Kumoodive

Located in Okinawa, KUMOODIVE operates with a philosophy rooted in the meticulous care suggested by its name. The centre focuses on the Kerama Islands, an area renowned for its 'sea glass' clarity and tranquil marine environments.

Whether you are looking for technical skill development or the specialised discipline of freediving, the approach here is built on rigorous procedures. The goal is to provide a sense of calm and security, allowing you to explore the ocean at your own pace without unnecessary stress.

The team at KUMOODIVE is composed of professional instructors who prioritise small group teaching. They maintain a ratio of a maximum of six divers per guide, ensuring that every individual receives the necessary attention and oversight during the dive.

Instruction is available in both English and Chinese, making it accessible for international divers visiting Okinawa. The centre adheres to strict safety protocols and requires a health questionnaire to be completed by all participants prior to diving.

KUMOODIVE offers a comprehensive range of PADI certifications. For those starting their journey, they provide the Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver courses. They also teach the Rescue Diver course for those looking to enhance their safety skills.

Beyond standard scuba training, the centre specialises in unique disciplines, including PADI Mermaid courses and PADI Freediver training. They also offer various PADI Specialty courses to help you refine your skills in specific areas of diving.

The centre provides freshwater for rinsing your kit after each dive, though they do not provide shampoos or shower gels to help protect the local marine environment. For divers with vision requirements, they recommend the use of disposable contact lenses, as they do not supply prescription masks.

Participants are expected to be aged between 12 and 60, with minors requiring a signed parental consent form to dive.

The waters around Okinawa are home to a variety of large pelagics and reef inhabitants. You can regularly encounter sea turtles (Cheloniidae) throughout the area, including Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata).

The reef is populated by a diverse array of tropical fish, such as Angelfish (Pomacanthidae), Parrotfish (Calotomus), and various species of damselfish. You may also spot Jack (Carangidae), Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), and Triggerfish (Balistidae) patrolling the reef structures.

For those interested in smaller life, the area supports a healthy population of nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani) and various colourful reef fish. The ecosystem is further enriched by corals and sea anemones, providing the essential habitat for clownfish (Amphiprion) and other small reef dwellers.

The instructors are well-versed in the local currents that move through the Okinawa and Kerama regions. While conditions can vary, the centre is experienced in navigating the specific flow patterns of these waters to ensure safe dive planning.

The peak season for diving in this region is between July and October.