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Ishigaki Island is one of the best destinations in Okinawa for manta ray diving, offering incredible opportunities to observe mantas at their cleaning stations in shallow, clear water.This special dive trip can be organized in two different formats, depending on sea conditions and the lunar cycle:a relaxed manta diving trip, suitable for certified divers, and a more advanced drift diving trip during the full moon, designed exclusively for experienced divers.
What Can You See While Diving in Ishigaki Island?
Ishigaki is famous for its manta cleaning stations and rich marine life.
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Manta rays
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Barracuda
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Jackfish
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Sea turtles
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Moray eels
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Anemonefish
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Titan triggerfish
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Lionfish
👉 Marine life sightings depend on conditions and season and cannot be guaranteed.
Ishigaki Island Diving – Trip Options
Option 1: Relaxed Manta Ray Diving
This option focuses on calm and scenic dives around manta cleaning stations, often at depths of less than 10 meters (30 feet). It is ideal for certified divers who want to enjoy manta encounters in relaxed conditions.
Diver requirements:
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Open Water certification
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Minimum 30 logged dives
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Good buoyancy control
Option 2: Advanced Full Moon Drift Diving
During the full moon period, Ishigaki can offer more dynamic dives with stronger currents and drift diving conditions. This option is designed for experienced divers only and may include deeper dives and stronger water movement.
Diver requirements:
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Advanced Open Water certification or higher
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Minimum 50 logged dives
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Comfortable with drift diving and currents
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Excellent buoyancy control
👉 This option is available only during specific periods and depends on conditions.
Ishigaki Island Diving – Key Information
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Dive access: Speedboat
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Marine conditions: Big marine life & photography
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Current: Sometimes mild to moderate (stronger during full moon trips)
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Depth: 5 – 20 meters (16 – 66 feet)
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Water temperature:
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Winter: 22–23°C (72–73°F)
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Summer: 27–30°C (81–86°F)
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Trip Schedule Overview
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Meeting point at Naha Airport – 6:15 AM
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Arrival in Ishigaki Island around 7:40 AM
Diving schedule:
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Day 1: 2–3 dives
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Day 2: 3 dives
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Return to Naha Airport around 12:00 PM on Day 3
Price & What’s Included
5–6 Boat Dives – From ¥95,000 per person
Included:
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Roundtrip flight Naha ⇄ Ishigaki
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Hotel accommodation with breakfast & lunch
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Tanks & weights
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Professional dive guide
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Underwater diving photos
Equipment Rental (optional):
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Full equipment set – ¥15,000 per person
(BCD, regulator, wetsuit, fins/boots, mask/snorkel & dive computer)
Why Dive Ishigaki Island?
Ishigaki Island offers multiple manta cleaning stations where divers can observe manta rays at close range in shallow water, often with excellent visibility.
The combination of relaxed manta dives and optional advanced drift diving during full moon periods makes Ishigaki a versatile destination suitable for both intermediate and advanced divers, depending on the trip format.
Other Special Dive Trips
Cancellation Policy:
After booking flights and accommodation, all cancellations are subject to a 100% cancellation fee.
Medical Questionnaire
All participants must complete a medical questionnaire prior to joining the trip. If you have any health concerns, please review the medical form carefully.
Travel & Dive Insurance
Aloha Divers Okinawa strongly recommends that all guests purchase their own diving and travel insurance. The company is not responsible for injuries or losses sustained during tours.
- DAN – Divers Alert Network https://www.diversalertnetwork.org
Okinawa Code of Conduct
Aloha Divers Okinawa follows the Green Fins Code of Conduct, promoting environmentally responsible diving practices to protect Okinawa’s marine environment.
