive spots an excellent, out-of-the-way scuba adventure. Just 30 minutes away by ferry, Ie is a world of underwater thrills. At the Wajee dive site on the island's rocky north coast, there is limited summertime shore diving. There you'll see schools of damselfish, Napoleon fish, parrotfish, squid, and octopus as well as the world's second largest brain coral colony. The best time to dive or snorkel Wajee is at low tide. Entry is at a small, narrow crevice about 100 yards to the left of the pump house. Snorkelers should stick to the shallow areas to spot puffer fish, cuttle fish, stone fish, and more in the crevices. Most of the diving on Ie Island is done by boat. At Rainbow Reef, a popular site on the southwest side of the island, you may spot a wrasse, Moorish idol, pelagic fish, sea snakes, sea rays and sea turtles.
Ferries to Ie Island depart regularly from Motobu Port. Call MCCS Tours+ at 646-3502 for ferry information and details on fares.
Onna Point (4)
Onna Point is known for its vast coral colonies and wide array of ocean creatures, including crab, anemones, clownfish, angelfish, wrasses, sergeant majors, stonefish and octopus.
From Kitamae Gate on Camp Foster, turn right onto Highway 58. Go north for 28.6 km; you will pass Camp Lester and Kadena Gate 1 on the right and the fuel farm on the left. Travel past Kadena circle and continue going north on Highway 58. Just south of Onna Village, you will see a white (at press time) pedestrian overpass and a school on the left. Turn left at this road, go .9 km, and veer right. The road is paved and then turns to dirt. Turn left and cross a field for about .9 km. Turn left on any of the roads and go .4 km to the point. Once the pavement ends, be very careful. It is easy to get stuck when it has been raining. You should have a 4-wheel drive vehicle to go to this site.
Walk across the beach and enter through the crevasse. Pay close attention to the currents moving through the reef, especially near the entry point fissure. The rip current during low tide makes getting to your site easy; just let the current pull you out. Exiting may pose a problem for other than experienced divers. Novices should try diving Onna Point at high tide when the currents are weaker. Bad rip currents can occur here.
Toilet Bowl (4)
Toilet Bowl's strenuous entrance and exit and the need to maintain proper buoyancy make this site appropriate only for experienced divers. Ideal conditions exist along the outermost reef at about 30 feet. Near the reef top you can see crinoids and hydroids, and the underwater mountains, valleys and caverns host fish, crustaceans and sea fans. Divers need to exercise extreme caution because conditions change rapidly.
From Kitamae Gate on Camp Foster, turn right onto Highway 58. Go north for 30 km. Just north of Onna Village, you will see a fire station on the left and a Lawson Station on the right. There is a stop light at the fire station. Turn left at the light and travel past the log cabin. Once you have go .7 km, you will be at Manzamo Point parking lot. There Is a black top road between the shops and the restrooms; turn left on this road. Go .6 km to a spot where there are tombs on the left. This is where you park for Toilet Bowl. There is a path that leads to the dive point. Before getting into the water, don you mask, snorkel, and fins. Jump In using the giant stride-method. Quickly swim away from the edge of the bowl. Exit with caution; be sure to save enough air. For an easier departure, swim to the peninsula at the side of the bowl and climb up.
Bolo Point (Zanpa) (5)
Bolo Point offers some of the most beautiful dives on the island. You have the option of diving over mountains, gorges, and walls. Water conditions may change quickly at this site. Extreme caution and good judgment should be used. Monitor your depth gauge regularly when diving here; depths exceed recommended limits for recreational diving with the deepest points being well below 200 feet. Near the small caves to the left, you may see lionfish, copper sweepers and an occasional grouper. The mouth of Bolo Point's most prominent cave sits at about 90 feet. Diving is not recommended around the cave as World War II artifacts, including artillery rounds, have been discovered here. Platter coral layers provide homes for a variety of tropical fish, and it is not unusual to see a nurse shark or large snapper.
From Kitamae Gate on Camp Foster, turn right onto Highway 58. Go north for 11.1 km; you will pass Camp Lester and Kadena Gate 1 on the right and the fuel farm on the left. Travel past Kadena circle and continue going north on Highway 58. Look for a sign for Highway 6 and Cape Zampa. Turn left on Highway 6 at a stop light. Travel 7.6 km past Torii Station main gate (on your left) and Highway 12 (on your right). After traveling 7.6 km, just before a light, there is a fork in the road. Go left and drive 2.9 km. You will see the lighthouse in front of you and a parking lot on the right. Getting down to the water line at Bolo Point is a rigorous hike over jagged rock. Evaluate water conditions carefully before stepping in. Rapidly changing surf and currents can make this spot extremely treacherous.
