MARIN HOUSE LEI ALOHA

Izu Peninsula, Japan

The team at MARIN HOUSE LEI ALOHA are exactly the kind of people you want looking after you in Izu. We've always found their instructors to be patient, genuinely enthusiastic, and great at spotting the small stuff – think nudibranchs and tiny crabs tucked into crevices. They specialise in PADI courses, right up to IDC, so if you're looking to start diving or even become an instructor yourself, this is a solid choice. What really sets them apart, though, is their deep understanding of the local Izu sites. We particularly love diving with them at places like Futo or Yawatano. They know the currents, the best entry points, and exactly where the resident cuttlefish hide during mating season. We’d suggest going with them for an early morning dive if you can; the light filtering through the kelp forests is incredible, and you’re more likely to have the site to yourselves before the day trippers arrive. Expect cooler water, even in summer, so a good 5mm or even a semi-dry is often preferred. They make the whole experience easy, from kitting up to post-dive hot tea. It feels more like diving with friends than with a commercial operation.