Inatori Marinesports Centre

Located in Inatori, Shizuoka, the Inatori Marinesports Centre has been a staple of the local diving community since 1991. It serves as a key hub for divers looking to explore the Izu peninsula, offering a professional environment backed by decades of operational experience.

The centre is distinguished by its high level of instruction, functioning as a PADI Instructor Development Centre (IDC). This means you are learning in an environment designed to produce the next generation of professionals, overseen by PADI Course Directors.

The teaching team is led by PADI Course Directors, the highest level of instructor, ensuring that training meets rigorous professional standards. Having trained over 6,000 divers and 500 instructors, the staff possesses a deep understanding of both local conditions and educational methodology.

Beyond standard training, the centre is committed to marine conservation, organising monthly underwater clean-ups to maintain the health of the local ecosystem. This hands-on approach to environmental stewardship is a core part of their identity.

As an IDC centre, the course catalogue is extensive, covering the entire PADI progression. You can begin with Open Water Diver and progress through Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, and Divemaster.

Specialised training is widely available, including Nitrox (Enriched Air), Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Drift Diver, and Night Diver. For those looking to refine their skills, Peak Performance Buoyancy and Sidemount Diver courses are offered, alongside technical paths such as Self-Reliant Diver.

Professional development is a primary focus, with pathways for Assistant Instructor, Instructor, and Master Instructor. The centre also provides EFR (Emergency First Response) training and instructor-level certifications.

The centre provides full equipment hire for those not travelling with their own kit, including wetsuits and drysuits. If you prefer to bring your own core items, individual items such as masks and fins are also available for rent.

For those training in colder conditions, drysuit hire and drysuit orientation courses are available on-site. The facility also provides oxygen safety equipment for use during dives.

The local waters are home to several charismatic species. You can regularly encounter sea turtles, eagle rays, and various species of sharks, including bamboo sharks.

In the sandy areas and around the port, look for clownfish living amongst sea anemones, as well as schools of jack mackerels and damselfish. Squid and chinchards are also frequently seen in these habitats.

The reef and seabed areas provide a diverse backdrop of marine life, from various crustaceans to smaller reef inhabitants.

The diving environment in Inatori is generally characterised by low currents, particularly within the protection of the port. However, conditions can change based on the weather, and the Fujisan site is notably sensitive to southern winds.

While the area is accessible year-round, divers should be aware that wind direction can influence the suitability of specific sites.