🏝️ The Underwater Art of Miyako Island — Topography Diving Feature

A Mysterious World Carved by Nature

The seas around Miyako Island, Irabu Island, and Shimoji Island are home to some of the world’s finest topography diving sites. Over many years, nature has shaped caves, arches, tunnels, and vast underwater spaces—each a breathtaking work of art. Within this dreamlike interplay of light and shadow, divers can experience the ocean as one with the Earth itself.

🌊 The Big Three Topography Sites of Shimoji Island

🔹 “The Devil’s Palace” (Intermediate level and up)

This magical cavern lies about 25 meters deep. Light pours through gaps in the ceiling, illuminating the space as if divine light were entering a sacred palace—hence its legendary nickname.

🔹 Tori-ike (Advanced)

A rare dive where you enter from the ocean, swim through an underwater tunnel, and surface inside a large inland pond. The mix of fresh and salt water creates a mesmerizing “chemocline” effect, unique to this location.

🔹 Antonio Gaudi (Intermediate to Advanced)

Named after the famed architect, this dive features a labyrinth of intricately curved arches around 30 meters deep. Its dramatic structure and surreal lighting leave divers in awe.

🌀 Highlights of Irabu & Northern Shimoji Areas

🔹 Snake Hole (Beginner and up)

A shallow cave dive ending in a dome filled with trapped air, known as the “Blue Dome.” At low tide, a thin fog forms inside, creating a mysterious, otherworldly feel. Ideal for beginners.

🔹 W-Arch (Beginner to Intermediate)

A double arch shaped like a heart—an Instagram-worthy spot that is shallow enough for newer divers but magical for everyone.

🔹 L-Arch (Intermediate and up)

A large, L-shaped arch located at around 40 meters depth. It’s an immersive experience swimming beneath its towering structure, often accompanied by schools of fish.

📍 Other Notable Topography Sites

🔹 Cross Hole

Looking up through a vertical shaft, sunlight pours down in the shape of a cross—perfect for photography when timed with the sun’s angle.

🔹 Mini Grotto

A narrow tunnel adventure where light beams filter through cracks in the cave, creating a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere.

🔹 35 Hole

A deep horizontal cave featuring a spacious interior and impressive light displays. A favorite among experienced divers.

📅 Best Diving Seasons & Area Guide

October to April (Autumn to Spring):

Prevailing northern winds make Shimoji Island the ideal diving zone. Visibility is high, and major sites like Devil’s Palace and Tori-ike are accessible.

May to September (Summer):

With southern winds, Irabu Island becomes more favorable. Spots like Snake Hole and W-Arch are calm and safe for a wider range of divers.

December to February (Winter):

When sea conditions are stable, Southern Miyako and lesser-known topography spots become great alternatives. These quieter areas are ideal for avoiding crowds.

🎯 Recommended Sites by Experience Level

🔰 Beginner

・Snake Hole

・W-Arch

・Mini Grotto

・Cross Hole

🤿 Intermediate

・Devil’s Palace

・Antonio Gaudi

・L-Arch

・35 Hole

🦑 Advanced

・Tori-ike

・Deep drop-offs

・Long tunnel routes (with guide required)

Buoyancy control and flashlight skills are essential for topography diving. For safety and optimal enjoyment, diving with a certified local guide is strongly recommended.

✍️ From the Editorial Team

Topography diving in Miyako Island is a rare opportunity to explore natural underwater artistry. Palatial caves, intricate tunnels, and massive arches lie beneath the surface of this tropical paradise. Once you experience the brilliance of “Miyako Blue,” you may never want to leave. Embark on your own undersea adventure—and discover the beauty carved by time itself.