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Ie Shima: Exciting, Colorful and Amazingly PhotogenicBy: John Chandler Date Posted: 2001-03-09   How to get there: While many experienced divers will tell you that both Wajii and Ohoba are accessible from shore I do not recommend that you attempt shore diving these sites. You can drive to both sites but first you have to get your car on the ferry at Motobu and across the channel to Ie Shima's port. Then you have to drive around the island to the Marine Corps Base Training area and gain access to the base training area. Following that you have to find your way down to the dive sites. Now all of this has to be accomplished on days when the water is absolutely flat. Otherwise forget it. I prefer using a boat. The cost of the ferry will defer the cost of two divers on a boat dive (¥6000 each). The boat captain, guided by an experienced instructor or divemaster, can take you directly to the sites. The entry from the deck of the boat sure beats the long walk across the reef. The only English Speaking dive shop booking dive trips to Ie Shima is FATHOMS. Contact Rich at www.fathoms.net or call at 090 8766 0868. Rich can schedule a dive trip for you at your leisure any day of the week. You can also contact Kadena Marina as well at 634 6344 and ask if they are scheduling any trips to Ie Shima. Site Location: Ohoba, my favorite site, is located on the Northwestern tip of the island. Diving here is limited to those days when the wind is slack and there are absolutely no wind driven waves coming from the north. Wajii my favorite second dive is just about 2000 yards south of Ohoba and is also on the western coast of Ie Shima. This is best marked by the pump house that sets adjacent to the shore entry site and sets at the end of a roadway just beneath the Marine Corps Base Training Area. Other activities: During summer when the sun is high overhead and penetrating its deepest, the underwater photographer can use the blue azure reflection as the perfect backdrop for those buddy shots silhouetted against the surface. Best time of year to dive: All year around. I like it in the winter when the water is calm and the winds are low. It is an affordable adventure and a wonderful day trip for all divers to enjoy If you are going and want directions just contact me at on my website Chandler See you at the dock. I will be the bald guy trying to hitch a ride to the Ie Shima! |
   
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