PAPALAGI Diving School Fujisawa

Izu Peninsula, Japan

The team at PAPALAGI Diving School Fujisawa are absolute pros, celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. We love them for their straightforward, no-fuss approach to diving the Izu Peninsula. This isn't a fancy resort, it’s a proper Japanese dive shop, well-suited for divers who appreciate efficient logistics and a deep understanding of local conditions. If you’re serious about your PADI certs, they’re a 5 Star IDC centre, which tells you everything about their commitment to training. What makes PAPALAGI special? It’s the access and the local knowledge. They run trips to a huge number of sites around Izu. We’ve had some fantastic dives with them, particularly around the Jogasaki Coast where the volcanic rock formations create dramatic swim-throughs, often dotted with bright nudibranchs. We’d suggest going mid-week if you can swing it; the sites are less crowded, and you get more one-on-one attention from the guides. Don’t expect English to be widely spoken, but with a bit of pointing and a smile, you’ll be absolutely fine. They also offer free use of tanks for multiple dives, which is a nice touch and cuts down on faff. It feels like diving with friends who just happen to run a very competent dive operation.

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