Miyakejima · Japan · Coral garden · Reef
Gakkoshita
Famous table coral colonies above a drop-off 100 m out
Gakkoshita is on the west side of Miyakejima, entered over boulders. About 100 m straight out, the seabed drops by more than 10 m, and the table coral colonies are famous. Anthias and pearlscale angelfish gather on the drop-off, and migratory fish are possible, with a sand bottom that holds sand-dwelling animals.
Also known as 学校下, Gakkousita.
Where it is and how deep
34.0835° N, 139.4756° EApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
The entry is over boulders on the west side of the island. Heading straight out for about 100 m brings the drop, a fall of more than 10 m, and the table coral colonies are the site's best known feature.
The drop-off reaches a bottom of about 20 m, where pearlscale angelfish and anthias are found and various nudibranchs appear in season. Migratory fish are possible, and the sand bottom also holds sand-dwelling animals.
Marine life and season
- Nudibranchs
- Reef fish swarms
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Good | Good |
Season follows Miyakejima: June to October brings the warmest water, visibility up to 30 m and the two Megane-iwa openings; diving runs all year.
Know before you go
- West and south-west winds can make diving impossible for days when they blow most often.
Sources
- PADI Japan vacation spotlight: Miyakejima — PADI Japan
- Scuba Monsters: Miyakejima dive spot information — Scuba Monsters
- Dolphin Club Miyakejima: Gakkoshita — Dolphin Club Miyakejima
More dive sites in Miyakejima
Reef
Lava arch on the south coast, entered from the beach
Reef
Harbour-sheltered dive with red frogfish and juvenile butterflyfish
Wall
Gorgonian wall with frequent frogfish and turtle sightings
Reef
Miyakejima's largest beach, with seahorses and frogfish
Drift
Full drift past big schools of migratory fish
Coral garden
Dense table corals and two arches on the Kuroshio side
Similar dives elsewhere
Coral colonies on white sand, boat access, down to 25 m
Coral shelves to 18 m with green turtles as the constant
Table coral in 6 m of water, thirty seconds' walk from shore
One coral head, about 31 m around and 18 m down