Ishikiri

Ishikiri: Japan's challenging shore entry macro diving paradise in winter.

Shore Access
8m Avg Depth
16m Max Depth

About this dive site

This dive site, Ishikiri, is primarily known for its exceptional macro diving opportunities, particularly during the winter months. It is a shore entry site, but access can be challenging due to poor footing at the entry point, especially when waves are present. There are no dedicated parking or facilities, making it less suitable for inexperienced divers or those unfamiliar with the location. Navigation underwater typically involves exploring the shallow reef for a rich variety of small marine life. Ishikiri is a renowned spot for spotting rare macro creatures. Divers frequently encounter unique species such as frogfish, Nakamoto goby, cuttlefish, ornate ghost pipefish, flamboyant goby, various nudibranchs, ribbon eels, and a wide array of shrimp-like macro organisms. It is a popular spot among macro photography enthusiasts for its diverse and often rare subjects. The best time to visit Ishikiri for macro diving is from November to March when the water temperature drops below 25 degrees Celsius, as this period sees a significant increase in macro biodiversity. Due to the challenging shore entry and lack of facilities, it is highly recommended for experienced divers, preferably with local guidance. Snorkeling and freediving are generally not recommended given the difficult entry conditions and the focus on tiny, often hard-to-spot macro life.
Diving

Site Ratings

Big Marine Life Poor
Macro Marine Life Excellent
Landscape Quality Fair
Water Visibility Good Viz

Plan Your Visit

macro photographyshore entryadvanced onlycold waterrare speciesnudibranchsfrogfishgobymuck diving

Marine Life

ornate ghost pipefishflamboyant gobynudibranchsshrimp-like macro organismsribbon eelNakamoto gobycuttlefishfrogfish

Things to Note

Difficulty:

Advanced

Challenging shore entry with poor footing and no facilities, difficult for unfamiliar divers, especially with waves.

Hazards:
sharp rockcold waterwaves
Current Strength:

Mild

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