Plongée à Amami-Ōshima — Japan

Amami-Ōshima is a UNESCO-listed subtropical island between Kyushu and Okinawa, where dense mangrove forests meet crystal reefs in a rarely dived setting. Humpback whales calve in the surrounding waters from January to March, while the reefs host a unique blend of temperate and tropical species. It remains under the radar for international divers, offering an authentic Japanese island experience.

Score
70.7
Visibilité
15–35m
Température
20–29°C
Meilleurs mois
May, June, July
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World Class
Beginner Friendly
Amami-Ōshima
JapanPacific Ocean
70.7

SCORE

28.3850°N

129.4914°E

Amami-Ōshima is a UNESCO-listed subtropical island between Kyushu and Okinawa, where dense mangrove forests meet crystal reefs in a rarely dived setting. Humpback whales calve in the surrounding waters from January to March, while the reefs host a unique blend of temperate and tropical species. It remains under the radar for international divers, offering an authentic Japanese island experience.

Subtropical Mangrove Meets Open Ocean

Visibility15–35 m
Temperature20–29°C
Max Depth35 m
Currentmild
2-Tank Dive$100
Best MonthsMay, June, July, August
CertificationOpen WaterBeginner Friendly

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML72.0CH72.0VIS72.0SV68.0TMP75.0DA62.0OP72.0TS75.0GT65.0VAL72.0CRD85.0SP58.0

Marine Life

72.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
70
Megafauna Encounters
68
Reef Fish Abundance
72
Macro Life
80
Endemic Species
70
Marine Life Diversity
72.0
Coral & Reef Health
72.0
Visibility & Conditions
72.0
Dive Site Variety
68.0
Water Temperature
75.0
Depth & Access
62.0
Operator Quality
72.0
Topside Experience
75.0
Getting There
65.0
Value & Cost
72.0
Crowding
85.0
Social Proof
58.0

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

mangrove kayakingAmami rabbit night toursbeach hoppingbrown sugar shochu tasting

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Oshima Tsumugi textile museum
  • Tanaka Isson art museum

Non-Diver Score

7/10

Good topside options for non-diving companions.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifebasic

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber350 km — Kagoshima University Hospital Hyperbaric Unit
Nearest Hospital10 km

Amami has a regional hospital; hyperbaric chamber requires air evacuation to Kagoshima — dive conservatively

Skill LevelBeginner Friendly
Current Strengthmild

Top Operators

Dive Species Amami

PADI

4.7
110 reviews

Native Sea Amami

SSI

4.6
75 reviewsNITROX