Hanazawa Drop in Yonehara, Ishigaki, features a drop-off and rich macro life. At 22m, a small root hosts scorpionfish, ribbonfish, and shrimp, often cleaned by bluefin groupers. With calm currents, it’s an easy, enjoyable site for both beginners and intermediate divers.

Yonehara Reef is found at the point in Kawadaira, in the northern part of Ishigaki Island. This site is a boat entry only. The average depth is 5 to 30 meters. There is a coral shelf at 5 to 6 meters deep that drops into a sandy area in 20 to 25 meters of water with three roots, densely populated with table and eddy corals.

This dive site, located on the northwest side of Ishigaki Island, has one of the highest rates of encounters with manta rays in the world. It can be reached by boat in 10 to 15 minutes. The water depth is around 10-20m and the tide is relatively calm but can become stronger at times. A small hill in the middle of the sea is a cleaning station where the manta rays come to visit. Manta rays swim around at a depth of 5 to 10 meters, so you can see them by snorkeling.

Nagura Coral Garden in Nagura Bay, Ishigaki Island, boasts Japan’s richest coral diversity and density. With stunning coral and table coral scenery, calm currents, and clear water, it’s ideal for all levels. The best season is May to October for peak visibility and beauty.

Sukuji Gurukun Root is a popular dive site located offshore of Kabira area in Ishigaki Island, at depths from 10m to 35m. The topography of the drop-off and the currents make for dynamic diving, and the site is suitable for intermediate level divers and above.

Manta City near Kabira-Ishizaki, Ishigaki, is a world-famous manta ray cleaning station. With depths from 5–25m and easy boat access, it offers a high chance to see mantas, even for beginners, making it one of Ishigaki’s most popular dive sites.

Sakieda Big Arch in Kabira, western Ishigaki, features a massive 3-meter-high arch that can fit a boat. Sunlight beams through ceiling cracks, creating a magical “shower of light” effect. With gentle currents and depths of 12–20m, it’s perfect for both beginner and experienced divers.

Emperor’s Chair off Ishigaki Peninsula is a deep, advanced dive site (20–40m) with strong currents and striking terrain. Centered around a large, bill-shaped root, it hosts schools of butterflyfish, dogtooth tuna (isomaguro), Napoleon fish, manta rays, and pygmy seahorses—perfect for seasoned divers.

Sakieda Maze in Kabira, Ishigaki, features complex reefs with arches and tunnels lit by sunlight, creating magical views. With depths of 3–15m and little current, it’s beginner-friendly. Shallow coral reefs teem with marine life, including clownfish and spiny dogfish.

Under the Gokamizaki Lighthouse on western Ishigaki features complex topography with large and small roots from 10m depth and maze-like channels. Migratory fish like rock cod are common, alongside sunlit arches and caves, making it a favorite spot for topography lovers.