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Yonaguni, OKINAWA
 

5D4N

Yonaguni is known for the chance to dive with hammerhead sharks during the winter months as well as its mythical Underwater Monument discovered in 1986. The waters around Yonaguni are exceptionally clear and are home to amazing rock formations. Large schools of hammerhead sharks pass the island from January to May, with sightings of up to 100 of these beautiful creatures in one dive!

The Yonaguni Monument is one of the most mysterious scuba diving sites in the world, as its origin has been shrouded in mystery and controversy even until today. Is the site natural or man-made? Dive for yourself to find out!

Preview of Itinerary

For 5D4N package (total of 11 dives)

up to sgD $3xxx per pax

Sun – Singapore to Naha, rest of day free & easy

Mon – (Day 1 of dive trip) Domestic flight to Yonaguni, followed by 3 or 2 dives

Tues – (Day 2 of dive trip) 3 dives

Wed – (Day 3 of dive trip) 3 dives

Thurs – (Day 4 of dive trip) 2 or 3 dives

Fri – (Day 5 of dive trip) Domestic flight back to Naha, rest of day free & easy

Next direct flight back to Singapore is on Sunday, so you may choose to spend some time in Okinawa main island for some fantastic shopping & sightseeing!

Where is Yonaguni?

Yonaguni is one of the Yaeyama Islands, and is located at the westernmost of Japan, lying about 108 km from the east coast of Taiwan. Yonaguni has a land area of only 28 sqkm, with a population of less than 2,000. By flight, it is about 1.5 hrs away from Naha (Okinawa).

Why Yonaguni?

Yonaguni is known for the chance to dive with hammerhead sharks during the winter months as well as its mythical Underwater Monument discovered in 1986. The waters around Yonaguni are exceptionally clear and are home to amazing rock formations. Large schools of hammerhead sharks pass the island from January to May, with sightings of up to 100 of these beautiful creatures in one dive! Pls note though, hammerhead hunting will be blue water diving and hence quite demanding – jumping into the open ocean with no bottom (~80m deep), landmarks or reference points in view, can be a very different experience. All dives are drift dives with strong currents. 

 

The Yonaguni Monument is one of the most mysterious scuba diving sites in the world, as its origin has been shrouded in mystery and controversy even until today. Is the site natural or man-made? Perhaps a natural formation modified by humans? Or was it quite simply made by extraterrestrial beings that settled here and made some kind of weird landing site for their otherworldly craft? The theories are many — and a Google search doesn’t necessarily make you any wiser. So dive for yourself to find out!

What’s the pre-requisite?

All participants must be at least advanced certified, with no issues with quick negative entry and have drift diving experience (ask us for more info!). These are strict pre-requisites for participants (When chasing hammerheads, it will be blue water diving and the bottom can be 80mtrs+ so the divers need to be good at buoyancy control).

What do I see at Yonaguni dive sites?

Some sites are undulating fields of coral, interspersed with the occasional sharp drop off or rivers of white sand. Others are a series of large boulders, caverns and swim-throughs with, pebbled floors and walls covered in large colourful fans.

 

Expect to see lots of butterfly fish, yellow striped snapper, turtles, moray eels, anthias and anemone fish.

What else is there to see/do on Yonaguni island?

Yonaguni is known in Japan for the hanazake, a 120-proof rice-based distilled beverage (awamori) produced only on the island. The island is also the only natural habitat of a distinctive horse breed, the Yonaguni horse.

 

On the east and west tips of the island there are large parks overlooking the stretch of coastline in either direction, with walking trails down to the beach and along the coast.

How do I get to Okinawa?

Lucky for us in Singapore, Jetstar launched the direct SIN-Naha direct route in 2017, flying to Okinawa 3 times a week (Mon, Friday & Sunday):

  • 3K791 from Singapore Changi to Naha: depart at 1:50AM, arrive at 8:00AM

  • 3K792 from Naha to Singapore Changi: depart at 8:55AM, arrive at 1:15PM

(do check Jetstar Asia's site for latest flight updates)

 

Based on the flight pattern, our suggested itinerary here. As a point of reference, round tip flight ticket varies from about $500-$700 per pax (subject to T&Cs).

Is the water cold?

Water rarely gets below 21 degrees celcius across all of Okinawa’s islands. Yonaguni is at its warmest between July and November – 28 to 29 degrees. High winds in January can create rough conditions, and throughout the year, being a pelagic island, some of the dive sites (including the monument) are subject to strong currents.

 

Water temperatures range from 23-27 degree Celsius in winter, hence 5mm wetsuit is recommended. We have 5mm wetsuits at flat rate of SGD$50 for rental for the entire duration of the trip. We also have boat coat for rental at the same flat rate of SGD$50, in case you don’t wanna feel the chills from the wind on the boat!

How’s the weather during winter in Yonaguni, what should I wear?

Winter in Yonaguni tends to be a little gloomy with quite a bit of rainfall. Temperatures range from 18-21 degree celcius, a comfortable range for us Singaporeans (just like air con room!). It may be a little chilly at night, so we suggest t-shirts & board shorts in the day, and long pants at night. And bring a sweater too, just in case.

What kind of accommodation will I be staying at?

You will be thrilled to know that we will be staying at Minshuku (民宿) – family operated, Japanese-style bed and breakfasts accommodation.

What kind of food is catered?

Local home-cooked Japanese cuisine (yummy!)

Anything else I have to prepare?

Just be prepared to have fun and #letsscuba!

FAQS

Note that it is advisable to register at least 1-2 weeks in advance

Terms & Conditions:

  • 50% payment must be made to secure booking. Balance of payment to be made 1 month prior to trip

  • For cancellation made more than 1 month prior to trip, 50% of trip cost. For that less than one month, full payment

  • To enjoy promotional rate, full payment required to secure the rates on a first come first serve basis (non-refundable). Package to be redeemed within 3 months upon payment date. If unable to do so, a top up of SGD100/pax is required

  • Please ensure that you bring along your International passport with a minimum of 6 mths validity

  • Itinerary subject to change without prior notice, based on weather condition and dive centre’s discretion

  • For any add-ons and/or payment enquiry, pls contact us

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