Dive Now

Located in Urasoe, Dive Now provides access to some of the most varied diving environments in Okinawa. The centre serves as a gateway to the legendary 'Kerama Blue' waters and the diverse topography of the main island, ranging from shallow reef flats to significant deep-water sites.

Whether you are looking for the calm, nutrient-rich bays for macro photography or the high-energy drift dives of the outer islands, the service is designed around the specific desires of the diver. The focus is on selecting the right site for your current skill level to ensure a safe and rewarding experience in the water.

The centre is managed by Hitomi Nakazono, a PADI instructor who provides a personalised approach to every dive. Having moved to Okinawa to pursue her passion for the ocean, she offers a reliable presence under the water and a tailored service on the surface.

Instruction is focused on listening to the diver's specific goals, whether that is mastering buoyancy in a training environment or seeking out specific pelagic species on a drift dive. This personal touch ensures that the dive plan aligns with your comfort and experience.

Dive Now offers a comprehensive range of PADI courses for every stage of a diver's progression. Beginners can start with the Open Water Diver course, with subsequent paths leading through the Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver certifications.

The centre also provides training for the Divemaster level and the Master Scuba Diver rating. For those looking to formalise their safety skills, EFR (Emergency First Response) training is also available.

For those travelling light, a full range of rental kit is available, including BCDs, regulators, wetsuits, fins, masks, and snorkels. Divers looking to capture the local marine life can also hire underwater cameras and torches for night diving.

Cylinders are provided in 12-litre volumes, and Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their bottom time on multi-dive days.

The marine life in Okinawa is exceptionally diverse, ranging from large pelagics to delicate macro species. In the deeper waters and currents, you can encounter bigeye trevally, Napoleon wrasse, dogtooth tuna, and giant trevally, particularly between April and July. Large groups of barracuda are also common during the summer months.

The reefs are home to a constant presence of colourful fish, sea turtles, and various species of butterflyfish and fusiliers. In the sandy areas and reef flats, you will regularly find garden eels, clownfish, and gobies.

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to explore, especially during the winter months when nudibranchs are abundant. You can search for the Pikachu nudibranch or look for pygmy seahorses tucked away on deep gorgonians.

During the early summer, the reefs may host coral spawning events, providing a unique spectacle for night divers. If you visit between April and July, you may also see the seasonal activity of mandarinfish.

Diving conditions in the region vary significantly depending on the site. Some locations, such as Zanpa and Aguni, are known for strong currents and are best suited for advanced divers. Other areas, like Red Beach, offer more sheltered conditions in protected bays.

Seasonal winds also play a role in site selection; for example, Iejima can offer dynamic topography and caves in the summer, while the winter months provide calmer, sandy bottom dives.