Hirasawa Marin Center

Hirasawa Marin Center is situated in Numazu, facing the Oku-Suruga Bay. The centre is managed by the local Uchiura fishing cooperative, ensuring a deep connection to the maritime environment of the Shizuoka prefecture.

The facility is designed for both divers and snorkelers, offering a range of environments from shallow reef flats to deeper drop-offs. Its location provides a sheltered area that is generally protected from heavy winds and swell, making it a reliable choice for consistent diving.

The centre operates under the SSI affiliation, providing a structured curriculum for those looking to progress through their certifications. All instruction and site management are conducted in Japanese.

For those looking to start their journey, the centre provides a range of training from basic snorkeling and skin diving to full Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver courses.

The centre offers a complete progression of SSI training programmes. Beginners can start with Snorkeling or Skin Diving before moving into formal scuba training with the Open Water Diver course.

For those looking to expand their skills, the Advanced Open Water Diver course is also taught on-site. The centre's calm, sheltered environment makes it an excellent location for completing these certification modules.

The Dai San Gyokyo Maru is the centre's dedicated dive boat, with a capacity for 12 divers. The vessel is equipped with two rows of long seats for comfort during transit.

A practical feature for divers is the exit ladder, specifically designed to allow you to climb back on board while keeping your fins on. Nitrox is available for use on board.

The shore-based facilities are modern and well-maintained, housed in a 200 m² building. You will find clean changing rooms for both men and women, hot showers, and lockers to secure your belongings. A dedicated area for rinsing and recharging equipment is also available, along with a terrace for relaxing between dives.

For those requiring rental kit, a full range is available. Cylinder options include 10L aluminium, 10L steel, and 14L steel. Nitrox 32% is also available in 10L cylinders, with larger or enriched options available upon request.

The dive sites are notable for their diverse hard and soft coral life. At Awashima / Nenohana, the relief is covered in a rich variety of soft corals that provide a vibrant backdrop for the local fish populations.

You will frequently encounter large, shimmering schools of Seippuranthus. The rocky and sandy transitions at Hirasawa Kameshima also support a variety of common reef fish.

Macro life and smaller species inhabit the crevices of the reef, including glass gobies and various small crustaceans that thrive in the protected waters of the bay.

The waters around Numazu are generally calm and well-protected from significant wind and swell. This provides a stable environment for both beach diving and boat trips.

Certain sites, specifically Awashima, are closed to diving from June to August. During this period, diving activity shifts to alternative locations like Hirasawa Kameshima.