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Dive centre · Okinawa · Japan

5.0415 Google reviews

Flare Dive

Experience the vibrant reefs of Okinawa with expert instructors and professional underwater photography included with your dives.

What sets this centre apart

  • Instructors with over 10 years of professional experience
  • Fluent in English, Japanese, and Korean
  • Nitrox available for all divers
  • Professional underwater photography service included
  • PADI affiliated and locally certified
  • On-site dormitory accommodation available
  • Wide range of PADI specialties including Sidemount
  • Access to Kerama Islands and seasonal whale watching

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Flare Dive about the centre

Established in 2016, FLARE DIVE is situated in the heart of Onna, Okinawa. The centre is positioned just minutes from the Manzamo port and the Blue Cave, providing easy access to some of the most significant dive sites in the region.

The centre was founded to bridge communication gaps for international divers in Okinawa, offering a professional environment where English, Japanese, and Korean are spoken fluently. Whether you are looking for reef explorations or seasonal migrations, the team focuses on delivering high-standard, safe, and visually stunning diving experiences.

The club and its team

The team is composed of experienced instructors, each bringing over 10 years of professional experience and thousands of dives in the Okinawa waters. This depth of local knowledge ensures that you are guided through the specific nuances of the local topography and marine life.

Communication is a core strength of the centre. The instructors are fluent in Korean, English, and Japanese, ensuring that technical details and safety briefings are clearly understood by all divers. The centre is PADI affiliated and holds certification from the local Okinawa police.

The centre at a glance

Affiliation
PADI
Operating since
2016
Languages spoken
Korean · English · Japanese
Website available in
English · Korean · Japanese
Management
Korean
Equipment rental
complet, BC, détendeur, combinaison, masque, palmes, bottillons, ordinateur de plongée, lampe, caméra sous-marine, masque de prescription, nitrox
Nitrox
Yes
Night diving
Yes
Access and transfers
Located in Onna, Okinawa. Approximately 10 minutes by car from the Blue Cave and 3 minutes from Manzamo Port. Airport shuttle (Resort Liner) to Nabee Beach (JPY 1,800), then a 10-minute walk. Pick-up at Nabee Beach is possible if staff are available (before 5 pm). Free transfer from hotels in Naha for PADI courses and dives if your accommodation is in Onna. The centre’s car park is reserved for service vehicles; car parks nearby are available for rental cars.
Accommodation
Dormitory (4 bunk beds per room, separated by gender) with air conditioning, heating, individual lights, power sockets, USB chargers, separate bathrooms, shampoo, shower gel, conditioner, hairdryer, 2 towels per day, free washing machine, equipped kitchen, free Wi-Fi, safe, and space to clean and dry diving equipment. Price: JPY 4,500/night.
Address
4933-1 Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0411, Japan
Official website
flaredive.com

Courses on offer

FLARE DIVE offers a complete progression of PADI training. Beginners can start with the Open Water Diver course, moving through to Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver certifications.

For divers looking to refine their skills or specialise, the centre provides a wide variety of PADI specialties. These include Peak Performance Buoyancy, Deep Diver, Underwater Navigation, Drift Diver, and Sidemount Diver. Technical and niche training is also available, such as the Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) course, Digital Underwater Photographer, and various conservation programmes like Shark Conservation and Dive against Debris.

Equipment and gases

A full range of rental equipment is available on-site, including BCDs, regulators, wetsuits, masks, fins, and dive computers. For those needing specialised kit, the centre also provides torches, prescription masks, and underwater camera equipment.

The facility includes dedicated spaces for divers to clean and dry their equipment. For those choosing to stay on-site, the centre provides on-site dormitory accommodation equipped with air conditioning, heating, and individual charging points.

Dive sites with Flare Dive

The Kerama Islands offer some of the most iconic diving in the region, known for their clarity and diverse reef structures. These sites are accessible for various experience levels through organised trips.

Manza and Motobu provide excellent reef environments for both fun dives and training. These areas allow you to explore the local topography and encounter a variety of tropical species.

For those interested in seasonal marine life, the area around Hedo and the northern waters provides opportunities to encounter Humpback whales between January and March.

Marine life around Okinawa

The reefs around Onna are home to a diverse array of tropical fish and sea turtles. You will frequently encounter various species of tropical fish navigating the coral structures throughout the year.

During the winter months, from January to March, the region becomes a significant area for Humpback whales, offering a unique opportunity for seasonal marine mammal encounters.

Beyond the larger animals, the ecosystem is supported by a variety of reef life that makes every dive visually engaging.

Diving conditions

The diving environment in Okinawa varies by season, with the winter months specifically noted for whale watching. Divers should plan their trips based on their preference for seasonal species and local conditions.

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