Antonio Gaudi | An Arch-Filled Terrain Diving Point off Shimojishima (Miyako)

Antonio Gaudi is one of Miyakojima's three great terrain diving points, in the sea area on the west side of Shimojishima. The name derives from the natural beauty of countless arches intricately interwoven, reminiscent of the structures of the Spanish architect Gaudi. The maximum depth is about 36m, and the main arch terrain continues from around 25m deep, where the contrast of light streaming in through about six holes and the blue is fantastical. Its appeal is terrain that changes expression with the viewing angle, with holes that look like a smile or a heart shape, and it is loved by many divers as a photogenic point. The best season is November to April when the north wind is stable. Being deep, it is for intermediate and above (Advanced-equivalent, a certain number of logged dives) and accessed only by boat. It is still a current point that many diving shops guide on tours. In the transparent Miyako Blue sea, you can fully savour the thrill of terrain diving unique to Miyakojima.

Full article about this spot

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Map & Access

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Basic Information

Location (Island)Shimojishima
AddressAza Sawada, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Hours / Opening timeFollows diving-tour times (each shops morning and afternoon trips. An always-accessible natural formation)
ClosedNone (operation may be cancelled depending on sea and weather. The terrain itself is always accessible)
FeeFree (the terrain itself is free. Diving requires each shops fun-dive fee separately, a guideline of around 7,000 to 10,000 yen per dive)
ParkingNone (as it is an offshore underwater point. Use the car park of the diving shop you depart from)
ContactInquire with each diving shop (examples: Emina Marine https://eminamarine-diving.net/ / World Diving https://www.owd.jp/ )

Visiting tips & what to bring

As it is an offshore underwater point, a diving shop boat tour is essential to take part. It is a deep point with a maximum depth of about 36m, requiring an Advanced-equivalent certification and a certain number of logged dives (50 or more as a guideline depending on the shop). The stay time at depth is short, and use of enriched air may be recommended. Depending on sea conditions, it is hard to dive outside the north-wind season, and whether it runs depends on the day's sea conditions. It is not a land viewing spot, and swimming ability, condition management and sufficient equipment are the premise. Those prone to seasickness should prepare motion-sickness medicine.

For families with small children

It is unsuitable for families with children aged 0 to 6. It is not a sightseeing site viewed from land, but a more advanced diving point diving the depths of about 36m by boat, requiring an Advanced certification and a corresponding number of logged dives to take part. It is not content infants can accompany or try, and not suited as a drop-by for a family trip with preschoolers. With children, spots you can enjoy on land such as Toriike Pond on Shimojishima or Nakanoshima Beach are recommended.

FAQ

Q.How do you get there? Can you swim in individually?

A.As it is an offshore underwater point, you can only access it by a diving shop boat tour. You cannot swim there from shore individually. Book with a shop in advance.

Q.Can beginners dive? What certification is needed?

A.It is a deep point with a maximum depth of about 36m, requiring an Advanced Open Water-equivalent certification and a certain number of logged dives. Many shops target intermediate and above, and you cannot dive on a beginner trial dive.

Q.When is the best season?

A.November to April, when the north wind is stable and the sea calms, is the easier time to dive. Especially in winter the transparency is high and the contrast of light streaming through the arches is beautiful.

Q.What is the rough cost?

A.The terrain itself is free, but taking part requires each shops fun-dive fee. The guideline is around 7,000 to 10,000 yen per dive, with gear rental and enriched-air surcharges separate. Confirm details when booking.

Q.What are the highlights of the terrain?

A.Its appeal is three-dimensional terrain where multiple arches overlap and light streams in through about six holes. With holes that look like a smile or heart shape, the expression changes with the viewing angle, and the contrast of blue and light is photogenic.