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Maeda Point Dive Review
Entry:
Somewhat sporty
over the coral when the
tide is out.Recommended
skill level:
not recommended for your very
first dive; mid-range skills
Depth:
At the reef's edge and to the
right, ~20
feet; to the left
of the reef and past
the edge ~100
feet (almost
completely vertical dropoff).
Fantastic wall that drops down to about 50 meters/150
feet at some points. Visibility:
Excellent.
About 50-60 feet on average.Animal
life you might see
here:
eels, anemone, lionfish, schools of squid, tube worms,
clownfish, a turtle if you're lucky Recommended
for snorkeling:
Yes.
Special
Notes & Cautions
about diving here:
-
Check the sea
conditions at Maeda
Point before you
suit up. It is
not
recommended to dive
if the surf exceeds
2 feet.
-
Save some energy
for the climb
back up the
steps with all
of your gear
-
Sometimes VERY
popular on the
weekends.
Start early if
you wish to
avoid a crowd.
-
Bring
some yen to pay for
parking (about 100
yen per hour)
Hiking & Trails
Though more famous
for its excellent scuba diving opportunities, Maeda
Point has excellent pathways and walking trails.
These trails lead to some of the best scenic views and
vistas of the beautiful Yomitan Peninsula.
Though the trails
are short and sweet overall, there are steps throughout
(so not ideal for those trying to walk with a stroller
or super young kiddos). There are two main trails
- one begins to the left of the main rest center.
One begins to the right of the rest center just above
the steps going down to the dive entry point.
Checkout our
new
slideshow for some of these views.
Notes: Want
to contribute to
this page or tell
others about your
own favorite dive
location?
click here.
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Popular dive spots, snorkeling locations & nearby attractions
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Important phone
numbers
Torii Scuba
Locker -
644-4290
Kadena Marina
scuba locker
634-6344 / 6968
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Detailed Review
Welcome to what is
probably the most
popular and well-known
dive spot in Okinawa.
Entry is gradual (good
for beginners) and
assisted by recent construction
of a (substantial)
flight of steps leading
down to the water.
The shoreline is
steep at Maeda Point
(thus the need for steps
to get down to the dive
site). This
rapidly changing
topography continues
underwater as well.
While there is a reef
that runs parallel to
the shoreline, just to
the left of the reef (as
viewed from above on
descent to the site),
the dropoff is almost
completely vertical,
allowing for deepwater
dives just offshore to
approximately 100 feet
in depth.
After you dive - consider
staying for a moment
or you
might miss one of the
spectacular sunsets at
Maeda Point - made all
the more incredible by the
waves splashing off of
the substantial
shoreline cliffs and the
suns rays punching
through the partly
overcast skies.
Directions
Take Hwy 58 northbound.
When you reach the
"Renaissance Hotel",
take a hard left onto
Hwy 6. Within 2
miles you will see a large white sign saying "Cape Maeda". Turn right
here. Road appears like it is dying off, but keep going. It will
dead end in a few hundred yards into the parking lot. Note that there is a
100Y per hour fee now to park. |
