This warship once served in the United States Navy during World War II, playing an active role in the Pacific theater. During the Battle of Okinawa, the Emmons was heavily attacked by Japanese kamikaze aircraft, resulting in nearly 100 casualties among her crew. To prevent the ship’s technology and information from falling into enemy hands, the U.S. Navy made the decision to scuttle the vessel, sending her to rest on the seafloor — where she remains today as a silent witness to history.

It wasn’t until the year 2000 that a local fishing boat accidentally discovered an unusual oil leak rising from the sea floor. Upon investigation, divers found a 106-meter-long wreck — the USS Emmons. Since then, it has been recognized as the largest shipwreck dive site in Japan.

Today, the USS Emmons still rests on the seafloor with its hull, gun turrets, and torpedo launchers remarkably well preserved — even after more than 60 years underwater. These remnants of war remain profoundly moving, allowing divers to explore the traces of history and feel the weight of a bygone era beneath the waves.

The USS Emmons is a mysterious and captivating site that draws divers from around the world to witness its grandeur. This underwater relic is not only a popular destination for diving exploration, but also a place of reflection — a solemn reminder of the lasting impact of war.

Located in Nakijin, in the northern part of Okinawa’s main island, this emerging dive destination has recently become a well-kept secret among divers. The area remains largely untouched by human development, offering lush coral growth, dense schools of fish, and crystal-clear visibility. It’s a hidden sanctuary where divers can experience both serenity and grandeur beneath the sea.

The underwater landscape of Nakijin offers remarkable diversity — from gentle sandy slopes to vibrant coral gardens, creating an ideal environment for divers of all preferences. Here, encounters with sea turtles, various species of gobies, and schools of colorful tropical fish are common and effortless. On calm days, you can even enjoy a distant view of the brilliant blue waters beneath the Kouri Bridge, an experience that feels like floating above a glassy sea.

This site is ideal for wide-angle and macro underwater photography, offering endless opportunities to capture both grand seascapes and the details of marine life. It’s especially recommended for divers who wish to avoid crowds and enjoy the ocean at a slow, relaxing pace. Let’s drift together in the tranquil waters of Nakijin, listening to the gentle dialogue between the waves and your bubbles beneath the sea.

Cape Hedo The underwater limestone cave at Cape Hedo offers a genuine cave diving experience unlike any other. The entrance lies at a depth of about 15 meters, and once you enter the air chamber, you’ll find yourself surrounded by darkness — illuminated only by the beam of your dive light. Inside the cave, you can remove your mask to appreciate the stunning natural stalactite formations, whose beauty and stillness create an aura of mystery. Reaching the end of the cave — a place accessible only to divers — adds a thrilling sense of discovery to this unforgettable underwater adventure.

Futagami Rock, named after its two massive coral formations, lies at a depth of around 40 meters. On clear days, you can spot the twin rocks from a distance — a truly awe-inspiring sight beneath the waves. The site features a beautiful wall of soft corals, creating the feeling of drifting through a vibrant underwater garden. From time to time, large pelagic fish such as tuna, rainbow runners, and golden trevallies can be seen cruising by, adding an extra touch of excitement to your dive.

The dive sites around Cape Hedo offer divers an unforgettable sense of adventure, combining diverse marine life with unique underwater landscapes that invite exploration into this mysterious world beneath the sea. Whether you’re an adrenaline-seeking diver chasing excitement or someone who simply loves to admire the beauty of the ocean, Cape Hedo promises an unforgettable diving experience that will stay with you long after you surface.

Located in northern Okinawa, “Gorilla Chop” is a dive site with a unique and playful name — and an underwater world that’s just as impressive. When you arrive at the shore, you’ll see a massive coastal rock that remarkably resembles a gorilla striking a karate chop pose, which is how this fascinating site got its name.

Gorilla Chop is an excellent site for beginner divers, offering a rich variety of marine life and colorful coral formations that make it easy to relax and enjoy the wonders of the underwater world. Here, you’ll find a wide range of corals and vibrant tropical fish swimming gracefully through the clear waters, filling the ocean with life and color.

What makes Gorilla Chop truly special is its transformation during the winter season, when the northern winds arrive. At this time of year, the site becomes a macro photographer’s paradise, revealing a world of tiny and enchanting marine creatures. Here, you can spot adorable species such as the Shaun the Sheep nudibranch and dragonets, among many others — each adding to the astonishing diversity and beauty of this underwater landscape.