South Steps / Water Treatment Plant

This dive site, known as South Steps or Water Treatment Plant Mae, is a popular beach-entry location in Sunabe, Chatan, Okinawa. It's easily accessible and features unique underwater structures like a 10m-deep drainage outlet (dubbed “UFO”) and a water outlet (“temple”), which have transformed into thriving artificial fish reefs. These structures, along with natural reefs and soft coral gardens, provide interesting navigation points and serve as vibrant habitats for marine life, making it a lively and engaging spot for divers of all levels. The marine life at South Steps is diverse and abundant. Divers can expect to encounter colorful soft coral gardens teeming with various gobies, anemonefish (clownfish), and numerous other small reef fish. On the main reefs in front of the water plant, barracuda and crucian carp are often seen roaming. The soft corals themselves host interesting invertebrates such as bear clams and sparrows. Additionally, the expansive sandy areas provide shelter for different species of gobies and other cryptic creatures, ensuring a rich macro photography experience. This site is excellent for both divers and snorkelers due to its shallow depths and easy beach access. While no specific 'best time to visit' is provided, Okinawa generally offers good diving conditions year-round, with warmer waters from spring to autumn. It's particularly well-suited for beginner divers due to its manageable depth and mild currents, and its rich small marine life also makes it a fantastic location for macro photographers and those who enjoy leisurely exploration. Freedivers will also find the shallow, clear waters and abundant life appealing.