Diving Dreams and Manta Rays on Ishigak -

Diving Dreams and Manta Rays on Ishigak

A Personal Journey

Article by Olaf Fischer

Welcome to the captivating world of Ishigaki Island, nestled in the heart of the Okinawa island group. Join me on a thrilling adventure as we explore the blue waters of Japan in search of majestic mantas and uncover the hidden treasures that lie beneath the surface.

A Bumpy Start: From Delayed Flights to Communication Challenges.

My journey to Ishigaki began with a delayed flight from Japan to Okinawa, setting the tone for an adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns. Limited English spoken in the region added another layer of complexity, but with determination and the help of trusty Google Translate, I navigated my way to the island. Arriving late in Ishigaki, my host was there to greet me, and Google Translate became my trusty companion to communicate. After a quick stop at the supermarket, I finally reached my accommodations.

The Typhoon That Upended Diving Plans

Hopes of encountering majestic mantas were dashed by an unexpected typhoon, highlighting the unpredictable nature of island life. Despite the setback, I persisted in my quest, reaching out to dive centers and locals for guidance. For the next four days, I diligently contacted various dive centers, only to find none willing to venture out due to unfavorable conditions. Thankfully, a local dive shop owner came to my rescue and connected me with Euro Divers in Club Med Kabira to dive with mantas.

Navigating Ishigaki: Challenges and Solutions

Getting around Ishigaki proved to be a challenge; car rentals require an international driver’s license, and public transportation options are limited and come with inconvenient schedules. It’s essential to be well-prepared and punctual. On the plus side, you can save some money if you buy a bus pass directly in the bus for a day or two that allows you to drive around the island. Keep in mind the bus schedule. Euro Divers Ishigaki emerged as a beacon of hope, offering the expertise and resources needed to pursue my manta ray dreams. With the guidance of Arnaud, the base leader, I felt confident in my ability to make the most of my diving experience.

Euro Divers Ishigaki: The Key to Manta Encounters

Arnaud, the base leader at Euro Divers Ishigaki, proved to be incredibly helpful, keeping me informed about manta dive opportunities. While they continued with their local dives, I was focused on encountering the mantas. In such a case, I recommend staying at Club Med Kabira or a nearby Airbnb for proximity to the dive center. Euro Divers offers similar pricing and a pickup service as well as “English” speaking guides, making it a sound choice for English speakers. Arnaud’s regular updates finally brought the good news that the manta dive would be possible the next day and we coordinated everything via WhatsApp with him, I was eager for the next day.

The Day of Manta Encounters

My diving day began with a 7:30 pickup at a nearby restaurant of my Airbnb. We hopped into a small bus filled with fellow divers and made our way to the dive center. After a brief paperwork and equipment check, we were ready to go. The rental equipment was in excellent condition, leaving no room for complaints. After a short walk and a beautiful view, we arrived at the beach where the dive boats were already waiting for us. The dive boat was comfortable with a little toilet and ample space, also they organized small groups – a feature I appreciated. We did two dives that day, with the first one revealing the absence of mantas during that time. However, we explored the beautiful reefs and encountered different kinds of clownfish, providing some consolation. The second dive, also manta-less, but offered sightings of numerous green sea turtles playing around.

Post-Dive Revelations: A Silver Lining in the Storm

Upon returning to the dive shop, Arnaud shared valuable insights about manta sightings. He mentioned that post-typhoon conditions often offer the best chances to spot mantas, although the timing can be unpredictable. Later that day, I received a message confirming sightings of six mantas.

Ishigaki Uncovered: Tranquility for Divers

The island offers limited non-diving activities, making it ideal for those seeking tranquility. It’s a peaceful retreat where tranquility reigns and where manta encounters are possible. From the serene beaches to the intriguing Shisa Park, this island holds a world of wonder. In summary, Ishigaki is a captivating destination for divers, but it’s crucial to check for stormy weather before your journey. Although I had an unfortunate encounter with a typhoon, I firmly believe that Ishigaki can deliver breathtaking manta encounters. For English speakers, Euro Divers Ishigaki at Club Med Kabira is the go-to choice. Thanks again Arnaud for your help.

Conclusion:

Diving in Ishigaki was an adventure filled with challenges and unexpected twists, but it ultimately led to unforgettable encounters with marine life and moments of tranquility. Despite the setbacks caused by the typhoon, the guidance and support of Euro Divers Ishigaki ensured that my diving dreams were realized. Ishigaki’s serene beauty and rich underwater world make it a must-visit destination for any diver seeking an immersive and memorable experience.

External Links/References:

– [Okinawa Travel Guide](https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/okinawa/)