沖繩海潛 Umi Dive Okinawa

Located in Chatan-cho, Umi Dive Okinawa has been operating since June 2018. The centre was established by Ken (Huang Chun-yuan), an expert in natural disaster management with nearly 30 years of experience in the field. This background brings a distinct level of safety consciousness to every excursion.

The centre is particularly well-regarded for its professionalism and its commitment to legal standards, being the first dive centre in Japan to secure work visas for specialised foreign instructors. This ensures you are always diving with qualified, legally recognised professionals.

The team is led by Ken, whose extensive experience in disaster management and international rescue training informs the centre's safety protocols. The staff includes instructors holding PADI Public Safety Diver certifications, ensuring a high standard of rescue readiness on site.

Beyond diving, the team maintains professional connections in other disciplines, such as international ski coaching through an alliance with Myoko Winsar in Niigata. For those requiring specialised rescue equipment, the centre is associated with the RESCUE PLUS brand.

The centre offers a full range of PADI certifications, starting from the foundational levels through to advanced training. You can work towards your Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, or more specialised certifications.

The curriculum includes the PADI Public Safety Diver course, reflecting the instructor's professional background in emergency response and disaster management.

The centre provides a range of rental kit for those not bringing their own, including fins, masks, and wetsuits. For more technical requirements, they offer full kit hire to ensure you have the right equipment for the specific site conditions.

Safety is prioritised through the provision of specialized rescue equipment. The centre's founder is an inventor of rescue gear, reflecting the high level of technical expertise maintained on the premises.

The area is home to a diverse array of pelagics and reef species. You will regularly encounter various types of turtles, including Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), and other Cheloniidae species.

For those looking for larger species, the waters host Whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), blacktip reef sharks, and various Rays (Batoidea). You might also spot Jack (Carangidae), Barracuda (Sphyraena), or even a Manta ray (Mobula alfredi).

The reef is abundant with colourful fish, including various tropical reef fish, Angelfish (Pomacanthidae), and Damselfish (various). You can also find Triggerfish (Balistidae), Boxfish (Ostraciidae), and Trumpetfish (Aulostomidae).

Macro enthusiasts can look for a variety of specialised life, including Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), Sea anemone fish, and the white frogfish. Other interesting finds include the leaf scorpionfish, Lionfish (Pterois volitans), and various Pufferfish (Arothron hispidus).

The diving environment in Okinawa varies depending on the specific site chosen, from the underwater cliffs of Manzamo to the deeper wrecks and the Kerama Islands.