Okinawa June 4-14, 2027
Join a group of fellow ocean lovers as we explore the spectacular reefs of Okinawa together. Make new friends, experience incredible sea life, and enjoy Japanese culture combined with world-class diving.
Availability: In Stock
Okinawa
SCUBA Diving Okinawa: Japan’s Tropical Underwater Paradise
Nestled in the southern reaches of Japan, the island chain of Okinawa offers some of the most spectacular diving in Asia. With warm subtropical waters, vibrant coral reefs, abundant marine life, and excellent visibility, Okinawa attracts everyone from first-time divers to experienced underwater photographers and technical divers.
This guide covers the best dive destinations, what you can expect to see underwater, seasonal considerations, certifications, and practical travel tips.
Why Dive in Okinawa?
Unlike mainland Japan, Okinawa sits in a subtropical climate influenced by the Kuroshio Current. This creates ideal conditions for coral growth and marine biodiversity.
Highlights include:
- Crystal-clear water with visibility often reaching 20–40 meters (65–130 feet)
- More than 200 species of coral
- Sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, and colorful tropical fish
- Dramatic underwater topography including caves, arches, and drop-offs
- Year-round diving opportunities
- Easy access from major Japanese cities and international hubs
Many divers compare Okinawa's underwater environment favorably with popular destinations in Southeast Asia, while enjoying Japan's renowned infrastructure, safety, and hospitality.
Marine Life You Can Expect to See
Okinawa's biodiversity is one of its greatest attractions.
Common sightings include:
- Green sea turtles
- Hawksbill turtles
- Clownfish
- Butterflyfish
- Angelfish
- Moray eels
- Octopus
- Lionfish
- Reef sharks
- Manta rays
Seasonal visitors may include:
- Hammerhead sharks
- Whale sharks
- Humpback whales (usually viewed from boats rather than while diving)
The waters around Okinawa are also popular among underwater macro photographers seeking nudibranchs, shrimp, and other small reef creatures.
Okinawa offers one of the most diverse diving experiences in the Pacific. Whether you're exploring the coral-rich waters of the Kerama Islands, swimming alongside manta rays near Ishigaki, navigating the cave systems of the Miyako Islands, or descending to the enigmatic Yonaguni Monument, the region combines tropical beauty, rich marine ecosystems, and Japan's excellent tourism infrastructure into an unforgettable diving destination.
For travelers seeking a blend of adventure, nature, and culture, Okinawa is among the finest SCUBA destinations in the world.
This isn’t just a dive vacation.
...Its a Diventure.
1st deposit: $500 upon sign up
Second payment: $1500 December 28, 2026
Full Balance: March 1, 2027
Pre-trip meeting: May 2, 2027
Standard Twin Room:
Double Diver: $3999
Double non-Diver: $3000
Single Diver: $6360
Single non-Diver: $6000
Included:
18 dives
Peace Park Tour
War Museum Tour
10 nights’ accommodation
Transportation to and from airport to hotel
Transportation to dive sites to and from
Breakfast
Tax
Fees
Not included:
Lunch, dinner and drinks
Gratuity
Airfare – Diventures can assist, reach out to travel@diventures.com
Nicole Pena
Scuba Experience Manager
Independent Open Water Diver Instructor
Being from WI, the ocean was not always Nicole’s friend. After spending some time in Okinawa, Japan, she embraced the underwater world and conquered her fears. She quickly became obsessed and decided to help others do the same by becoming an open water scuba instructor. Her passion is scuba and she is absolutely thrilled to have found a midwest scuba family at Diventures. She is a level 5 diver hoping to eventually get into extended range diving.
Phone: 402.933.6215
Email: nicole.pena@diventures.com
Travel Itinerary
Days 1-2. Keramas
Days 3-4. Manza
Days 5 -6. Mina & Sesoko
Day 7. Nakijin
Day 8. Hedo
Day 9. USS Emmons
Day10. War and Peace Park Tour
Kerama Islands
The Kerama Islands are widely regarded as Okinawa's premier diving destination.
