Cape Maeda centres on reef diving, with walls, caves, drop-offs and artificial structures spread across a compact cluster of sites. The Blue Cave at the Cape Maeda site is the area's defining feature, accessible by shore or boat. Most sites suit beginners, though Kohri Zampa pushes to advanced depth with strong current. Signature species include Coleman's Chromodoris, Day Octopus, Snowflake Moray, Indian Lionfish and Zebra Lionfish. Conditions remain diveable year-round.
Monthly water temperature across Cape Maeda's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water stays warm through the year, peaking in late summer and cooling slightly through the cooler months without dropping to uncomfortable levels. Visibility can range from modest to excellent depending on conditions and season. The even best-months spread means there is no strong off-season, making Cape Maeda a practical year-round destination.
31 operators
2 more sites to explore
Water temperature around Cape Maeda ranges from about 22°C in February to 29°C in August, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
In the warm season (about 29°C) a rash guard or 3mm shorty is comfortable in Cape Maeda; in the coldest months (about 22°C) step up to a 3mm full suit.
Fin maps 14 sites in Cape Maeda (12 scuba diving sites and 1 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both).
The area has a well-documented list of observed species. Signature encounters include Coleman's Chromodoris, Willan's Chromodoris, Day Octopus, Snowflake Moray, Indian Lionfish and Zebra Lionfish. Reef fish such as Axilspot Hogfish, Blackspotted Pufferfish, Black-blotched Porcupinefish and Banded Coral Shrimp are consistently recorded across multiple sites.
The majority of sites at Cape Maeda are rated for beginners, including Maeda Point, Yamada Coral Farm, Pink Marlin Buoy, Sand Cross and Onnason Beach. Shore-entry options at Maeda Point and Onnason Beach make independent access straightforward. Advanced divers have their own challenge at Kohri Zampa, which descends deep and is subject to stronger currents.
Both entry types are available. Onnason Beach and Maeda Point offer shore entries and suit those who prefer to dive independently. Most other sites, including SEALs Tec Buoy, Michelin Mishiragi and Kohri Zampa, require boat access. The Cape Maeda site itself supports both shore and boat entry, giving divers flexibility.
Cape Maeda has a large number of operators serving the area, including All Blue Divers, Sunkissed Divers Okinawa, Best Dive Okinawa, Diving Shop Lei and Blue Ocean, among others. This level of operator presence means guided dives, equipment rental and instruction are widely available for divers at all levels.
