I went there! I was amazed by the world-class "topographical diving" in Miyako Island

Miyako Island is located about 300km southwest of Okinawa Main Island, and about 50 minutes by plane from Naha.

Blessed with abundant nature, including a beautiful coastline, white sandy beaches, and underwater coral reefs, it is said to be the most beautiful sea in Okinawa.

Miyako Island is popular with divers because of the wide variety of topographical features and the high level of visibility!

With relatively shallow waters and plenty of sunshine, this spot is enjoyable for divers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced.

This time, I, a diving enthusiast with over 20 years of experience, actually tried diving in Miyako Island.

We'll introduce recommended diving spots and places to visit after your dive.

<Contents>
1. Recommended diving spots in Miyako Island
1-1. Antoni Gaudí
1-2. The Demon King's Palace
1-3. Nakanoshima Channel
1-4. Cross Hole
1-5. Double arch
1-6. Other interesting diving spots
2. Miyako Island Diving Schedule
3. Miyako Island Diving Season
4. Recommended diving services in Miyako Island
5. After-dive activities in Miyako Island
6. Conclusion

1. Recommended diving spots in Miyako Island

Many dive shops in Miyako Island focus their dives on the topographical points around Irabu Island and Shimoji Island.

Depending on the time of year, wind direction, and sea conditions, we may also go to the southern coast of Miyako Island or Yaebise.

Below, we've picked out five diving spots that we recommend.

*Boat travel time is calculated from Hirara Port.

1-1. Antonio Gaudí (Shimoji Island)

Boat travel time: Approximately 30 minutes
Maximum water depth: 35m
Level: Intermediate divers and up
Point description: A magnificent geological formation (dome) that looks as if it were created by the Spanish architect Gaudí lies at a depth of 30 meters.

The numerous arches are intricately interwoven, making it a point where you can enjoy different views depending on the angle from which you're looking.

One of the most representative examples is the "Smiling Gaudí" pictured here.
It was named that because the three indentations in the rock resemble the face of a smiling human.

The deepest point is 35 meters, so be sure to check your depth and remaining air supply! This is also a spot where you have a high chance of encountering sea turtles.

1-2. The Demon King's Palace (Shimoji Island)

Boat travel time: Approximately 30 minutes
Maximum water depth: 25m
Level: Beginner divers and up
Point description: A point where the cave extends deep into the ground, connecting three holes.

Depending on the time of day, a dazzling light may enter the first hall, or a pillar of light may appear in the second hall.

As the sun rises higher in the summer, the sunlight that shines in becomes stronger, creating a sparkling, fantastical, and wonderful column of blue light.

Since you'll be spending a significant amount of time at a depth of around 20 meters, be sure to carefully check your water depth and remaining air supply!

Because the depth to which divers can enter can be adjusted according to their level and skill, even beginner divers can participate.

1-3. Nakanoshima Channel (Shimojishima)

Boat travel time: Approximately 30 minutes
Maximum water depth: 20m
Level: Beginner divers and up
Point description: This point is located in a bay, so you can dive even when the sea is a little rough.

"Channel" means "crack" or "fissure," and there are several cracks like the one in the picture.

Because you swim through cracks and crevices, first-time divers often lose their sense of direction.

You'll be surprised when they suddenly find themselves back under the boat.

(※There are many small creatures that make great subjects for photographs—macro organisms—making this a great spot to leisurely enjoy the topography and wildlife. You also have a high chance of encountering schools of barracuda.)

1-4. Cross Hole (Irabu Island)

Boat travel time: Approximately 30 minutes
Maximum water depth: 25m
Level: Intermediate divers and up　
Point description: As the name suggests, two cracks cross each other, and when viewed from inside the hall, it looks like a cross.

The sight of light shining through the dark cave is so beautiful!
In the summer, the sunlight shines in strongly and directly.

Exiting through the hall's ceiling, you'll reach a shallow area about 5 meters deep, so let's enjoy some leisurely fish watching before we finish.

1-5. W Arch (Irabu Island)

Boat travel time: Approximately 30 minutes
Maximum water depth: 18m
Level: Beginner divers and up
Explanation of points:
As the name suggests, this spot offers the enjoyment of two arches.
Both arches appear to have heart-shaped openings depending on the viewing angle.

