Japan · Onna Village, Okinawa main island

Cape Maeda

Also known as: Blue Cave, Maeda Misaki

Best time to dive

January to December; April to June; July to August

What you might see

  • Blue-ringed octopusLikely
  • Grey reef sharkPossible
  • NudibranchLikely

Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.

Certification & difficulty

Technical - advanced conditions (currents/depth); dive within your training.

Snorkelling

Snorkel-friendly - yes - one of the most popular snorkeling sites in Okinawa; mask/snorkel/fins and life jacket required, min age approx. 6

Safety notes

severe overcrowding of snorkelers/divers/tour boats especially on summer weekends and Japanese holidays (Golden Week, Obon, Silver Week); boat traffic in the small cove; habu jellyfish (box jellyfish) present in Okinawa coastal waters roughly May-October requiring protective clothing; steps/cliff access; deep wall drop-off beyond the shallow cave for divers who stray from the guided route

Permits & fees

parking fee at Cape Maeda lot: ordinary car ¥100/hour, motorcycle same rate, minibus ¥300 first hour + ¥150/hour after, large vehicle ¥500 first hour + ¥200/hour after (lot operates 7:00-19:00); no separate marine park entry fee identified

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Location

Nearest hub: Naha

This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand dive report. Coordinates are approximate.