Hammerhead Rock

This dive site, Hammerhead Rock, is situated off Yonaguni Island, Japan's westernmost island, renowned for its dramatic underwater topography. It features imposing rock formations resembling buildings that rise vertically from a seabed depth of 35 meters, though the maximum recommended diving depth for the site itself is 26 meters with an average depth of approximately 13 meters. While no specific historical accounts are provided, its remote location and unique geological structures contribute to its mystique as a prime pelagic encounter spot. The undeniable highlight of Hammerhead Rock is the high probability of encountering large schools of hammerhead sharks, a truly spectacular sight. Beyond the iconic sharks, divers can expect to see an array of large marine life, including bluefin tuna, schools of bluefin trevally, barracudas, and impressive tornadoes of bigeye trevally. Rarer but possible sightings include marlin, whale sharks, and dolphins, making it a vibrant hotspot for big fish action. Smaller marine life and coral formations are not the primary focus here. To maximize the chances of encountering the renowned hammerhead schools and other pelagic species, divers typically visit during the cooler months, generally from winter to spring (November-May), when currents are more active. This site is particularly thrilling for advanced divers comfortable with potential strong currents and deeper pelagic diving. Freedivers capable of deeper dives may also find this site rewarding for its big animal encounters. Due to its remote location, thorough dive planning and consultation with local dive operators are essential for a safe and rewarding experience.