Ogasawara Islands dive sites

The only way to reach Chichijima is by the Ogasawara-maru ferry from Tokyo's Takeshiba Pier. The journey takes approximately 24 hours and the ferry runs roughly once per week, departing Tokyo and returning from Chichijima on a fixed schedule. There is no airport on the island. Most visitors stay for a minimum of six days between ferry sailings, which allows ample time for multiple days of diving.

Humpback whales visit the Ogasawara Islands from January through April to breed and calve in the warm subtropical waters. While they are not typically seen on scuba dives, whale watching from boats between dives is spectacular, and their songs can sometimes be heard underwater. Sperm whales are present year-round in deeper offshore waters. The best diving conditions overall are from June through November when visibility peaks.

Yes, sand tiger sharks at Chichijima are docile and accustomed to divers. They congregate around WWII-era shipwrecks in Futami Port at depths of 15 to 25 metres, well within recreational diving limits. Despite their fearsome appearance with rows of protruding teeth, sand tiger sharks pose no threat to divers and move slowly through the water. Local dive guides are experienced with these encounters and provide thorough safety briefings.