Dive-site story
Located off the south coast of Taketomi Island in the Yaeyama archipelago, this rare geothermal dive site centers on active hydrothermal vents discharging hot water and gas bubbles directly from the seabed. Divers descend over a silty, sandy seafloor where shimmering thermoclines and rising sulfurous bubbles create an eerie, otherworldly environment quite distinct from typical coral reef dives in Okinawa.
Active underwater thermal vents bubbling directly out of the sandy floor
Noticeable temperature shifts and visual distortion caused by shimmering thermoclines
Specialized crustacean species and sand-dwelling critters adapted to geothermal activity
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Calm seas and warmer water temperatures prevail through late spring, summer, and autumn, though winter diving is still possible on sheltered days.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spotted garden eelHeteroconger hassi | Common | ||||||||||||
| Banded cleaner shrimpStenopus hispidus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Yellow watchman gobyCryptocentrus cinctus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Fire gobyNemateleotris magnifica | Seasonal |
Marine forecast
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