MInabe Syougase

Minabe Shougase is an advanced dive site off the Wakayama Prefecture coast on Japan's Kii Peninsula, where a rocky reef descends to 40 meters in the warm Kuroshio Current waters. The site is renowned among Japanese divers for its exceptional soft coral coverage and seasonal encounters with large pelagic species. The reef structure features dramatic overhangs and vertical walls adorned with dense gorgonian fans, colorful soft corals, and sponge colonies. The warm current brings tropical species unusually far north, creating a fascinating mix of temperate and subtropical marine life. Schools of hammerhead sharks are the main attraction during summer months, drawing advanced divers from across Japan. Large groupers, yellowtail amberjack, and sea turtles are regular residents. The combination of challenging conditions, spectacular soft coral scenery, and the possibility of shark encounters makes Minabe one of the Kii Peninsula's most exciting dive destinations.