Fun Diving in Kushimoto with a Guest from Sri Lanka
Boat diving resumed yesterday after the recent typhoon. Visibility was around 5 meters yesterday, but today it improved another step!
Now we just need a branch of the Kuroshio Current to reach us, and the water could become clear again very quickly.
The water temperature remained in the mid-23°C range, just like yesterday. It has become comfortable enough to dive in a wetsuit without feeling cold.
Today, we welcomed a guest from Sri Lanka for a fun diving trip.
We have now had guests from yet another new country! It may finally be time to create a world map showing where all of our visitors come from!
Since our guest enjoyed seeing larger marine life, we spent the dive focusing on wide-angle subjects.
Shortly after descending, we found Banded boarfish. It was a great start to the dive and a perfect subject for wide-angle photography.
One of the best things about Banded boarfish in Kushimoto is that they are not very shy. Even when using a wide-angle lens, it is easy to get close enough for a good photo.
Last year, we had a guest who specifically requested Banded boarfish, and they were amazed by how closely they could approach these fish.
Later in the deeper area, we were happy to find the Spotted moray again. Thankfully, it appears to have survived the typhoon.
Perhaps it spent the rough conditions safely hidden in a crack between the rocks.
This individual is usually very tolerant of divers and allows a close approach. However, if it starts showing defensive behavior, it is best to keep a respectful distance.
Nearby, we also found an Goatsbeard brotula.
While taking photos, I suddenly realized that although I have introduced this species to many guests over the years, I may have never actually photographed one myself.
We finished the dive with a photo of our guest alongside a beautiful Wrightella tongaensis.
Unfortunately, the Wrightella tongaensis at Glass suffered damage from the typhoon, so this has become the only remaining Wrightella tongaensis currently seen in the Sumisaki area. It is also one of the most popular photography subjects among our international guests.
The damselfish also seem to have worked hard to protect their eggs throughout the storm. Eggs can still be observed in many locations.
Looking closely at the parents, some individuals even show signs of injuries on their bodies. It seems that natural disasters affect life underwater just as they do on land.
Heavy rain is forecast for tomorrow, so I am a little concerned that runoff may reduce visibility again.
Still, we are hoping that the power of the Kuroshio Current will continue to improve conditions.
Tonight, we are heading out for a night dive.
I am looking forward to seeing what marine life we can find on the beach dive site after dark!
See you ! 😊
Today’s Ocean Conditions (Kushimoto)
Weather: Sunny
Air Temperature: 19–24°C
Water Temperature: 23.3°C
Visibility: Approximately 5-8 meters
Recommended Exposure Protection
- 6.5 mm two-piece wetsuit
- Drysuit with a light undergarment
(A 5 mm wetsuit is generally comfortable underwater, but additional protection is recommended on the boat.)
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Announcements
◾️Event Information
• Tide Pool Barred-chin blenny Photo Tour confirmed!
• Coral Spawning Observation Night Diving Confirmed!◾️Media
• We are one of the guide shops responsible for posting seasonal ocean updates from Kushimoto on “海旬”.
• Instagram is regularly updated!
• Our YouTube channel is now available!
• A video of Japanese Giant Salamander was featured by diving_partner on their platform.