Horseshoe Beach (5)
Horseshoe Beach's impressive underwater wall teems with marine life—coral, barracuda, damselfish, tangs, turtles and reef sharks. It is a difficult dive due to strong longshore currents at times. It is a site where many have been injured.
From Kitamae Gate on Camp Foster, turn right onto Highway 58. Go north for 30 km. Just north of Onna Village, you will see a fire station on the left and a Lawson Station on the right. There is a stop light at the fire station. Turn left at the light and travel past the log cabin. Once you have gone .7 km, you will be at Manzamo Point parking lot. There is a black top road between the shops and the restrooms; turn left on this road. Go .6 km to a spot where there are tombs on the left. This is where you park for Toilet Bowl. There is a path that leads to the dive point. To get to Horseshoe, continue on the road for another .1 km to a small parking area. There are several points to enter the water.
Plan to dive as close to high tide as possible. Watch your footing as you step out onto the reef. Powerful and unpredictable currents make this site best suited for advanced divers. Avoid diving in high surf.
Hedo Beach (4) & Hedo Point (5)
Hedo Point's currents—caused by the meeting of the Pacific Ocean and East China Sea—make for spectacular diving. But do not go in on an outgoing tide! Tunicate colonies make their home on the reef, along with coral, sponges, crinoids, starfish, and lobsters.
To get there, travel north on Highway 58 past Okuma. Turn left at the blue sign that reads "Hedo Misaki," about 40 km past Nago. Make the second right and follow the road to the beach. To enter the water, walk across the shallows. Suit up near the water's edge. Use caution when diving near the fingerlike cuts in the reef. Unpredictable currents can create hazardous diving conditions.
Diving Sites to check out:
http://www.mensoresurfing.com/
Now I don't dive nor do I go into water...but someone asked me if I knew any info on diving spots. So here is all I could find out!!!
Oura Wan Bay (Dive difficulty varies)
At Oura Wan Bay, you can find easy ocean access, a diversity of terrain and chartered boat dives. The south end of the beach is a paradise for underwater macro photographers. The easiest entry is at the north end of the beach. Although the dive is uncomplicated, make sure to stay out of the boat lane. At the outer reef, you can sometimes catch a glimpse of turtles, sharks, eels, lionfish and an occasional whale. Oura Wan Bay is located on Camp Schwab. The dive difficulty varies depending on the part of the bay. Call Oura Wan Boating at 625-3683 for more information.
Junkyard (1)
The Junkyard is home to a fertile coral kingdom and diverse marine animal life. You can see octopuses, eel, anemone, clownfish, angelfish, parrotfish and sergeant majors, and a lot more. For a change of pace, try diving the Junkyard at night.
From Kitamae Gate on Camp Foster, turn right onto Highway 58. Go north for 4.4 km; you will pass Camp Lester on the right. Look for a road sign that states "HIGHWAY BRANCH OFFICE"; turn left at the signal and sign. Travel .9 km to the "T" intersection and turn right. You will have the seawall on your left. Go .6 km. The steps that lead to the dive site will be on your left. Suit up by the steps and walk down to the reef. The 300-yard snorkel to the site is long, but it is worth the effort. Except for the rise and fall of the tide, currents are generally nonexistent. Visibility averages 30 to 40 feet.
Kadena Steps (1)
This dive site's accessibility makes it extremely convenient. Depths eventually reach 45 to 50 feet, and the bottom is comprised primarily of sand, rubble and limestone. Tropical fish including damsels, butterflyfish and wrasses are plentiful.
From Kitamae Gate on Camp Foster, turn right onto Highway 58. Go north for 7.3 km; you will pass Camp Lester and Kadena Gate 1 on the right and the fuel farm on the left. Just past the KFC and just before the building with the green roof, look for Kaneku Road. At Kaneku Road, there is a stop light. Turn left and travel .4 km. This road stops at a "T" intersection; turn left and drive for .3 km along the seawall (on your left). Park on the road along the seawall. Ocean conditions at Kadena Steps are usually favorable, but assess ocean currents before diving. You can suit up at the broad top landing of the stairs. Walk down the flight of stairs and snorkel a short distance to the reef.
