Yaeyama District

Yaeyama District sits in the western part of Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, and encompasses a string of remote coral reef shoals and island groups in the North Pacific. The area is known for warm subtropical seas, clear visibility, and varied dive sites around Ishigaki, Taketomi and Miyakojima. Divers commonly encounter vibrant reef communities, shallow reefs suitable for drift and macro diving, and occasional pelagic activity from passing tuna or jacks. Access is typically via domestic flights to Ishigaki or Okinawa, with boat trips to outer reefs and offshore wrecks. The region offers a range of options from easy shore dives to deeper wall dives and night dives, suited to recreational divers and those seeking authentic island diving experiences.