This dive site, Tonbara, is a renowned pelagic hotspot located approximately 2 kilometers off the southeast coast of Kume Island, Japan. Accessible only by boat, typically a 20-30 minute ride from the harbor, divers explore a prominent large, rugged rock formation that rises from the seabed and serves as an aggregation point for marine life. The primary diving style here is drift diving, where divers are carried along by the prevailing currents, making navigation straightforward but requiring good buoyancy and current management skills.
Tonbara is particularly famous for its abundant pelagic encounters. Divers have a high chance of spotting large fish species throughout the year. During the winter months, it becomes a prime location to observe migrating hammerhead sharks. Additionally, from winter to spring, humpback whales are frequently sighted, making it a key spot for whale watching. While the description focuses on large animals, the rugged rock likely hosts various reef fish, invertebrates, and hard corals, though specific species are not detailed.
The best time to visit Tonbara for hammerhead shark encounters is specifically during winter. For humpback whale sightings, both winter and spring offer excellent opportunities. Due to the prevalent strong currents and drift diving style, this site is best suited for intermediate to advanced divers who are comfortable with such conditions. Experienced freedivers will also find Tonbara appealing, especially for close encounters with the large pelagics within the 20-meter maximum depth, but must also be proficient in current management.
