Hello, I am a Newbee to SB, but not to diving. I have not posted much as I spend all my time underwater and it is hard to post underwater. Okinawa, has been featured in movies like Tea House of the August Moon starig Marlan Brando, and the Karate Kid. Okinawa, has 80+F water in the summer and over 100ft vis to start with. We have big things Sharks, Rays, Turtles, Whale Sharks, Humpback Whales, Wrecks, and Caves. Okinawa's diving is known for its small things, over 1000 nudibranch, vast verities of shrimp, and unamed things half the size of a grain of rice. We have the oldest civilized structure on the face of the planet, Yanaguni underwater ruins that may date back to 10,000 BC. At Yanaguni it is a quick drift dive, and in March and Feb you can see hammer heads. Why am I promoting Okinawa? I have been reading numberous magazines lately and Florida, Caribian, Mexico, Hawaii, are constantly mentioned but Okinawa is forgoten. My friend returned from Hawaii, and says the reeef is dead, and the diving in Okinawa, is ten times better. I have dove Florida and I agree Okinawa is teaming with life compaired to Florida. White sand beaches crystal blue water and becuase of all the US bases here most Okinawans speak English, as Okinawa used to be an US Territory until 1974. The people are always kind and generous. There are over 100 entry points from shore, and some are as simple as climbing over a sea wall. The food is top notch, especially if you enjoy sushi. Boats are cheap 50-150 for 3-4 dives, rentals can run about 25-50 dollars. We have as many hotels as Hawaii, some having 5 star PADI resort status. US Military has three dive centers, one of which is operated by the first white man to dive Yanaguni. These dive centers are full featured with classes and gear discounted for service memebers. Consequently 1000's of divers are qualified each month. I could go on and on but my dive buddy just called and I must get back in the water.
"From birth, man carries the weight of gravity on his shoulders. He is bolted to earth. But man has only to sink beneath the surface and he is free."
- Jacques Yves Cousteau -
"From birth, man carries the weight of gravity on his shoulders. He is bolted to earth. But man has only to sink beneath the surface and he is free."
- Jacques Yves Cousteau -