Diving Ishigaki and Yonaguni in the next 2 weeks: recommendations?

[GDMP]

Hi!

I'm looking into flying to Okinawa and then trying to dive Ishigaki (for mantas, mostly) and Yonaguni (monument and hammers) in the next week or two. I'm trying to do it in a cost effective way, so I'm happy to move between islands by ferry, if doable. If possible, something like:

Naha to Ishigaki ferry
Ishigaki 1 or 2 days of diving
Ishigaki to Yonaguni ferry
Yonaguni 2 or 3 days of diving
Fly on from Yonaguni

Does anyone have any tips on travelling between the islands by ferry (the info I've seen isn't very clear) or recommended dive shops?

Or even someone to help arrange the whole thing, if such a trip exists?

Dived Mikomoto and had the tiny, heavy tank, 35-min dive experience, and would love some more bottom time if that's a norm in Japan!

It seems that Prime in Ishigaki is a good dive shop. Don't know yet if they do day trips to Yonaguni or if other shops in Ishigaki do?

Was looking at Yonaguni Diving Services but think they're booked up during that time. Maybe Sou Wes?

I suppose there might also be a shop in Okinawa that could help with the whole thing.

Would really appreciate any help.

Thanks in advance

 

[MacDuyver]

Shops in Okinawa DO go to Ishigaki, but it’s usually a fly-away in winter time to go see sharks. They start announcing them well in advance. I know English Empire is either there now or just got back from one, Aloha has done a couple. They’re one off trips for the most part though and it’s gonna be luck of the draw

The ferry only goes on Tuesday and Friday. You can bring a rental car on the ferry provided you have a license to drive in Japan. I’ve never done the ferry because it takes 4 hours from Ishigaki. I opted for the 90 minute flight from Naha and rented a car there.


I booked through Sou West the weather turned to crap and my diving got cancelled. Such is typhoon season

 

[Centrals]

I booked through Sou West the weather turned to crap and my diving got cancelled. Such is typhoon season

Many people do not realize that.

Typhoon Precautions in Okinawa | VISIT OKINAWA JAPAN | Official Okinawa Travel Guide

Learn what precautions to take when dealing with typhoons in Okinawa for a safe trip

visitokinawajapan.com

 

[MacDuyver]

Many people do not realize that.

Typhoon Precautions in Okinawa | VISIT OKINAWA JAPAN | Official Okinawa Travel Guide

Learn what precautions to take when dealing with typhoons in Okinawa for a safe trip

visitokinawajapan.com

Typhoon season is pretty much May/June through October (this year went a little long and we got some gnarly weather in november). You might get some one-off storms this time of year, but it's not going to be typhoons

 

[MacDuyver]

Other thing to note, with Ferries in Japan, you want to book your ferry spot for your car in advance to ensure it has a spot. I've never had a problem getting on a ferry as a pedestrian passenger, and cars are usually ok if you show up well in advance (an hour), but I've missed the ferry to Ie Shima a couple times because it was full and I was trying to get a vehicle on. Not a huge deal with Ie Shima since they run several a day, but on a 2x weekly trip, it's going to wreck your plan if you can't get on.

 

[GDMP]

Terrific, thanks so much for the thoughts! Unfortunately I've picked up another ear infection, so Yonaguni is off the cards for now. Will keep that all in mind for when I can make it though!

 

[Alfawolfje]

Typhoon season is pretty much May/June through October (this year went a little long and we got some gnarly weather in november). You might get some one-off storms this time of year, but it's not going to be typhoons

Indeed, just some 'intense' weather and winds. We had a group going second week of February and their plane was unable to land due to crazy winds. Limited their diving on the first day too. Even in Tokyo we have been experiencing some extreme winds despite not being typhoon season.

 

[diverforlife]

Terrific, thanks so much for the thoughts! Unfortunately I've picked up another ear infection, so Yonaguni is off the cards for now. Will keep that all in mind for when I can make it though!

Hopefully you are recovered by now!

In Ishigaki, Prime Scuba is highly recommended. Probably the best diving operation in Ishigaki, comfortable boat, and one of the only shops in Ishigaki that has good English language support. However, they do not run trips to Yonaguni.

I dove Yonaguni in early May this year with Yonaguni Diving Service - saw the monument, hammers, giant trevallies, and lots of barracuda. It was a bit late in the season for hammers so I was probably lucky to see them. YDS has a good location near the main harbor. It's a large operation that runs 3 boats and also offers accommodation. Not entirely sure about their English language support (I speak Japanese). But they seem to have some positive reviews in English. Note that Yonaguni is all drift diving.

Keep in mind Yonaguni is much more isolated than Ishigaki. I suggest flying between Yonaguni and Ishigaki. JAL-affiliate Ryukyu Air Commuter runs prop plane flights to between Yonaguni and Ishigaki. There are also flights between Yonaguni and Naha. You can book on JAL's website. In Yonaguni, use your surface interval to explore the island and be sure to check out the wild horses.

Hope this helps!

 

[GDMP]

Hopefully you are recovered by now!

In Ishigaki, Prime Scuba is highly recommended. Probably the best diving operation in Ishigaki, comfortable boat, and one of the only shops in Ishigaki that has good English language support. However, they do not run trips to Yonaguni.

I dove Yonaguni in early May this year with Yonaguni Diving Service - saw the monument, hammers, giant trevallies, and lots of barracuda. It was a bit late in the season for hammers so I was probably lucky to see them. YDS has a good location near the main harbor. It's a large operation that runs 3 boats and also offers accommodation. Not entirely sure about their English language support (I speak Japanese). But they seem to have some positive reviews in English. Note that Yonaguni is all drift diving.

Keep in mind Yonaguni is much more isolated than Ishigaki. I suggest flying between Yonaguni and Ishigaki. JAL-affiliate Ryukyu Air Commuter runs prop plane flights to between Yonaguni and Ishigaki. There are also flights between Yonaguni and Naha. You can book on JAL's website. In Yonaguni, use your surface interval to explore the island and be sure to check out the wild horses.

Hope this helps!

Thanks!

I'm actually now off to Japan at the end of this month. Am diving Mikomoto, Chiba, Ishigaki (with Prime Scuba), and Kerama. Yonaguni will have to wait, I'm afraid, but hopefully I'll get there soon enough!

 

[diverforlife]

Thanks!

I'm actually now off to Japan at the end of this month. Am diving Mikomoto, Chiba, Ishigaki (with Prime Scuba), and Kerama. Yonaguni will have to wait, I'm afraid, but hopefully I'll get there soon enough!

Great - I'm also diving Mikomoto at the end of this month. I'm sure you will have a good experience with Prime Scuba. Kerama is also epic with incredible visibility, one of my favorite places to dive in Japan. I've been diving with Seasir based on Aka Island in the Kerama Islands. In my view, it's better to stay on Aka or one of the other islands because you end up spending a lot of time getting to dive sites if you are based in Naha.