Diving in East China Sea
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover East China Sea's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of East China Sea, ecoregion. This region features 6 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, East China Sea has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🏛️ Marine Hierarchy
🌍 Associated Countries
Countries in East China Sea (3)
Popular Spots in East China Sea (6)
Goto Islands
The Goto Islands consist of over 140 islands located approximately 130 km west of Nagasaki, accessible by boat in about 90 minutes. The intricate coastline offers numerous diving locations. The area is influenced by the Tsushima Current, resulting in a rich marine environment with dense fish populations. Divers can observe a variety of marine life, including large migratory species such as yellowtail and bluefin tuna, as well as schools of colorful fish like sea bass and big yellowtail. The underwater landscape features both colorful corals and soft corals, enhancing the diving experience.
Iki Island
Iki Island, situated in the Genkai Sea, spans 17 km from north to south and 14 km from east to west. The island's underwater environment is characterized by vibrant soft corals and a variety of seaweeds. The currents bring in plankton, which attracts numerous fish species. In the fall, divers can observe large schools of yellowtail, flathead mackerel, groupers, and stingrays, along with the occasional sighting of Etisian jellyfish during winter months. Additionally, there are notable megaliths in the area that appear to have been shaped by human activity, adding an intriguing element to the dive experience.
Koino Ura
Koino Ura is located in Fukutsu City, providing access to the Genkai Sea. This dive site is particularly suitable for beginners due to its easy shore entry and exit. The area is known for sea turtles that come to nest in July. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life, including scorpionfish, stingrays, mackerel, snappers, sunfish, flatfish, and yellowfin reef sharks. From winter to spring, various nudibranchs can also be observed.
Kujyukushima Islands
The Kujyukushima Islands, located in Nagasaki Prefecture, comprise a sea area with a high concentration of islands, extending 25 kilometers north of Sasebo Port. This dive site can be categorized into the nearby Kujuku Islands area and an expedition area. Divers can expect to encounter a diverse range of marine life, including various nudibranchs such as Sea Slug Nudibranchs and Sessile Nudibranchs. Other notable species include Leaf Shrimps, Blue Ribbon Fish, Blue Ribbon Goby, Squid, and Crabs. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, providing access to these rich underwater ecosystems.
Okinoshima Island
Okinoshima Island is situated approximately 70 kilometers north-northwest of Fukuoka City and was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2017. Access to the island is exclusively by boat, with a travel time of around two hours. The dive site features diverse marine life, including large schools of sea squirts, hawks, and hawk eels. Divers can also encounter significant migratory species such as Hiramasa and kangpachi. The underwater landscape is characterized by vibrant soft corals, where red snapper and yellow snapper can be observed swimming among them.
Shikanoshima Island
Shikanoshima Island is situated in the northern region of Hakata Bay, approximately 45 minutes by car from central Fukuoka. The island is linked to the mainland via a sandbar, providing easy access for divers. This site is frequently utilized for beginner diving courses due to its accessible shore entry. During the summer months, divers can observe a variety of southern fish species, including damselfish, hornbills, and black lily gobies, along with numerous nudibranchs that thrive among the abundant marine sponges. From winter to spring, divers may also encounter danglers and seahorses, adding to the site's diverse marine life.