Diving Shop Umiya

Diving Shop Umiya is situated in Manazuru, within the Ashigarashimo-gun district of Kanagawa Prefecture. Positioned right by the sea, the centre is ideally placed for those looking to explore the local underwater landscape, sitting only a one-minute walk from the dive sites of the Iwa port.

The shop serves as a local hub for the diving community, organising seasonal events such as fishing festivals, barbecues, and excursions to further reaches like Izu or Okinawa. Whether you are looking for a single shore dive or a structured training programme, the centre provides a direct connection to the local marine environment.

The team is composed of experienced instructors, including some with over 10,000 dives under their belts. This level of expertise ensures that both novice divers and those pursuing professional qualifications receive high-quality guidance.

Instruction is provided through multiple major certifying bodies, including PADI, SSI, and CMAS. While the primary language of instruction and the website is Japanese, the centre is well-equipped to handle a variety of training needs, from entry-level certifications to advanced professional courses.

The centre offers a comprehensive range of training programmes through PADI, SSI, and CMAS. Beginners can start with the Open Water Diver course, with Advanced Open Water and specialty courses like Nitrox, Deep, and Navigation available to build technical proficiency.

For those looking to progress in their diving career, the centre provides Rescue Diver training and Divemaster programmes upon request. This wide curriculum ensures a clear pathway from your first breath underwater to professional-level instruction.

For those not travelling with their own kit, the centre offers full rental options. This includes BCDs, regulators, masks, fins, boots, dive computers, and either wetsuits or drysuits.

Individual components can also be hired, such as masks, fins, or boots, and separate wetsuit or drysuit rentals are available. The centre provides all necessary equipment to ensure you are fully prepared for the local conditions.

The local waters are home to a variety of fish, including Hanadatsu, Dango-uo, Umisushi, Aori-ika, Inada, and Kanpachi. You can also find Clownfish and Mitsuboshi-krosuzomedai living among the anemone colonies near Odawara.

Seasonality plays a significant role in what you might encounter. Umisushi are frequently seen between January and May, while Aori-ika during its spawning season appears from May to August. If you dive between August and November, you may encounter colourful migratory fish, followed by Inada and Kanpachi from September to November.

Macro life and rare species add further interest to the seabed. Divers should look out for rare crustaceans and Austin Fukurouni near the structures at Tekkotsu Bancho.

Conditions vary significantly depending on the chosen site. You can expect calm, low-current environments at the Triangle site, whereas Tekkotsu Bancho is known for having strong currents. Bakené offers more moderate currents and a more dynamic environment for advanced divers.