Exploring Both Kushimoto and Uchiura Beach Today!
After a long period of rough seas caused by Typhoon No. 30, the ocean finally started calming down today, and we're back in the water!!
In the morning, we went snorkeling with guests who had traveled all the way from the USA!
The shallow water was still a little cloudy from the swell over the past few days, but visibility improved as we headed farther offshore♪
We enjoyed a wonderful morning in the peaceful ocean, with no one else around, soaking up the morning sunshine!!
The Acropora hyacinthus coral at this snorkeling spot is always beautiful.
I wonder if there's anywhere else in Wakayama Prefecture where so many of these corals grow together in such a small area?
It's really an incredible coral colony!!!
Unfortunately, it was high tide today, so we couldn't take photos of our guests together with the coral.
But this amazing coral colony near the beach is definitely something I'd love everyone to see♪
Toward the end of our snorkeling session, the two guests enjoyed watching fish together (^^)
Fish are also very active in the morning, so we were able to observe various behaviors, including feeding♪
Afternoon Macro Diving at Uchiura Beach!
In the afternoon, we headed to Uchiura Beach for staff training.
Our staff member Sayo, who returned this season, explored Uchiura Beach to get familiar with the dive site.
Visibility at Uchiura Beach is still recovering and was around 3 meters. The water temperature was around 23°C, a little cooler than the Kushimoto area.
But Uchiura Beach really starts showing its potential as the water gets colder!
I'm getting excited♪
Yellow pygmy goby at Uchiura Beach
You can find Yellow pygmy goby living in various places around Uchiura Beach.
Some live inside stralium haematragum shells, while others make clever use of discarded cans left behind by humans.
It's interesting to see the different ways they live.
Of course, throwing rubbish into the ocean is never acceptable. But it's also true that some fish have adapted to using these discarded objects as their homes.
They would naturally live in things found in the ocean, so if you see rubbish on the beach, please help by picking it up!
More Fascinating Marine Life on the Sandy Bottom
Next, we spotted Fingered dragonet!
These fish are very good at blending into the sandy bottom, so they're not easy to find. But their upright fins are really impressive!!!
The seabed at Uchiura Beach is made up of muddy sand, so please be very careful with your fin kicks (^^;)
If you kick downward toward the bottom, you can quickly stir up the sediment and ruin the visibility...
We explored almost the entire Uchiura Beach dive site today, and along the way, we also encountered a juvenile Kisslip cuttlefish
As the season progresses, we sometimes see groups of larger individuals.
Adults can grow to around 30 cm, making them quite impressive to see!
Just before exiting the water, we found Halicampus boothae for the first time in a while!!
We had just seen a large Double-ended pipefish, so this one looked even smaller by comparison! (Haha)
This fish is also excellent at camouflage, so you might swim right past it if you're not paying attention.
Planning a Special Two-Area Diving Trip This Winter!
Today was a wonderful day exploring both Kushimoto and Sue's Uchiura Beach!
And this winter... we're planning a special diving trip to enjoy both Kushimoto and Uchiura Beach!!
Winter is a great season to experience the different underwater landscapes and marine life found in these two areas.
That's why we're planning a special two-area diving trip between December and January♪
Day 1: Diving in the Kushimoto area!
Day 2: Diving at Uchiura Beach!
Why not join us and enjoy the unique underwater attractions of both areas during winter?
We're currently working on the dates and will share more details once everything is confirmed. Stay tuned!
Of course, we're also accepting inquiries for regular fun diving in Kushimoto and drysuit courses!!
Please feel free to contact us anytime!
See you next time!
Temporary Closure Notice: November 2026 – March 2027
We will be temporarily closed on selected dates between November 2026 and March 2027 due to diving tours and our New Year holiday closure.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
Please check the following link for details.
Today's Diving Conditions
Weather: Sunny
Air Temperature: 15–22°C
Water Temperature: 25.0°C (Kushimoto Beach) / 23.0°C (Uchiura Beach)
Visibility: 5–8 m (Kushimoto Beach) / 3–5 m (Uchiura Beach)
It's getting chilly in the mornings and evenings, so if you're diving in a wetsuit, make sure to bring warm clothing for when you're out of the water!!!
Recommended Exposure Protection
5 mm wetsuit + inner vest (for ocean diving in Kushimoto )
6.5mm wetsuit or Drysuit( for ocean diving in Uchiura beach)
Announcements
◾️ Diving Tour
• Shiretoko Drift Ice Diving Tour 2027, Hokkaido | Join On-Site in Shiretoko
◾️ Event Information
• Drysuit Diving in Kushimoto | Free Drysuit Rental Campaign 2026
• Nudibranch Safari in Kushimoto | Seasonal Macro Diving Event
◾️ 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.
Notice of Temporary Closures from November to March
Please note that Aqua Vista Kushimoto will be temporarily closed on selected dates between November 2026 and March 2027 due to diving tours and our New Year holiday.
For more information, please check the link below.
News & Updates
Events & Campaigns
・Our 1st Anniversary Merchandise Is Now Available!
・Nudibranch Diving in Kushimoto! Our Popular Annual Nudibranch Safari Is Back!
・Free Drysuit Rental Campaign: November 1 – December 31
Diving Tours
・Hokkaido Shiretoko Ice Diving Tour 2027 – Meet Us at the Destination!
Boat Departure Information
・New Boat Departure Schedule from October 1 (Three Departures on Weekends)
Social Media & More
・We're a participating dive shop in Umishun, where local Kushimoto guides share what's happening underwater!
・Follow our latest updates on Instagram!
・Check out our YouTube channel!
・Our Japanese giant salamander video was featured by diving_partner!
