Don't worry if you have no experience. Ask Okinawa diving professionals about recommended spots and how to get started diving

Q1. Can I not dive without a license?

A: Anyone can easily get started.

Diving is an activity that anyone can participate in as long as they are healthy. You can also try out introductory diving or take a license, even if you don't have a license. However, the age standards for participation vary from shop to shop, so please inquire.

Q2.Please tell me what preparations I need to make and what precautions I should take.

A. Almost no preparation is required! The thing you need to pay attention to is your itinerary.

Each store has rental equipment for beginners, so all you need to bring is a swimsuit and a towel. Some stores even provide these for free.

One thing to note is that it is strictly forbidden to fly on the day of diving. When diving, you breathe underwater, so nitrogen that is naturally released in the air remains in your body, and if you fly in that state, you run the risk of developing decompression sickness (so flying before diving is OK).
In order to enjoy diving, it is important to prepare your body. Get plenty of sleep and enjoy diving!

Q3. I've never been good at swimming...

A. As long as you can put your face in the water, it's fine!

Even if you are not good at swimming, you can participate in the beginners' program as long as you can put your face in the water. If you are not good at water or are worried, please do not be shy and tell the instructor in charge. The beginners' program allows you to participate in a practice style that suits you. Don't worry!

Q4. Are there any scary fish like sharks that will attack you?

A. You can dive safely in areas for beginners.

In the waters where trial diving and license acquisition programs are conducted, there is almost no risk of being attacked by dangerous creatures such as sharks.

Most fish will not attack you on their own. There may be dangerous floating objects such as jellyfish, but wetsuits and gloves are made of protective materials, so you don't have to worry about getting hurt!

Q5. Does diving damage my hair or skin?

A. In most cases, it can be prevented by washing it off or taking precautions in advance.

There is no guarantee that seawater and sunlight will not affect your hair and skin. However, the diving time for experience and license programs is short, about 30 to 40 minutes. It is a good idea to take precautions such as preventing skin exposure and washing off seawater with water immediately after diving.

Since you're wearing a wetsuit, your skin will be protected from the sun. However, if you have skin or hair that doesn't react well to sunlight or seawater, you may want to avoid this. Before you take on the challenge, consider your physical condition!

Q6. I have poor eyesight. Can I wear contact lenses?

A. It's okay. We also have prescription lenses.

You can actually join the tour even if you are wearing contact lenses. If possible, we recommend disposable soft contact lenses. They rarely fall out, but if they do, we cannot guarantee your safety in most cases.
If you are still worried, there are some shops that offer goggles with prescription lenses.

Q7. What if I feel unwell on the day?

A. Make a decision after carefully assessing your physical condition.

If you are a woman, you may get your period on the day of the tour. However, as long as the symptoms are not severe enough to interfere with your daily life, it's OK. You can also use sanitary products. However, if your symptoms are severe enough to require you to take medication or if your mental state is unstable, do not push yourself and stop.

Even if you feel a bit like you have a cold but are not affecting your daily life, you should still avoid overexerting yourself, as you may not be able to equalize your ears properly and your symptoms may worsen.

Another thing to be careful about is your medical history. In some cases, you may not be able to participate in diving, so be sure to check with the shop.

Q8. Why is Okinawa so popular with divers?

A. Because it has some of the most beautiful ocean in Japan.

The waters of Okinawa are some of the clearest in the country. It's much more relaxing to practice in a clear, beautiful ocean. Another attraction is that you can easily encounter colorful tropical fish.

Due to the nature of Okinawa, most instructors are used to supporting beginners in diving. If you can clearly communicate any concerns you may have, they will be able to adjust the content and plan a tour for you.

Q9. So, please tell us your recommended diving spots.

A.There are five points that we would like you to dive into!

(1) Cape Maeda, Okinawa (Onna Village, Kunigami District)
If you want to dive on the main island of Okinawa, head to Cape Maeda, where the Blue Cave is located! There are various styles available, from a beach entry style that is safe even for beginners, to a boat entry to the diving spot. The water is highly transparent and there are plenty of colorful tropical fish!
You can also experience the mysterious space of the Blue Cave. The waters are calm, so even first-time divers can swim here.

(2) Sunabe, Okinawa (Chatan Town, Nakagami District)
This is the perfect spot for trial diving and license training. Colorful soft corals (corals without skeletons) live over a wide area on the nearby seabed, making it look like a beautiful flower garden.

(3) Kerama Islands (Tokashiki Village and Zamami Village, Shimajiri County)
We recommend accessing each remote island from Naha and taking your time diving! There are also places you can reach by diving boat from the main island. You can enjoy the high transparency and beautiful coral reefs.

(4) Miyakojima (Miyakojima City)
Diving in Miyakojima has become more popular since Shimojishima Airport opened in 2019. There are many sea turtles inhabiting the island, and depending on the season, you may be able to encounter them on a trial dive.

(5) Ishigaki Island (Ishigaki City)
Ishigaki Island is famous for its high transparency and manta rays and sea turtles. In addition, there are many colorful fish swimming among the coral, such as clownfish, damselfish, and sand shrimp, which can only be seen in aquariums outside of Okinawa Prefecture. You may be able to encounter them during a trial dive.

Q10.How can we incorporate diving into tourism?

A. The tour takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, but we recommend that you make your reservation early.

Basically, reservations are required, so we recommend that you make reservations early during busy peak seasons. Prices range from 7,000 to 12,000 yen for trial diving, and 35,000 to 60,000 yen for license courses, depending on the course.

The trial diving session takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. There are half-day and full-day plans, but it takes about 3 days to get a license.
Minors will need a parental signature to participate. Many stores do not accept minors participating alone, so please inquire in advance.

By the way, some people bring waterproof smartphones to take photos underwater, but we don't recommend it because there is no guarantee. There are many shops that rent waterproof cameras. Some people also bring waterproof digital cameras or action cameras. Each shop has different conditions, so be sure to check them.

If you have never done it before, you may have a lot of worries. However, once you understand the process, you will realize that diving is surprisingly easy. It is no wonder that it is so popular.

There are many diving shops in Okinawa Prefecture, including Marine Club Nagi. Once you find your favorite spot or a shop that interests you, all you have to do is prepare yourself and dive into Okinawa's blue sea!