Mikomoto

General Info

Mikomoto Island is a small, uninhabited island. Its only human-made structure is the Mikomotojima Lighthouse, the oldest stone lighthouse still in use as a navigational mark between Sagami Bay and Suruga Bay. The island is located about 10 kilometers southeast of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, and is only a 15-20 minute boat ride away.

Mikomoto Island is a renowned diving spot, teeming with a diverse array of large marine life. Influenced by the Kuroshio Current, one of the world's strongest ocean currents, the island experiences strong currents, making it a challenging area for navigation. Consequently, it has earned a reputation among fishermen and big-game anglers.

Due to the influence of the Kuroshio Current, which flows northward from the equatorial eastern Pacific Ocean near the Philippines, a portion of it flows northeast along the southeastern coast of Japan. This current carries warm water from the south, making Mikomoto Island one of the world's best places to observe sharks in their natural habitat. Large schools of hammerhead sharks and other shark species can be found almost year-round. Typically, water temperatures rise between July and September, increasing the chances of encountering large groups of hammerhead sharks (which prefer warmer waters above 20°C). However, divers wishing to dive here should be experienced in drift diving and have excellent buoyancy control due to the frequent strong currents.

Additional details about Mikomoto:

• Depth: Dive sites at Mikomoto generally range from 20-40 meters, which is considered deep and requires advanced diving skills.
• Current: The currents in this area tend to be quite strong, so divers need to be well-prepared and experienced.
• Weather: The best time for diving is from June to November, when hammerhead sharks are most frequently spotted.

You can also discover soft corals, a variety of reef fish, and even shipwrecks in the surrounding area. For divers who thrive on adventure, Mikomoto is a must-visit destination.

Diving Precautions:

• Strong Currents: The currents in this area are quite strong and can be unpredictable. Divers should have excellent buoyancy control and be able to perform safety stops independently as there may not be safety lines.
• Essential Gear: Divers should bring their own Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) and dive computer.
• Dive Time: Dive time is typically around 30 minutes or until the diver's air reaches 70 bar.
• Stay Close to the Dive Leader: Divers should not stray too far from the dive leader.

Dive Site (Detail)

Kame-ne
Kame-ne or perhaps better known as "Point A", is a primary dive site that is popular for spotting hammerhead sharks. Additionally, there's also a chance to encounter other creatures such as white-eye sharks, wahoo fish, and other large marine life.

Mitsu-ne
"Mitsu-ne" refers to a cluster of three rocks that protrude above the water's surface. These rocks are surrounded by a multitude of yellowfin tuna and sea turtles, making them a popular diving spot for migratory fish. Divers can also expect to encounter greater amberjack, Japanese amberjack, threeline grunt, and yellowstriped butterfish in these waters.

Shira-ne
is a relatively shallow dive site located on the eastern side of Mikomoto Island. It's known for its calm waters and sandy bottom interspersed with occasional rocks. The marine life in this area is diverse and includes a variety of fish such as flatfish, stingrays, Japanese bullhead sharks, Japanese angelsharks, and Asian sheepshead wrasse. Additionally, there's a shipwreck nearby, adding another dimension to the dive.

Zabu-ne
Zabu-ne is a fascinating dive site on Mikomoto Island. Its name comes from the constant waves crashing against the rocks, creating a beautiful and dynamic underwater landscape. Sometimes, divers enjoy drift dives from Zabu-ne to Kame-ne.

Enokuchi
is located on the western side of Mikomoto Island, serving as the "front door" to the island. While influenced by the tides, the currents within the area are generally calm, making it suitable for less experienced divers. However, due to the proximity of fishing boats, it's advisable to maintain a safe distance from the island.

This dive site offers a relatively calm environment with moderate depths, although deeper areas can be found further out. Common marine life in this region includes snappers, rockfish, and hawksbill wrasse, which can be observed year-round.