Devils Palace (Maou no Kyuden) | A Mystical Cave Diving Point off Shimojishima (Miyako)

Devils Palace (Maou no Kyuden) is a diving point in the sea on the north side of the cliff where Toriike Pond is, off the north-west of Shimojishima Airport. Counted as one of Miyakojima's three great terrain points, when you enter through a small hole in the coral reef, a complex cave terrain continues, divided into three spaces: the entrance, the palace (main hall) and the bedroom. Light streaming in from the surface mystically illuminates the blue space, and true to its name a solemn, fantastical sight spreads out. Its appeal is the beauty of forms woven by light and darkness, and creatures such as spiny lobster and banded coral shrimp can be observed in the cave. The depth is around 5 to 30m, and the best season is autumn to winter when the sea calms. Many shops offer it as a current fun-diving point. It requires neutral-buoyancy skill, an intermediate-level spot with Advanced and above as a guideline.

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 the shops tour times (centred on morning and afternoon trips; takes half a day to a full day)
ClosedNone (there are days when it cannot run due to sea or weather conditions. Best on calm autumn-to-winter days with north or north-east wind)
FeeFree (entry to the sea area itself is free; fun diving requires the shop fee, generally around 15,000 to 20,000 yen for 2 boats)
ParkingNone (as it is an underwater point. Meeting and departure are at the port designated by the diving shop)
ContactNone (booking required with each diving shop. Example: Aquatic Adventure https://miyako-aquaticadventure.com/devils-palace.html )

Visiting tips & what to bring

It is an underwater diving-only point, requiring a diving licence (Advanced and above, with around 50 logged dives as a guideline) and neutral-buoyancy skill. The cave is dark inside and an underwater light is essential. Always visit on a guided tour from a diving shop; solo diving is not allowed. It is easily affected by sea conditions, and autumn to winter, calm with north or north-east wind, is best. On days with high waves, operation is cancelled. Note that it is not an object of snorkelling or land viewing.

For families with small children

It is unsuitable for families with children aged 0 to 6. Devils Palace is an underwater cave diving point at 5 to 30m depth, an intermediate-level spot requiring an Advanced-and-above licence and neutral-buoyancy skill. It is not a land facility or beach infants can enter, and cannot be viewed. If you want to enjoy sea play as a family, nearby shallow-play places such as Nakanoshima Beach or Toguchi-no-Hama are recommended.

FAQ

Q.Can beginners dive here?

A.It is an intermediate-level point, with Advanced-and-above licence, around 50 logged dives, and neutral-buoyancy skill able to hover indefinitely as guidelines. Due to the cave terrain, you may be refused if your skill is insufficient.

Q.When is the best season?

A.Autumn to winter (roughly November to February) is best. North or north-east wind calms the sea, transparency rises, and the showers of light stream in beautifully. In summer the south wind roughens the sea and there are days you cannot dive.

Q.How do you get there?

A.You cannot go by land; you head over by the diving shops boat. About 40 minutes from a Miyakojima port, and about 30 minutes from the Irabu Island side, as guidelines. Advance booking is essential, and each shop designates the meeting place.

Q.What do I need to bring?

A.As the cave is dark, an underwater light is essential. A full set of diving gear can often be rented at the shop, so confirm when booking. Do not forget your licence card and logbook.

Q.What sights and creatures can you see?

A.The greatest highlight is the fantastical sight of light from the surface illuminating the blue space. You tour the three rooms, the entrance, palace and bedroom, and can observe creatures such as spiny lobster and banded coral shrimp in the cave.