Located about 40 kilometers west of Okinawa's main island, the Keramas are famous for:
- Exceptional visibility, often exceeding 30 meters
- Healthy coral gardens
- Sea turtles
- White-tip reef sharks
- Seasonal whale sightings
The area's famous "Kerama Blue" water has become a symbol of Okinawan diving.
Popular dive sites include:
- Tokashiki reefs
- Zamami coral gardens
- Deep drift sites around the outer islands
The Keramas are suitable for both beginners and advanced divers, depending on the site.
Manza (Onna)
Manza area is a stunning wall that runs along the west coast of Okinawa island. With walls that drop down to over 50m, this place is great for all levels of experience and has so much to offer.
Deep caves and one of the best dive sites around the island to see large sharks.
Hedo Dome
This is a truly incredible experience that all experienced divers should try! In the northern most point of Okinawa is "Hedo Dome." This is an underwater dome that in order to reach it, you have to enter a cave at 15m and slowly ascend to the lime stone Dome beneath Okinawa. This dive requires a reasonable level of experience and a minimum of 4 people to go.
USS Emmons
This is one of the most memorable wrecks you will ever dive. Resting on the sea bed at 50m in an area with strong currents, this dive requires lots of experience.
During the battle for Okinawa, the Destroyer was set upon by multiple Kamikaze and ultimately was set to rest in the North West of Kouri island.
Nakijin
This area is fantstic and can offer dives for all abilities and interestes! With an incredible wreck, gorgeous reefs and always a good chance to see some good size sharks.
Also when sunset diving you have an opertunity to spot one of the bucket list items of all experinced divers the Mandarin Fish.
Vessel Hotel is a luxurious property set overlooking the stunning East China Sea in Chatan.
This hotel is next to “American Village”
Vessel Hotel Campana is a luxurious property set overlooking the stunning East China Sea in Chatan. This hotel is next to “American Village”, which is considered one of the most contemporary places in Okinawa. With eighty souvenir shops and over forty gourmet shops, guests will find entertainment just outside the hotel’s front door. Sunset Beach is only a minute walk away. Shurijo Castle, Kokusai Street, Okinawa Convention Bureau and DFS Galleria Okinawa are all thirty minutes away or less by car.
Vessel Hotel Campana has 324 rooms that feature private balconies (many with ocean views), flat-screen televisions, and refrigerators. Private bathrooms have shower/tub combinations and complimentary toiletries. Free internet access and digital programming is available for entertainment purposes. This hotel boasts high-quality mattresses and bedding for utmost comfort.
Vessel Hotel Campana has a rooftop pool, a pool directly facing the East China Sea, a public bath, a safe pool for young children, and a jacuzzi with breathtaking views. Guests can enjoy a luxurious tent sauna as well as an indoor sauna, an outdoor café stand and outdoor bed sofas to relax or tan on. This hotel offers daily buffet breakfasts, has a grocery/convenience store, and also has a delicious on-site restaurant. Other amenities include a 24-hour front desk, free internet access and dry cleaning/laundry services. Vessel Hotel Campana also has massage chairs, diving lockers, currency exchange, and bicycle rental.
English Empire Divers
A dive company focused for all nationalities, we welcome all who want to learn and just have fun in the water.
Okinawa is one of the most beautiful places you can choose for your diving holiday and has so much to offer all ranges of diving abilities. With beautiful Coral Reefs, teaming with life and a huge variety of things to see all year round including reef sharks, manta's, and whale sharksYou can enjoy your diving here all year round. Water temperatures reach up to 86 degrees in the summer and drop to around 70 degrees in February and with this variation in temperature, this brings out the different creatures and critters making it a wonderful place to plan your dives for specifics you want to tick of your bucket list.
Okinawa offers over 80 different sites and we are still finding more places to explore. From the beautiful, blue waters of the Kerama Islands to the deep dark waters where you can go & see the USS Emmons Wreck (A Destroyer), we can offer you everything your diving needs require ;)
If its fun diving you are after or you want to start your journey under the blue then here at English Empire Divers, we can provide everything you need to make your holiday here a special one.
Stay Salty
