This dive site, Tori Ike, is a truly unique underwater experience located between Miyakojima and Shimojijima in Japan. Divers access the site by boat from the sea, entering a descending cave system. This remarkable journey leads through an underwater hole, eventually emerging into a large, tranquil pond situated on land. The transition from open ocean to an enclosed freshwater or brackish pond via a cave makes for a memorable and adventurous dive, requiring good buoyancy control and comfort with overhead environments.
The diverse ecosystem within Tori Ike supports a wide array of marine life. Divers can encounter smaller inhabitants such as southern grouper, Hawaiian Cave shrimp, red-finned flounder, red-finned angelfish, black-eyed shrimp, black-eyed flounder, white-handed shrimp, juvenile yellow-eyed wrasse, and frogfish. In addition to these fascinating smaller creatures, the site also offers opportunities to spot pelagic species like dolphinfish, bluefin tuna, and majestic manta rays, adding to its allure.
The best time to visit diving destinations in Japan like Miyakojima is generally from spring to autumn (April to October) when water temperatures are warmer and conditions are stable. For both divers and freedivers, this site offers a spectacular blend of cavern exploration and unique marine encounters. Freedivers with experience in overhead environments can explore the depths and formations, while scuba divers will appreciate the time to observe the rich biodiversity in this extraordinary geological setting.
