Nazumado

This dive site, Nazumado, is uniquely situated on the west side of Hachijo Island, offering scenic views of Hachijo Kojima. Entry and exit are facilitated by ropes, leading divers onto a walled reef that sharply drops down a slope, providing an exciting topographical experience. The average depth of 10 meters makes it accessible, while the maximum depth of 21 meters allows for deeper exploration of the reef's features. Nazumado is a vibrant marine habitat teeming with diverse life. It is particularly renowned for its numerous sea turtles, which are often observed closely by divers due to their calm demeanor. In spring, a wide variety of nudibranchs, from very small to large, can be found. The rare Juuzen, a species of butterfly fish endemic to Hachijo and Ogasawara Islands, is present from juvenile to adult stages, with large gatherings for egg-laying in spring. Lenten sea otters are also a notable sight. The best time to visit Nazumado is during spring, when nudibranchs are abundant and Juuzen butterfly fish gather to lay their eggs, offering a unique observation opportunity. Divers can enjoy close encounters with sea turtles, making it an excellent spot for both macro and wide-angle photography. The site's assisted entry/exit and manageable depths make it suitable for a wide range of dive levels.