Hokule'a Shonan

Located in Hiratsuka, Hokule'a Shonan serves as a gateway to the diverse marine environments of the Kanagawa prefecture. The centre's name, inspired by the bright Polynesian navigation star, reflects its mission to guide divers through the discovery of the underwater world.

Its location is exceptionally convenient for those travelling from Tokyo or Yokohama, situated only a 30-second walk from the south exit of JR Hiratsuka Station. This makes it a practical base for both local day trips and more extensive diving adventures.

From the rocky coastlines of the Izu Peninsula to the tropical waters of Okinawa, the centre organises excursions that cater to various experience levels. They also facilitate international travel for divers looking to explore new territories.

As a PADI 5 Star IDC centre, Hokule'a Shonan maintains high standards of instruction and safety. The team includes three instructors capable of guiding you through the entire PADI progression. They operate with a strict focus on small groups, limiting certification courses to a maximum of two divers and fun dives to a maximum of six.

The centre is English-friendly, with instructors providing guidance in both English and Japanese. This makes it an accessible choice for international divers looking to train or dive in Japan.

Environmental stewardship is central to their operations. The team promotes sustainable practices, such as the use of reusable bottles, and offers specific training in coral reef conservation and marine debris awareness.

The course catalogue is extensive, covering everything from initial entry-level certifications to professional development. You can complete your Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver courses, or progress through the Rescue Diver and Divemaster programmes.

Specialised training is also available to refine your skills, including Peak Performance Buoyancy, Dry Suit Diver, and Enriched Air Diver courses. For those interested in the technical or scientific side of the hobby, they offer Digital Underwater Photographer, Underwater Naturalist, and Equipment Specialist training.

Conservation-focused courses are also part of their curriculum, such as AWARE Dive Against Debris and Coral Reef Conservation.

The centre provides a full range of rental equipment for those not travelling with their own kit. This includes wetsuits, fins, and masks, allowing you to dive with minimal heavy lifting.

They also act as an authorised retailer for Hydro Flask, and they provide free Hawaiian water to customers who purchase their products, reflecting the centre's Polynesian-themed identity.

In the waters around Mikurajima, you may encounter dolphins during seasonal excursions.

Marine life in the wider region varies depending on the specific site and depth, but the area is known for its diverse ecosystems. The local environment supports a range of species that divers can observe during both recreational and specialised tours.

The best period for skin diving in the area is during the winter, when visibility is at its peak.

For scuba diving, the centre organises trips to various locations including Shonan, the Izu Peninsula, and Manazuru, each offering different underwater topographies and conditions.