Bounotsu

Drift dive with big fish and schools on a drop-off.

Boat Access
10m Avg Depth
20m Max Depth

About this dive site

This dive site, Bounotsu, is located on the western side of Japan's Satsuma Peninsula, facing the East China Sea. Diving here is adaptable, largely dependent on wind direction, allowing access to various sections. The site is particularly renowned for its drift dive along a significant drop-off, providing an engaging experience for divers. There is no specific historical information or detailed underwater navigation guides provided beyond the general drift profile. The marine biodiversity at Bounotsu is a major draw, featuring impressive pelagic species like blue snapper, sea turtles, bluefin tuna, humpback snappers, and stingrays. Divers can also witness large schools of humpback snappers, flathead damselfish, and numerous sea anemones. Further highlights include potential sightings of schools of kuei and cod rays, indicating a rich and varied underwater ecosystem. Optimal diving conditions are marked by excellent clarity, typically ranging from 10 to 30 meters. Water temperatures exhibit a broad range, from a cool 8.5°C in September to a warm 30°C at other times, necessitating appropriate thermal protection. The drift dive at the drop-off is a key attraction for divers and freedivers seeking encounters with large marine animals. Snorkelers can also enjoy the vibrant shallow areas and good visibility.
Diving Freediving Snorkeling

Site Ratings

Big Marine Life Excellent
Macro Marine Life Good
Landscape Quality Good
Water Visibility Very Good Viz

Plan Your Visit

drift diveturtlewide anglebig fishdrop-offschools of fishvariable currentscold water

Marine Life

blue snappersea turtlehumpback snapperstingraycod raykueisea anemoneflathead damselfishbluefin tuna

Things to Note

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Potential drift currents at drop-off; variable conditions and cold water require good buoyancy and thermal protection.

Hazards:
cold waterstrong currents
Current Strength:

Variable

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