Koganezaki Dive Center

Koganezaki Dive Center is situated in the picturesque Koganezaki region of the Izu Peninsula, Japan. The area is defined by its unique golden rocks and a diverse marine landscape that caters to a wide range of diving styles.

Depending on your preference, you can choose between easy shore entries at Koganezaki Park or departing by boat from the Arari port. This dual approach allows you to switch between calm, protected environments and more energetic reef systems driven by local currents.

The centre focuses heavily on safety and local expertise, providing detailed briefings and well-maintained equipment for every excursion. The team is deeply familiar with the seasonal shifts in marine life and the specific nuances of the local dive sites.

Safety is a priority on site, with oxygen and an AED available for use. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, the staff is equipped to manage everything from guided explorations to independent buddy dives.

For those looking to start their underwater journey, the centre offers Discover Scuba Diving programmes. These are designed to introduce you to the sensations of breathing and moving underwater in a controlled environment.

They also provide guided refresher dives from the beach for divers looking to regain their confidence or brush up on their skills before heading to deeper sites.

Boat dives depart from the Arari port, offering quick access to several significant reef systems. The transit time to the primary sites is typically between 5 and 10 minutes, which is ideal for minimising the effects of sea sickness.

These excursions allow you to reach more dynamic environments like Oki no Ne and Mi-Ogon. Nitrox is available for those who wish to extend their bottom time on these deeper or more active reef sites.

The centre provides a range of rental kit, including full sets or individual items such as masks, fins, snorkels, and boots. For those requiring thermal protection, both wetsuits and drysuits are available for hire.

Nitrox is available for use, with 10L Nitrox cylinders also in stock. The centre offers various cylinder options, including 10L and 12L steel and aluminium cylinders to suit your buoyancy and gas requirements.

The reefs are home to a variety of larger species, including Isaki, Mejima, and Kingyohanadai. In early summer, you can observe large schools of manta rays, while summer and autumn bring increased visibility and the presence of Kanpachi and Buri.

Macro life is abundant throughout the area. Divers will find various nudibranchs, frogfish, and several species of sea slugs, such as the Udefuri Tsunozaya Umiushi and Kudagonbe. You can also encounter various species of jellyfish and squid during the early summer months.

The seabed and rock formations are decorated with beautiful soft corals and large gorgonians exceeding one metre in length. In the autumn, the area becomes a haven for juvenile tropical fish.

Koganezaki Park Beach is a protected cove, offering calm and stable water conditions that are suitable for shore diving. The swell is generally minimal here, making it a reliable spot for beginners.

In contrast, the boat sites like Mi-Ogon are subject to stronger currents, which help sustain the large schools of fish found there. The Kuroshio Current influences the area significantly during the summer and autumn months, bringing more dynamic conditions to the offshore reefs.