Kadena North (1)
Kadena North's easy entrance point makes it a popular site among dive instructors and student divers. Because it's a relatively shallow site, Kadena North is not subject to the stronger currents of deeper waters. Visibility averages 50 feet. Blue sea stars, sea cucumbers, hermit and coral crabs, crinoids, angelfish, butterflyfish, flutemouths, murexes and tritons are some of the creatures found at Kadena North.
Go to Kadena Steps and go .6 km past the steps. The road will end and turn right. This is Kadena North.
Devil's Cove (1) (snorkel)
Devil's Cove attracts divers with its sunken fishing boat, bottom-dwelling creatures like sponges and urchins, varieties of coral, anemones, damsels, angelfish and an occasional octopus or cuttlefish.
From Kitamae Gate on Camp Foster, turn right onto Highway 58. Go north for 9.7 km; you will pass Camp Lester and Kadena Gate 1 on the right and the fuel farm on the left. Travel past Kadena circle and continue going north on Highway 58. There is a stop light at a pedestrian overpass. This is Owan Road (also Highway 16). Turn left and drive for 1.5 km. This road (at press time) has houses on the left and fields on the right.. After going .5 km, you will see the parking area on the left. A walk down the steps leads to the water. To avoid wandering into the boat channel, face the tall, red, cylindrical channel marker (located in the water) and swim along the reef wall until it turns north and parallels the beach.
Sunabe Seawall (1) (snorkel)
Sunabe is one of Okinawa's top dive spots. The limestone rocks slope into cracks, crevasses and cliffs, and visibility averages 50 feet. At the edge of the reef is a soft coral garden, home to various anemone and clownfish. You may also spot an occasional cuttlefish, octopus, shrimp, crab or squid. Mollusks, including tritons, cowries, and murexes, like to seek shelter within coral and rock carpets.
From Kitamae Gate on Camp Foster, turn right onto Highway 58. Go north for 3.7 km; you will pass Camp Lester on the right. There will be a SEGA arcade on the left, at the stop light at Hamagawa Road. Turn left and go .7 km and follow the road as it curves right. You will see the seawall on the left. You can dive at any point from the seawall.
Sunabe is usually free of the sudden current changes that characterize other dive sites. Although the winter season brings waves up to six feet high, flat seas are the norm.
Maeda Point (2) (snorkel)
You haven't dived on Okinawa until you've dived at Maeda Point. At the reef's edge and to the right, the depth is about 20 feet; to the left of the reef, it's about 100 feet. At Maeda Point, you can see chromis, eels, tube worms, anemone, clownfish, lionfish, schools of squid and an occasional turtle.
From Kitamae Gate on Camp Foster, turn right onto Highway 58. Go north for 15.1 km; you will pass Camp Lester and Kadena Gate 1 on the right and the fuel farm on the left. Travel past Kadena circle and continue going north on Highway 58. There is a stop light with a sign for Ryukyu Mura Village; turn left. Travel 3.2 km to a "T" intersection (you will pass Ryukyu Mura on the left.) Turn left at the light on Kuraha road (also named Highway 6.) Go .8 km and turn right at the sign for Cape Maeda. Go .5 km to the parking lot. If you want to go to Maeda Flats, just before the parking lot for Maeda Point, turn left and go .2 km. There will be fields on both sides of the road. Park by the tombs and walk down the path to the beach.
Before suiting up at the point, check the conditions at Maeda. Don't dive if the surf exceeds two feet. The stairs from the parking lot lead to about 15 feet above the waterline. At this point, you'll have to climb carefully down the cliff's limestone rock face before reaching the water. Save some energy for the exit and the climb back up the stairs.
Maeda Flats (2) (snorkel)
Maeda Flats is usually less crowded than Maeda Point, and you won't have to scale limestone to get to the water. The deep sandy floor has been known to shelter stingray, and a swim over the reef reveals excellent visibility, sometimes exceeding 100 feet. The limestone reef is a feeding ground for schools of spadefish. Visitors can walk across the reef at low tide and snorkel at high tide.
