Iriomote Island boasts some of the most unspoiled natural beauty among the Yaeyama Islands.
As a nature island where you can enjoy both mountains and the sea, it attracts many people seeking an active lifestyle.

Of course, there are also many excellent diving spots, and you can enjoy the unique scenery of Iriomote Island.

So, what kind of wonderful things await you when you go diving in Iriomote Island?
This time, I'd like to introduce you to its appeal.

Of course, even first-timers can participate, so please do give it a read!

<Table of Contents>
1. The allure of Iriomote Island, a diver's dream destination.
2. Recommended diving spots on Iriomote Island!
2-1. Enjoyable for beginners to advanced players | Balas Island
2-2. Intermediate and advanced anglers head to one of Japan's most famous spots: Nakano-Ogami Island (Ogan)
3. Shop Introduction | Hot Mangrove
Final thoughts

1. The allure of Iriomote Island, a diver's dream destination.

Iriomote Island, home to the Iriomote wildcat, is, in a sense, almost entirely jungle.
It is also an island where creatures unique to the subtropics can live freely.

Iriomote Island boasts unspoiled nature and is home to waterfalls such as Mariyudu Falls and Kanpire Falls, both of which are among Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls, as well as Yutsun Falls, where you can enjoy stream trekking!

And the coral reefs surrounding Iriomote Island are in excellent condition! A tropical world unfolds even underwater.

But you're probably wondering what kind of spots await you on Iriomote Island, right?
Therefore, I would like to introduce some of my recommended diving spots.

2. Recommended diving spots on Iriomote Island!

2-1. Enjoyable for beginners to advanced players | Balas Island

Barasu Island is located between Iriomote Island and Hatoma Island. "Barasu" is an Okinawan dialect word meaning fragments of coral.

Sandbars, which are said to be extremely rare in the world, are characterized by the fact that they do not completely sink even at high tide, and their shape changes slightly depending on the time of day and season.
It's a completely uninhabited island with no plants, soil, or sand other than coral fragments...but it's also a place where seabirds lay their eggs!

The area around the island, which is covered in coral fragments, is very calm, making it an ideal spot for beginners.
Amidst the colorful coral reefs, you can also see lively fish swimming around.

Also, even though we refer to it simply as "Barasu Island," there are several different spots around it, and among the fish that can be seen west of Barasu, there's a chance you might spot a whitetip reef shark (Carcharhinidae).

Huh? A shark??? Am I going to be attacked???

You might think that... but actually, many sharks are timid, and it seems that only a few species actively bite humans.

But if you actually met them up close, they'd be quite a formidable presence, wouldn't they?
Let's keep a close eye on them to prevent them from panicking in the ocean.
*Please do not poke or touch them!

Recently, a new spot called "New Castle Panari Island" has also appeared.

It's still quite small, with a circumference of only about 10 meters, but it's a noteworthy spot that is likely to become more popular as time goes on.
The surrounding area is very calm and teeming with fish, and it seems that diving and snorkeling are sometimes possible there.

2-2. Intermediate and advanced anglers head to one of Japan's most famous spots: Nakano-Ogami Island (Ogan)

Nakano-Ogan Island has an eastern reef and a western spot, as well as several other named spots.

Higashi-ne is one of Japan's leading spots for catching big game fish.
If the tides are right, you can sometimes see over 100 dogtooth tuna and other fish swimming around.

The wildness of the rocks, with roots rising vertically to the seabed 50 meters below, is something unique to Iriomote Island.
This will be an irresistible spot for divers who enjoy exploring underwater topography.

Conversely, the western dive site is extremely calm, with ripples forming on the sandy seabed in some places! It's a perfect spot for a healing dive.

This is perfect for those who prefer a leisurely dive and want to take a stroll underwater!
Why not take some time to admire the natural beauty of the landscape?

Besides that, Iriomote Island has so many other things to offer, such as unique scenery, distinctive geological formations, and places where you can interact with small fish.

However, most of these places are difficult to reach without a boat, so you definitely need a strong ally here.
Of course, there are many diving shops on Iriomote Island, and no matter which one you choose, you're sure to have a safe and enjoyable diving experience.

Among them, there is one shop that I would like to recommend with confidence, so please take a look!

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3. Shop Introduction | Hot Mangrove

Hot Mangrove is a shop whose motto is simply, "To showcase the sea of ​​Iriomote in a way that is uniquely Iriomote."

In other words, it means you can have an "unpretentious" experience where you can directly see, touch, and feel Iriomote Island itself.
While many shops are based mainly on the northern side of the island (Uehara Port, Funauura Port), Hot Mangrove's strength lies in its coverage of the entire island, from the east to the west and even the south.

Since we prioritize requests when selecting diving spots, if you discuss a place you've always wanted to visit, your dream might become a reality.

They also specialize in expeditions to Nakano-Omishima and Hateruma Island. With excellent facilities and a boat that minimizes rocking, it should be a great option for those who say, "I like diving, but I'm not good with boat rides."

I think you can really feel their thoughtfulness in wanting you to have a comfortable stay!

While a typical dive (time spent in the ocean) lasts 30 to 40 minutes, they'll also accommodate spontaneous requests to dive again if you're having so much fun!

In that case, a major feature is the thoughtfulness of offering affordable plans.
Rather than deciding from the start, "I want to do this many dives!", having the time to try it out and then think about what to do next makes a big difference in how relaxed you feel!

Well, once you peek into the sea off Iriomote Island, I think you'll be so moved that you won't be able to resist diving again.

The reason I recommend this shop is that if the sea conditions are good, they'll take you to their original diving spot (it's a secret♪).

Having discovered a secret cave—not a secret garden, but a secret cave—in the seas of Iriomote Island, those who have been there will surely experience an unforgettable feeling.
Wouldn't you like to take a peek into this mystical world, perhaps the most beautiful on Iriomote Island?

There are also other unique Iriomote Island plans available, such as diving for large marine life, diving in brackish waters, and diving in mangroves, so let's start by discussing them.

<Shop Information: Hot Mangrove>
Address: 324-33 Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
Telephone number: 0980-84-8282
Official site:http://www.hotmangrove.com/

Final thoughts

Doesn't that make you want to go diving in Iriomote Island...?

I'm actually a diver myself, but there were so many things I only understood after seeing it for the first time – "So this is what untouched nature is like!"

In the case of the shop I recommended earlier, all equipment is provided, so all you need to bring is a swimsuit and a towel!
The fact that it's an environment where you can easily go diving is also a big plus.

Iriomote Island is so full of charm that words cannot fully describe it. Why not experience a breathtaking encounter with its wildlife and nature yourself?

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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