Marine Studio Dragonlady

Izu Peninsula, Japan

The team at Marine Studio Dragonlady in Izu Peninsula are exactly who you want to dive with when exploring Japan’s dramatic underwater landscapes. This is one of our top picks for a full-service experience, especially if you’re looking to take your diving further. They’re a PADI 5 Star IDC Resort, which means they’re serious about good training, from your first open water dives right through to instructor development. We’ve always found Dragonlady to have a really welcoming vibe, perfect for divers who appreciate thorough briefings and a relaxed pace. They’re based in an area with a huge number of sites, over 60, offering everything from volcanic rock formations to encounters with resident schooling fish. We love their local knowledge; they always seem to know where the nudibranchs are hiding or which current brings in the bigger pelagics. It’s a great base for exploring the unique temperate diving Izu is known for – think green turtles cruising alongside large schools of yellowtail, with the occasional friendly sea lion making a surprise appearance. If you're planning a multi-day trip to properly explore Izu, settling in with Dragonlady means consistent quality and reliable local advice, which is invaluable here.