Kitakoura Akaiwa

This dive site, Kitakoura Akaiwa, is located off Sado Island, Japan's second-largest island after Okinawa. Easily accessible by ferry or jetfoil from Niigata Port, it is renowned for its calm, clear, and warm waters during the summer months, making it a highly popular destination for divers. The site features an average depth suitable for all levels, and its name 'Akaiwa' hints at interesting rock formations. Divers visiting Kitakoura Akaiwa can expect to encounter an abundance of marine life. The site is home to many big lobsters, schools of horse mackerel, and a rich variety of anemones and nudibranchs, providing excellent opportunities for macro and wide-angle photography. In winter, large 'ostriches' (as specified in the source text, likely a local large marine species) are noted to appear for spawning. The best time to visit this dive site is during the summer when the sea conditions are exceptionally calm, clear, and the water temperature is warm, offering optimal diving and snorkeling experiences. The moderate depths and calm environment make it ideal for both scuba divers of all levels and freedivers looking to explore its vibrant ecosystems and observe seasonal marine events.