From Kitamae Gate on Camp Foster, turn right and travel north on Highway 58. Make a left at the "Ryukyu Mura" sign, approximately 6 km past Kadena Circle. Turn left at the second stoplight past Ryukyu Mura. About .8 km later, make a right at the white "Maeda Misaki" sign. Turn left just before the parking lot. To get to the site, wade in at the small beach.
Sesoko Island (2)
Sesoko Island is a small islet connected to Okinawa by a bridge just north of Nago. Diving here is possible virtually any time of the year. To get there take Highway 58 north. In Nago, get on Route 449 toward Motobu. Past Motobu Port, you'll see the bridge to the island. Turn left on Route 172 and go across the bridge. To get to the first dive site, take the first left after the bridge toward the beach.
Enter the dive spot through the beach, but be careful of the boat and ferry traffic lanes. Only experienced divers should attempt this site. For the second dive site, cross the bridge and drive about 1.2 km. Look for a blue golf course sign and make a right just before the sign. Make a left at the golf clubhouse, then left again onto the gravel road before the beach. From the beach, snorkel straight out about 400 yards. Visibility averages 50 to 80 feet.
Seragaki Beach (3) (snorkel)
This site's average depth is 70 feet. Coral, anemones, nudibranchs, manta rays and ocean sunfish gather close to the reef's edge. Tropical fish live in the protected cove.
From Kitamae Gate on Camp Foster, turn right onto Highway 58. Go north for 32 km; you will pass Camp Lester and Kadena Gate 1 on the right and the fuel farm on the left. Travel past Kadena Circle and contine going north on Highway 58. You will pass Oki Ham Company on the left. Go past the Ishikawa cut-off. You will then pass Moon Beach, Tiger Beach, Sun Marine Beach Hotel, and Rizian Sea Park Resort on the left. North of Onna Village, you will pas Manza Beach Resort on the left. Look for a sign that says Seragaki Beach and turn left. Go .1 km, turn right, and go across a causeway. Stop and pay your entrance fee of about ¥500 a person. There are many diving points on the island. A "Dive Spot" sign marks the entrance to the staircase that descends to the beach. The water is generally calm, but longshore currents are tricky and run both ways along the reef. There is also a pool, showers and a convenience store on this island.
Channel Crevasses (3)
One of Okinawa's most spectacular coastal areas is found at Channel Crevasses. Visibility reaches 150 feet or more. Nooks, crannies and rocks make a natural dwelling place for crab and lobster. Sea turtles lay their eggs in a protected area on the beach. Beyond the reef, you can see cones, turbans, augers and other shellfish. Beware of strong rip currents during extreme tidal changes.
This site is located about an hour south of Kadena Air Base. Take Highway 58 south through Naha. Highway 58 merges Into Highway 331. Take 331 and continue traveling south. Once through the rotary In Itoman, take the Highway 331 bypass to Yonabaru. When you approach the Intersection of Highways 331 and 7 slow down. Approximately .7 km past the Intersection, you will see a blue and white sign that says "Odo Coast." Turn right at this sign, heading toward the water. At the "T" intersection (dirt road) turn left and proceed to the parking area. (If you get to Peace Park, you have gone too far.) The beach area is accessible to 4WD vehicles only.
Ikei Island (4) (snorkel)
Ikei is a picturesque island dotted with small, old-fashioned villages. You can dive almost anywhere on Ikei. The beauty of the island is that you can choose to dive along the Pacific Ocean side or within Kin Bay. To get to Ikei, take Route 8 toward White Beach. Turn left on Route 31. Follow the road to the bottom of the hill and bear left. Cross the long bridge to Henza and wind around the island. Remain on this road and you'll eventually come to a red bridge that leads to Ikei. All signs to "Big Time Resort" lead to the island.
For Pacific dive sites, take any dirt road on the right off the island's main road. Dive sites here boast visibility far below 100 feet. For Kin Bay sites, travel around the island until you see Blue Lagoon Park. Take a left just past the park and another left before a tobacco processing plant. Follow the road to Mama-san Beach. Visibility is about 50 feet. Snorkeling is good at Mama-san, but watch out for jellyfish — they are known to be quite common in this area.
