Maeda Blue Cave – one of Okinawa’s most popular spots
Maeda, located in Onna village, is one of the most visited places in Okinawa. It boasts a beautiful hard coral reef, extending from just 2m to 22m deep. Colorful fish abound here, swimming remarkably close to divers. Due to its popularity, the fish are accustomed to human presence, but feeding them during Discover Scuba Diver programs is questionable.
The reef features a flat, shallow 5m section that transitions into a steep slope reaching depths of 22m, with some spots reaching 30m, making it ideal for the PADI Advanced Open Water Course. After practicing buoyancy, navigation, and experiencing a night dive from the beach, I prefer to conduct the remaining three dives here at Maeda by boat, as it offers a perfectly suited teaching environment.
A little description of the main dive site in Maeda
The main attraction at Cape Maeda is undoubtedly the Blue Cave. Technically, it’s not a true dive cave. You can also snorkel and swim inside. There’s no overhead environment, and the shallow bottom makes it perfectly safe for diving. The entrance is spacious, starting at just 4m deep and gradually shallowing until you can even stand at the end.
If there aren’t many people inside, which is rare, I like to ascend and enjoy the cave interior. Diving back through the cave toward the boat reveals why it’s called the Blue Cave, with its mesmerizing blue shine. Therefore many Japanese visitors love capturing photos with the vibrant blue backdrop, making it a popular choice for Discover Scuba Divers.
Boat departures are at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and sometimes 5pm during summer. For a more secluded experience, I recommend the later rides, as the general rule is the earlier, the busier. Additionally, there’s the option to shore dive at Maeda Blue Cave in good weather and wind conditions. It’s just a 100-step staircase down from the Cape Maeda lookout car park to the water. Plus, the ascent after a relaxed dive provides a good leg workout.
Yamada Point – the second boat diving destination
If the dive boat can’t reach the Blue Cave due to weather conditions, it will head to Yamada Point, another stunning dive location. Picture Yamada as a massive underwater mountain: one side features a steep slope resembling a wall, descending to depths of 27m, while the peak sits at less than 5m deep. On the other side lies a flat sandy area with depths of 5m or less, adorned with natural coral formations and coral farming sites. Navigating through this area feels like strolling through a park underwater.
The sandy expanse gradually slopes down to 24m, where net structures create artificial reefs. Here, you can encounter large sea turtles, often found behind the net structures. The vast Yamada area easily accommodates two separate dives, offering diverse underwater exploration opportunities.