BLUE SEASON IRIOMOTE

Ishigaki & Yaeyama, Japan

Blue Season Iriomote runs a solid operation for anyone exploring the Yaeyama Islands. They’re a PADI 5 Star IDC Resort, which means they’re set up for everything from your Open Water to instructor-level training, with a level of professionalism you’d expect from a larger outfit. We’ve found their guides know the local sites well, especially around Iriomote and the further reaches of the Yaeyamas, and they’re good at spotting the smaller critters that hide amongst the coral. If you’re looking to get serious about your PADI certs in a less crowded setting than some of the mainland dive schools, or just want reliable diving in this beautiful corner of Japan, they’re a great pick.