Ie IslandSoutheast side (2) & Northwest side (4) (snorkel)
Ie Island's beautiful, unspoiled reefs and its location away from the main island make its dive spots an excellent, out-of-the-way scuba adventure. Just 30 minutes away by ferry, Ie is a world of underwater thrills. At the Wajee dive site on the island's rocky north coast, there is limited summertime shore diving. There you'll see schools of damselfish, Napoleon fish, parrotfish, squid, and octopus as well as the world's second largest brain coral colony. The best time to dive or snorkel Wajee is at low tide. Entry is at a small, narrow crevice about 100 yards to the left of the pump house. Snorkelers should stick to the shallow areas to spot puffer fish, cuttle fish, stone fish, and more in the crevices. Most of the diving on Ie Island is done by boat. At Rainbow Reef, a popular site on the southwest side of the island, you may spot a wrasse, Moorish idol, pelagic fish, sea snakes, sea rays and sea turtles.
Ferries to Ie Island depart regularly from Motobu Port. Call MCCS Tours+ at 646-3502 for ferry information and details on fares.
Onna Point (4)
Onna Point is known for its vast coral colonies and wide array of ocean creatures, including crab, anemones, clownfish, angelfish, wrasses, sergeant majors, stonefish and octopus.
From Kitamae Gate on Camp Foster, turn right onto Highway 58. Go north for 28.6 km; you will pass Camp Lester and Kadena Gate 1 on the right and the fuel farm on the left. Travel past Kadena circle and continue going north on Highway 58. Just south of Onna Village, you will see a white (at press time) pedestrian overpass and a school on the left. Turn left at this road, go .9 km, and veer right. The road is paved and then turns to dirt. Turn left and cross a field for about .9 km. Turn left on any of the roads and go .4 km to the point. Once the pavement ends, be very careful. It is easy to get stuck when it has been raining. You should have a 4-wheel drive vehicle to go to this site.
Walk across the beach and enter through the crevasse. Pay close attention to the currents moving through the reef, especially near the entry point fissure. The rip current during low tide makes getting to your site easy; just let the current pull you out. Exiting may pose a problem for other than experienced divers. Novices should try diving Onna Point at high tide when the currents are weaker. Bad rip currents can occur here.
Toilet Bowl (4)
Toilet Bowl's strenuous entrance and exit and the need to maintain proper buoyancy make this site appropriate only for experienced divers. Ideal conditions exist along the outermost reef at about 30 feet. Near the reef top you can see crinoids and hydroids, and the underwater mountains, valleys and caverns host fish, crustaceans and sea fans. Divers need to exercise extreme caution because conditions change rapidly.
From Kitamae Gate on Camp Foster, turn right onto Highway 58. Go north for 30 km. Just north of Onna Village, you will see a fire station on the left and a Lawson Station on the right. There is a stop light at the fire station. Turn left at the light and travel past the log cabin. Once you have go .7 km, you will be at Manzamo Point parking lot. There Is a black top road between the shops and the restrooms; turn left on this road. Go .6 km to a spot where there are tombs on the left. This is where you park for Toilet Bowl. There is a path that leads to the dive point. Before getting into the water, don you mask, snorkel, and fins. Jump In using the giant stride-method. Quickly swim away from the edge of the bowl. Exit with caution; be sure to save enough air. For an easier departure, swim to the peninsula at the side of the bowl and climb up.
Bolo Point (Zanpa) (5)
Bolo Point offers some of the most beautiful dives on the island. You have the option of diving over mountains, gorges, and walls. Water conditions may change quickly at this site. Extreme caution and good judgment should be used. Monitor your depth gauge regularly when diving here; depths exceed recommended limits for recreational diving with the deepest points being well below 200 feet. Near the small caves to the left, you may see lionfish, copper sweepers and an occasional grouper. The mouth of Bolo Point's most prominent cave sits at about 90 feet. Diving is not recommended around the cave as World War II artifacts, including artillery rounds, have been discovered here. Platter coral layers provide homes for a variety of tropical fish, and it is not unusual to see a nurse shark or large snapper.
From Kitamae Gate on Camp Foster, turn right onto Highway 58. Go north for 11.1 km; you will pass Camp Lester and Kadena Gate 1 on the right and the fuel farm on the left. Travel past Kadena circle and continue going north on Highway 58. Look for a sign for Highway 6 and Cape Zampa. Turn left on Highway 6 at a stop light. Travel 7.6 km past Torii Station main gate (on your left) and Highway 12 (on your right). After traveling 7.6 km, just before a light, there is a fork in the road. Go left and drive 2.9 km. You will see the lighthouse in front of you and a parking lot on the right. Getting down to the water line at Bolo Point is a rigorous hike over jagged rock. Evaluate water conditions carefully before stepping in. Rapidly changing surf and currents can make this spot extremely treacherous.
