The Devil’s Palace - Ishigaki & Yaeyama

The Devil’s Palace, often called *Manta Scramble* by the locals, isn't a cave in the claustrophobic sense, but rather a large, open swim-through beneath a coral overhang, perfect for intermediate divers. We’ve spent many hours here, mostly just drifting and watching the show. You’ll settle into about 23 meters and wait, sometimes patiently, for the mantas to glide in. They often circle the cleaning stations right above you, giving you a proper overhead view as they pass. It’s a site we’d recommend for anyone who wants to experience manta rays without battling strong currents or super deep dives.

Location
Ishigaki & Yaeyama, Japan, East Asia
Coordinates
24.839400, 125.135600
Type
cave
Maximum Depth
23m
Difficulty
Intermediate

Marine Protected Area: 伊良部

Nearby Dive Sites in Ishigaki & Yaeyama

Nearest Dive Centres to The Devil’s Palace

Marine Life in Ishigaki & Yaeyama

Home to 442 recorded species including 289 reef fish, 119 hard corals, 8 seagrass & algae, 6 sea cucumbers, 6 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species