The area is also rich in macroscopic organisms, so after enjoying the arch, you can take your time to observe them closely.

There's hardly any current, so it's a great spot to dive slowly and leisurely.

1-6. Other interesting diving spots

① Nanamata Arch (southern coast of Miyako Island)
This spot is only accessible when there's a northerly wind and the sea conditions are good.

Its appearance is reminiscent of the Parthenon submerged in water.

②Toriike Pond (Shimoji Island)
This is one of Miyako Island's most representative dive sites, accessible only to advanced divers and when sea conditions are good.

There are also articles that introduce "Toriike Pond" on its own, so if you're interested, please check them out here .

2. Miyako Island Diving Schedule

Below, I've summarized the actual diving schedule, basic diving techniques, and points to keep in mind.

① Basically, 2-3 dives per day.

08:00 Pick up from the hotel, then drive to the port.
08:30 Departure
09:30 Third dive
11:30 Third dive
12:30 *Lunchtime
13:30 Third dive
15:00 Return to port
15:30 Transfer to the hotel
(*They prepare lunch boxes, hot soup, tea, etc., according to the season.)

*The main diving spots are about 30-40 minutes by boat from the harbor, and are equipped with hot showers and toilets.

Since you'll be spending the entire day on board, please make sure you're in perfect health before participating. If you're prone to seasickness, motion sickness medication is a must!

② Basically, it's an anchored boat dive.
Free descent is preferable, but since anchoring is the main method, descent via rope is also possible.

If you have any concerns, such as difficulty equalizing ear pressure, be sure to inform your guide in advance.

3. Miyako Island Diving Season

Diving is possible year-round in Miyako Island, but be sure to prepare and use the appropriate equipment for the water temperature of the season for a comfortable dive.

The best season for comfortable diving in a 3-5mm wetsuit is from April to November.
(Note: You can comfortably dive from December to March with a 5mm or 6.5mm wetsuit, hood, and drysuit.)

Furthermore, the diving point is selected based on the wind direction on the day, and the best season is when it is easy to go to the diving point you want to visit.

When there's a southerly wind, the Irabu Island area is recommended, and when there's a northerly to easterly wind, the Shimoji Island area is recommended.

Incidentally, the wind direction is reversed between summer and winter, so the easily accessible diving areas also reverse.

4. Recommended diving services in Miyako Island

The diving service that assisted us with this interview.

Safety management was excellent, and I was able to enjoy a comfortable dive.

Island Expert Miyakojima
Address: 356-63 Shimozato, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture 906-0013
Telephone number: 0980-73-7060
Official HP:http://ie-miyako.com/

5. After-dive activities in Miyako Island

Miyako Island has many breathtaking views, so if you have the time, I highly recommend renting a car and exploring them.

It's a flat island with no mountains, making it perfect for driving.

<Stay>

Located in the heart of Miyako Island, approximately 15 minutes by car from the airport, it's extremely convenient for dining and shopping.

The hotel features a large public bath, and all rooms are equipped with washing machines with dryers, microwaves, and a washing area and lockers for diving equipment, making it a great place for divers.

The port from which you depart for diving is also only about a 5-minute ride away by the dive shop's shuttle bus.

Hotel Peace Island Miyakojima, City Hall Street
Address: 328 Nishizato, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture 906-0012
Telephone number: 0980-79-5071
Official HP:http://www.peace-k.jp/miyako2/

<To go around>
① Irabu Bridge
The 3,540-meter-long bridge connecting Miyako Island and Irabu Island is the longest free-to-use bridge in Japan.

Enjoy an exhilarating drive that feels like a rollercoaster ride!
It's close to the city center and about 7 kilometers (15 minutes) from the airport.

② Yonaha Maehama Beach
This beach is said to be the most beautiful in Okinawa.

The pristine white sand beaches and emerald green sea are incredibly soothing to behold. It's about 7 kilometers and a 15-minute drive from the airport.

6. Conclusion

Miyako Island has so many amazing geological formations; I felt that there's probably no other place in the world with such a wide variety of topography.

I also learned that the diving spots you can go to depend on factors such as the season, wind direction, sea conditions, and the divers' skill levels.

Why not consider visiting Miyako Island on your next diving trip?