Horseshoe Beach (5)
Horseshoe Beach's impressive underwater wall teems with marine life—coral, barracuda, damselfish, tangs, turtles and reef sharks. It is a difficult dive due to strong longshore currents at times. It is a site where many have been injured.
From Kitamae Gate on Camp Foster, turn right onto Highway 58. Go north for 30 km. Just north of Onna Village, you will see a fire station on the left and a Lawson Station on the right. There is a stop light at the fire station. Turn left at the light and travel past the log cabin. Once you have gone .7 km, you will be at Manzamo Point parking lot. There is a black top road between the shops and the restrooms; turn left on this road. Go .6 km to a spot where there are tombs on the left. This is where you park for Toilet Bowl. There is a path that leads to the dive point. To get to Horseshoe, continue on the road for another .1 km to a small parking area. There are several points to enter the water.
Plan to dive as close to high tide as possible. Watch your footing as you step out onto the reef. Powerful and unpredictable currents make this site best suited for advanced divers. Avoid diving in high surf.
Hedo Beach (4) & Hedo Point (5)
Hedo Point's currents—caused by the meeting of the Pacific Ocean and East China Sea—make for spectacular diving. But do not go in on an outgoing tide! Tunicate colonies make their home on the reef, along with coral, sponges, crinoids, starfish, and lobsters.
To get there, travel north on Highway 58 past Okuma. Turn left at the blue sign that reads "Hedo Misaki," about 40 km past Nago. Make the second right and follow the road to the beach. To enter the water, walk across the shallows. Suit up near the water's edge. Use caution when diving near the fingerlike cuts in the reef. Unpredictable currents can create hazardous diving conditions.
Diving Sites to check out:
http://www.mensoresurfing.com/
Camp Sites in Okinawa
Nashiro Beach (Itoman City)
Tel: 098-997-2218
Address: 982 Nashiro, Itoman City
Direction: Go south on Hwy331 after passing Naha Airport. There will be a sign for Nashiro Beach and turn right when you see the sign and proceed 2km.
Open everyday
Check-in: Anytime Check-out: Anytime
Shower, bathroom, vending machine, payphone, and small convenience store available.
Price: Adult ¥450
Student (13-18) ¥300
Child (5-12) ¥150
Auto Camp ¥1,000
*No pets allowed
Okinawa Comprehensive Park Campsite with Parking Space (Okinawa City)
Tel: 098-932-5114
Address: 672 Hiyagon, Okinawa City
Direction: Go straight out Legion Gate. Cross Hwy330 and Hwy329. The park will be on your left.
Open everyday
Check-in: 09:00- Check-out: -21:00
Shower, bathroom, cooking area, vending machine, and payphone available.
Price: Auto Camp (up to 10 people) ¥2,640
One Camping Spot per night ¥1,320
*Pets allowed on leash only.
Hotel Taniyu (Nago City)
Tel: 0980-58-2142
Address: 1577-2 Nakaoji, Nago City
Direction: Getting off Expressway Exit 10, go 17km North on Hwy58. Turn right at the sign of Mt. Tano and go 4km.
Open everyday
Check-in: 12:00- Check-out: -11:00
Shower w/no hot water, bathroom, cooking area, and payphone available.
Tent and barbeque equipment rental available.
Price: One camping Spot per night ¥1,575
Log house ¥10,500-¥15,750
*Pets allowed on leash only.
Yagaji Beach Center (Nago City)
Tel: 0980-52-8123
Address: 143 Yaga, Nago City
Direction: Getting off Expressway Exit 10, go North on Hwy58. Turn left at Makiya Intersection. Open everyday
Check-in: 12:00- Check-out: -12:00
Shower, bathroom, cooking area, and small convenience store available.
Barbeque equipment rental available.
Bungalow available (reservation needed).
Price: Adult (Over 13yrs) ¥500
Child (1-12yrs) ¥300
Campsite w/parking space per night ¥400-¥1,200
Log House ¥10,500-¥15,750
*No pets allowed.
Mt. Oppa Forest Camp Site (Nakijin Village)
Tel: 0980-56-4003
Direction: Getting off Expressway Exit IO, go North on Hwy 58. Turn left on Hwy 505 and proceed straight until you see the sign on your right.
