Plongée à Yonaguni — Japan

Yonaguni is Japan's westernmost island, famous for two things: schools of 100+ hammerhead sharks from November to March, and the mysterious underwater 'monument' — terraced stone structures at 25m that may be natural or man-made. The hammerhead season coincides with excellent 30m+ visibility and dramatic underwater scenery.

Score
66.7
Visibilité
15–49m
Température
21–29°C
Meilleurs mois
December, January, February
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World Class
Intermediate
Yonaguni
JapanAsia-Pacific
66.7

SCORE

24.4500°N

122.9500°E

Yonaguni is Japan's westernmost island, famous for two things: schools of 100+ hammerhead sharks from November to March, and the mysterious underwater 'monument' — terraced stone structures at 25m that may be natural or man-made. The hammerhead season coincides with excellent 30m+ visibility and dramatic underwater scenery.

Japan's Mysterious Underwater Monument

Visibility15–49 m
Temperature21–29°C
Max Depth40 m
Currentmoderate
2-Tank Dive$100
Best MonthsDecember, January, February, March
CertificationOpen WaterIntermediate

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML80.0CH72.0VIS80.0SV39.0TMP59.0DA62.0OP78.0TS64.0GT68.0VAL54.0CRD57.0SP57.0

Marine Life

80.0

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

Species Diversity
100
Megafauna Encounters
56
Reef Fish Abundance
100
Macro Life
60
Endemic Species
70
Marine Life Diversity
80.0
Coral & Reef Health
72.0
Visibility & Conditions
80.0
Dive Site Variety
39.0
Water Temperature
59.0
Depth & Access
62.0
Operator Quality
78.0
Topside Experience
64.0
Getting There
68.0
Value & Cost
54.0
Crowding
57.0
Social Proof
57.0

Dive Types

reefpelagic

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

Yonaguni horse ridingDr. Ishi monument (westernmost point of Japan)Tindahanata cliff viewpointlocal awamori distillery tour

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Yonaguni Submarine Ruins (viewed from glass-bottom boat)
  • Kubura Bari rock formations

Non-Diver Score

4/10

Limited topside — plan ahead for non-diving partners.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifebasic

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber120 km — University of the Ryukyus Hospital Chamber, Naha
Nearest Hospital3 km

Small clinic on island; flight to Naha (1.5 hrs) for chamber; helicopter available

Skill LevelIntermediate
Current Strengthmoderate

Top Operators

Yonaguni Diving Service

PADI

4.7
120 reviewsNITROX

Sou Wes Dive

PADI

4.6
90 reviewsNITROX
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