Ishigaki Island, Okinawa

Ishigaki is renowned for its manta ray encounters. These bucket-list animals are here all year long. From December to April, you can spot the mantas in the south, near Kuroshima, while May to November, you can see them in the north, at Kabira Bay. You can also spot sea turtles year-round at Kuroshima, which is only 30 minutes by boat from Ishigaki. Macro photographers should not miss the chance to see the numerous critters at the nearby Taketomi Island.

Yoron Island, Kagoshima

Yoronjima is a subtropical island surrounded by colorful fringing reefs. Its turquoise waters are home to large schools of fish like tuna and trevallies. Different species of tropical fish and even reef sharks can be spotted around Yoron. The topography is defined by plunging walls, swim-throughs, arches, and passageways and diving here is always fun.

Kouri Island, Okinawa

Kouri Island is popular among wreck divers because it is where you can dive the USS Emmons destroyer. The ship sank in 1945 and was rediscovered in 2001. It rests in deep water off the coast of Kouri where the currents can get strong. The USS Emmons remains in good condition and is the central point of the dive, as you won’t find that much life around it. Some nudibranchs, batfish, and glassfish can be seen in and around the wreck.

Chichijima Island, Ogasawara

The remote Ogasawara islands are known for their whales and dolphins, so watch out for the big stuff when diving off Chichijima Island. Schooling fish, rays, and even sharks can be seen all around the island. Chichijima is also home to several sunken ships from WWII.