Cool

Located in Urasoe, Okinawa, COOL is a dive centre dedicated to the finer details of the marine environment. The centre has carved out a specific niche for divers who prefer a slow, methodical approach to diving, focusing on the intricate life found on the reef flats and within the local macro habitats.

Whether you are looking to explore the wider Okinawa Hontou area via boat or prefer the accessibility of shore diving, the centre provides a structured environment for both recreational exploration and technical skill development. Their approach is built around small groups, which is essential for those carrying heavy camera housings or looking to spend extended time observing specific organisms.

The team consists of three professional instructors, providing a stable and experienced presence on the water. As a PADI affiliated centre, they manage a comprehensive curriculum that ranges from initial certifications to professional-level training.

Instruction is tailored towards those with an interest in marine biology and underwater photography. By maintaining small groups, the instructors can provide the close-up guidance necessary for photographers attempting to capture high-quality macro and video footage of the local fauna.

The centre provides a full suite of PADI training, covering every stage of the diver's progression. You can begin with the Open Water Diver course or move through the Advanced Diver and Rescue Diver levels.

For those pursuing a professional career, the centre offers Divemaster and PADI Instructor training. They also provide a variety of PADI Specialty courses designed to refine specific skills, such as underwater photography or buoyancy control.

The centre offers a range of equipment for hire, allowing you to travel light if you are bringing your own camera kit. This includes wetsuits, fins, and masks, as well as full kit rentals for those requiring a complete setup.

Note that the centre has scheduled a revision of equipment rental rates for August 2026.

The local waters are a haven for macro-photography enthusiasts, with a constant presence of various nudibranch species. These small, colourful molluscs are a primary draw for the centre's specialised photography tours.

In addition to the nudibranchs, the area is home to a variety of macro-organisms and smaller crustaceans. You can find Sashimi Shrimp and Sakura Dango Uo during your dives, providing excellent subjects for close-up photography.

For those interested in larger species, the region offers seasonal opportunities. Hammerhead sharks are a notable sight in January, making this a key time for divers interested in pelagic encounters.

The biodiversity of the reef includes various species such as the Yuritatsunoko, adding to the richness of the local marine life encountered during both boat and shore-based dives.