Open everyday
Check-in: 13:00- Check-out: -12:00
Shower, bathroom, and cooking area available.
Tent rental available.
Price: Over 5 yrs ¥500
Camping spot with tent ¥2,000
Bungalow ¥10,000-¥15,000
*Pets are allowed on leash only.
Gushikawa Outdoor Recreation Center (Uruma City)
Tel: 098-972-7722
Address: 1212-1 Enobi, UrumaCity
Direction: Go straight out Legion Gate. Cross Hwy330 and Hwy329. The park will be on your left.
Open everyday
Check-in: 13:00- Check-out: -11:00
Shower, bathroom, cooking area, and payphone available.
Price: Adult (Over 13yrs) ¥200
Child (4-12yrs) ¥100
One camping spot w/tent per night ¥1,000
Bungalow (up to 10 people) ¥10,000-¥20,000
*No pets allowed.
Okinawa Prefectural Forest Park (Onna Village)
Tel: 098-967-8092
Direction: Getting off Expressway Exit 10, go North on Hwy58. You will see the sign "Prefectural Forest Park", turn right and go up the hill.
Open Apr 1 - Nov 30th
Check-in: 14:00- Check-out: -14:00
Bathroom, vending machine, cooking area, pay phone, and small convenience store available.
Barbeque equipment rental, Tent rental, Bicycle rental available.
Price: One camping area per night ¥500-¥750
*No pets allowed.
Kunigami Village Forest Park (Kunigami Village)
Tel: 098-967-8092
Direction: After passing Okuma, keep going straight on Hwy58. When you see the Hentona Tunnel ahead, turn right and go up the hill until you get to the Kunigami Village Forest Park.
Open everyday
Check-in: 12:00- Check-out: -12:00
Shower, Bathroom, vending machine, cooking area, and pay phone available.
Price: One camping area per night ¥1,000
Campsite w/parking space per night ¥2,000
Tree house per night (up to 4people) ¥6,000
Bungalow per night (up to 8 people) ¥10,000
*Pets are allowed on leash only.
4Hiji Camp (Kunigami Village)
Tel: 0980-41-3636
Address: 781-1 Hiji, Kunigami Vil.
Direction: Getting off Expressway Exit 10, go North on Hwy58. Turn right when you see the Okuma Resort Billboard on your left.
Open everyday
Check-in: 13:00- Check-out: -12:00
Bathroom, vending machine, cooking area, pay phone, and small convenience store available.
Price: One camping area per night ¥1,000-¥2,000
*No pets allowed
Address: 982 Nashiro, Itoman City
Direction: Go south on Hwy331 after passing Naha Airport. There will be a sign for Nashiro Beach and turn right when you see the sign and proceed 2km.
Open everyday
Check-in: Anytime Check-out: Anytime
Shower, bathroom, vending machine, payphone, and small convenience store available.
Price: Adult ¥450
Student (13-18) ¥300
Child (5-12) ¥150
Auto Camp ¥1,000
*No pets allowed
Okinawa Comprehensive Park Campsite with Parking Space (Okinawa City)
Tel: 098-932-5114
Address: 672 Hiyagon, Okinawa City
Direction: Go straight out Legion Gate. Cross Hwy330 and Hwy329. The park will be on your left.
Open everyday
Check-in: 09:00- Check-out: -21:00
Shower, bathroom, cooking area, vending machine, and payphone available.
Price: Auto Camp (up to 10 people) ¥2,640
One Camping Spot per night ¥1,320
*Pets allowed on leash only.
Hotel Taniyu (Nago City)
Tel: 0980-58-2142
Address: 1577-2 Nakaoji, Nago City
Direction: Getting off Expressway Exit 10, go 17km North on Hwy58. Turn right at the sign of Mt. Tano and go 4km.
Open everyday
Check-in: 12:00- Check-out: -11:00
Shower w/no hot water, bathroom, cooking area, and payphone available.
Tent and barbeque equipment rental available.
Price: One camping Spot per night ¥1,575
Log house ¥10,500-¥15,750
*Pets allowed on leash only.
Yagaji Beach Center (Nago City)
Tel: 0980-52-8123
Address: 143 Yaga, Nago City
Direction: Getting off Expressway Exit 10, go North on Hwy58. Turn left at Makiya Intersection. Open everyday
Check-in: 12:00- Check-out: -12:00
Shower, bathroom, cooking area, and small convenience store available.
