Paraiso - Kerama Islands

Paraiso, sitting just on the edge of the national park, can be a decent drift dive. We often find the currents here a bit stronger, which helps bring in some bigger schools. You’ll frequently see blue-striped snapper, amberjacks, and sometimes a swirling school of horse-eye jacks or barracuda. Keep an eye out for wahoo patrolling the blue. It’s a good spot for beginners who want a taste of a mild drift, and if you’re diving in winter, you might just hear the humpbacks singing.

Location
Kerama Islands, Japan, East Asia
Coordinates
26.226100, 127.448200
Maximum Depth
17m
Difficulty
Beginner

Marine Protected Area: 慶良間諸島

Nearby Dive Sites in Kerama Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Paraiso

Marine Life in Kerama Islands

Home to 382 recorded species including 233 reef fish, 105 hard corals, 13 sea snails & nudibranchs, 7 sea cucumbers, 4 other, 4 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths for diving at Paraiso dive sites?
Diving at Paraiso typically involves depths around 17 meters. However, the site's description indicates a range of 18 to 22 meters (60 to 72 feet), offering a good depth for various recreational diving experiences.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can I expect to see when diving at Paraiso?
When diving at Paraiso, you can expect to explore a vibrant reef teeming with large schools of fish. Encounters commonly include tropical reef fish, blue-stripped snapper, meaty amberjacks, schools of horse-eye jacks, and barracuda. Keep an eye out for patrolling wahoo, and during certain seasons, you might even hear the sweet memory of singing humpback whales, adding to the rich marine life experience.
How difficult is diving at Paraiso, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Paraiso is rated as Beginner difficulty, making it suitable for newer divers. While it is accessible for beginners, be aware that the site is known for stronger currents, which can add an exciting element to the dive.
What is the best time of year to dive at Paraiso for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify a 'best time of year' for optimal conditions at Paraiso. However, the mention of hearing humpback whales suggests that certain seasons might offer unique marine life encounters. For general guidance on diving seasons, you can consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Paraiso, especially for deeper or more advanced sites?
The data for Paraiso indicates a typical depth of 17 meters and a Beginner difficulty rating. This suggests that standard open water certification is generally sufficient for diving here. No specific advanced certifications are explicitly mentioned as required for this site.
What are the typical currents, visibility, and water temperature conditions like at Paraiso dive sites?
At Paraiso, you can expect to encounter stronger currents, which contribute to the dynamic environment and large schools of fish. Information regarding typical visibility and water temperature conditions for this specific dive site is not available in the provided data.