Miyakejima · Japan · Wall · Reef
Kamanojiri
Gorgonian wall with frequent frogfish and turtle sightings
Kamanojiri is a gravel-beach entry on the north-east of Miyakejima, known for a wall of soft corals and gorgonians. Frogfish, turtles and Yuzen are met often, and the fish become denser the further out the dive goes, although the current is more likely to be felt there.
Also known as 釜ノ尻, 釜の尻, Kamanoshiri, Kamanosiri.
Where it is and how deep
34.1145° N, 139.5622° EApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
The entry is over a gravel beach on the north-east of the island. Further offshore the fish become denser and the chance of meeting a current rises, so remaining air is watched with particular care.
The wall carries soft corals and gorgonians, and frogfish, green turtles and Yuzen are met here often. Divers with good air consumption and fin control see the turtles and Yuzen most consistently, while the ground within a beginner's range holds red frogfish and seahorses. Artificial reefs for bigfin reef squid are set here as well, and a mass spawning can be watched.
Marine life and season
- Frogfish
- Sea turtles
- Squid
- Macro critters
| 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.
Sources
- PADI Japan vacation spotlight: Miyakejima — PADI Japan
- Dolphin Club Miyakejima: Kamanojiri — Dolphin Club Miyakejima
More dive sites in Miyakejima
Reef
Lava arch on the south coast, entered from the beach
Coral garden
Famous table coral colonies above a drop-off 100 m out
Reef
Harbour-sheltered dive with red frogfish and juvenile butterflyfish
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
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