Channel Crevices

Channel Crevices is an advanced dive site in the Kerama Islands south of Okinawa's main island, where deep channels between reef formations create a dramatic underwater canyon system reaching 40 meters. The crevices are carved through the limestone reef by tidal currents, which sweep nutrient-rich water through the narrow passages attracting both predators and prey in concentrated numbers. The walls of the channels are adorned with gorgonian fans, black coral trees, and colorful soft corals. Whitetip reef sharks rest in the deeper crevices during the day, while large groupers and Napoleon wrasse patrol the channel openings. The site's currents can be powerful, requiring careful timing with tidal movements. When conditions align, drift diving through the channels surrounded by walls of coral and schooling fish is one of the most exhilarating experiences in Okinawan diving.