Diving in Hokkaido offers a unique and exhilarating experience amidst the island's pristine natural beauty and diverse marine ecosystems. While Hokkaido may be best known for its stunning landscapes, delicious local cuisine, and four distinct seasons, its cold waters also provide a wealth of opportunities for underwater exploration.
Throughout the year, divers can encounter a wide variety of marine life and stunning underwater scenery in Hokkaido's cold waters. The cold currents from the south bring rich nutrients, supporting a thriving ecosystem that includes large marine animals and colorful marine flora. From vibrant coral reefs to rocky formations teeming with fish, Hokkaido's underwater world offers something for divers of all interests and skill levels.
One of the most unique diving experiences in Hokkaido is diving under the icebergs during the winter months. As temperatures drop and the sea freezes over, divers can explore the surreal beauty of the underwater world beneath the ice, encountering fascinating ice formations and observing marine life adapted to cold water conditions.
While diving in Hokkaido may require specialized equipment and precautions due to the cold water temperatures, the rewards are well worth it for those willing to brave the chilly waters. Whether you're diving among icebergs in the winter or exploring the rich marine life during the warmer months, Hokkaido offers unforgettable diving experiences that showcase the island's natural wonders from a unique perspective.
Beautiful "Shikotan Blue waters"
The Ocean is regularly chosen as one of "Japan's 100 most beautiful sea shore". It is the only Underwater National Park in Hokkaido prefecture and it is also a popular diving spot for local divers.
Due to its location near the City of Sapporo, the biggest city in Hokkaido, many dive shops organize a day trips to this dive site.
The underwater landscape here are very unique as is filled with mysterious shaped rocks that was carved by the rugged waves very typical in this part of the oceans. The visibility is great, reaching up to over 25m.
There are whale watching tours in this areas as well.
You can see Orcas (Orcinus orca) in April, Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides daily), Baird’s beaked whale (Berardius birdie) in June by joining the whale watching tours.
After diving you can enjoy the local delicious seafood dishes.
Sea urchin season begins from June to August. People from all over Japan visit to enjoy the tasty sea urchin dishes.
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All year round:
-Variety of nudibranch
-Variety of Shrinps and Crabs
-Variety of Macro marine life
December to April:
-Steller's sea lion(Eumetopias jubatus)
-North Pacific Giant Octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini）
-Smooth lumpsucker(Aptocyclus ventricosus,Pelagocyclus vitiazi)
-Tiny Cyclopteridae
-Sculpin(Cottoidea)
Diving under the Drift Ice at the world natural heritage
Shiretoko peninsula is located at the Sea of Okhotsk. This place is famous as the Natural World Heritage and also the Drift Ice Diving. The ice is originated at the Amur River in Russia and carried down south to Shiretoko area. In Hokkaido, you can see the drifting ice the longest in this area. are covered with drifting Ice. The Drift Ice Diving season starts from February every year from when the ice arrives. The water may be very cold, but the world under the drifting ice will be a sight to remember.
If your lucky, you may encounter the natural seal during you diving in this beautiful ocean.
After diving, you can enjoy the famous hot spa at Utoro. You can also enjoy the tasty local seafood dishes.
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=44.072355,144.992837
All year round:
-Variety of nudibranch
-Variety of Shrinps and Crabs
-Variety of Macro marine life
During the summer season:
-Smooth lumpsucker(Aptocyclus ventricosus)
-Lethotremus awae
During autumn months:
-Bering wolfish (Anarhichas orientalis)
During the Winter season:
-Clione (Clione limacina)
Where the forest and the Ocean meets
The nutrient filled water from the mountains pours into the Rausu.
Springs brings new life to the ocean as young life fills the waters. Lush Rausu kelp forest welcomes the divers during the summer months, and the returning salmons and trouts come close to shores during Autumn. Climax being the drifting ice in the winter.
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=44.021212,145.193595
All year round:
-Variety of nudibranch
-Variety of Shrimps and Crabs
-Variety of Macro marine life
-Lumpfish (Eumicrotremus taranetzi )
During the Summer months:
- Bering wolffish (Anarhichas orientalis)
An area with an ancient history dating back 7,000 years. The abundance of marine life here is said to be one of the reason for it's history.
The sea kelp forest in the bay nurtures many marine life, giving balance to it's wonderful environment. The water temperature may go down to 2C during the winter months but will raise up to 21C during the summer seasons. From Baby Smooth lumpsucker in spring to Sea Angel(Clione) in the winter, there are many idols you can meet in these waters.
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=41.93417,140.9437
All year round:
-Variety of nudibranch
-Variety of Shrinps and Crabs
-Variety of Macro marine life
During the summer season:
-Smooth lumpsucker(Aptocyclus ventricosus)
-Lethotremus awae
During the Winter season:
-Clione (Clione limacina)