Barbeque equipment rental available.
Bungalow available (reservation needed).
Price: Adult (Over 13yrs) ¥500
Child (1-12yrs) ¥300
Campsite w/parking space per night ¥400-¥1,200
Log House ¥10,500-¥15,750
*No pets allowed.
Mt. Oppa Forest Camp Site (Nakijin Village)
Tel: 0980-56-4003
Direction: Getting off Expressway Exit IO, go North on Hwy 58. Turn left on Hwy 505 and proceed straight until you see the sign on your right.
Open everyday
Check-in: 13:00- Check-out: -12:00
Shower, bathroom, and cooking area available.
Tent rental available.
Price: Over 5 yrs ¥500
Camping spot with tent ¥2,000
Bungalow ¥10,000-¥15,000
*Pets are allowed on leash only.
Gushikawa Outdoor Recreation Center (Uruma City)
Tel: 098-972-7722
Address: 1212-1 Enobi, UrumaCity
Direction: Go straight out Legion Gate. Cross Hwy330 and Hwy329. The park will be on your left.
Open everyday
Check-in: 13:00- Check-out: -11:00
Shower, bathroom, cooking area, and payphone available.
Price: Adult (Over 13yrs) ¥200
Child (4-12yrs) ¥100
One camping spot w/tent per night ¥1,000
Bungalow (up to 10 people) ¥10,000-¥20,000
*No pets allowed.
Okinawa Prefectural Forest Park (Onna Village)
Tel: 098-967-8092
Direction: Getting off Expressway Exit 10, go North on Hwy58. You will see the sign "Prefectural Forest Park", turn right and go up the hill.
Open Apr 1 - Nov 30th
Check-in: 14:00- Check-out: -14:00
Bathroom, vending machine, cooking area, pay phone, and small convenience store available.
Barbeque equipment rental, Tent rental, Bicycle rental available.
Price: One camping area per night ¥500-¥750
*No pets allowed.
Kunigami Village Forest Park (Kunigami Village)
Tel: 098-967-8092
Direction: After passing Okuma, keep going straight on Hwy58. When you see the Hentona Tunnel ahead, turn right and go up the hill until you get to the Kunigami Village Forest Park.
Open everyday
Check-in: 12:00- Check-out: -12:00
Shower, Bathroom, vending machine, cooking area, and pay phone available.
Price: One camping area per night ¥1,000
Campsite w/parking space per night ¥2,000
Tree house per night (up to 4people) ¥6,000
Bungalow per night (up to 8 people) ¥10,000
*Pets are allowed on leash only.
4Hiji Camp (Kunigami Village)
Tel: 0980-41-3636
Address: 781-1 Hiji, Kunigami Vil.
Direction: Getting off Expressway Exit 10, go North on Hwy58. Turn right when you see the Okuma Resort Billboard on your left.
Open everyday
Check-in: 13:00- Check-out: -12:00
Bathroom, vending machine, cooking area, pay phone, and small convenience store available.
Price: One camping area per night ¥1,000-¥2,000
*No pets allowed
Inbu Beach (Onna Village)
Tel: 0980-41-3636
Address: 2173 Nakama, Onna Vil.
Direction: Getting off Expressway Exit 10, go North on Hwy58. Proceed 6km and you will see the sign on your left.
Open everyday
Check-in: 12:00- Check-out: -11:00
Bathroom, vending machine, cooking area, pay phone, and small convenience store available.
Price: Admission Adult: ¥700
Admission Child: ¥500
Bungalow per night ¥3,000
*No pets allowed.
Village Forest Azalea Park (Higashi Village)
Tel: 0980-43-3300
Address: 766-1 Taira, Higashi Village
Direction: Getting off Expressway Exit 10, go North on Hwy58. After driving 90 minutes, you will see the sign on your right.
Open everyday
Check-in: 12:00- Check-out: -11:00
Bathroom, vending machine, cooking area, pay phone, and small convenience store available.
Price: Campsite w/parking space per night: ¥3,500
One camping area per night: ¥2,000
Bungalow per night (up to 5 people) ¥12,000 - ¥20,000
*Kitchen, Bathroom, AC, TV, and Beds.
*No pets allowed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
