The long winter is drawing to an end. What season is next? Yes, it's spring. There are no Somei-Yoshino cherry trees on Miyakojima. I'd like to plant one in the shop garden. But wait a sec, I wonder if Somei-Yoshino cherry trees can grow here? Someone please tell me!? Hi, I'm back with another fantasy shop owner.

There are about 100 dive shops in Miyakojima, so guests often say, "Choosing a dive shop is difficult!" And it's no wonder. Just searching "Miyakojima diving" brings up a list of dive shops, stretching up to about five pages. And when choosing a dive shop, you might also consider whether they offer small group tours.

Today I would like to think about small group. I hope this will be helpful for those who are choosing a diving shop.

What is a small group?

There's no such thing as a definition

Miyakojima Diving Shop Recommended Information Small Group

In fact, it's very vague. There are no unified industry rules. For example, training organizations like PADI have set maximum numbers, but there are no guidelines for small groups. If someone feels that 10 people in a team is too small, then it's considered small. I think it would be good if there were local rules about small groups in Miyakojima or Okinawa, but at present, the rules are very vague.

PADI Fun Dive Guidelines

The maximum number of guests per guide is eight. If an assistant guide is added, several more people can be added. There is no definition of a small number of people.

Why small numbers are expected

I think it's because the physical and mental distance between the guest and the guide becomes closer. I think the main factors are a sense of security, trust, and satisfaction with the dive. Beginners feel safe even when there is nothing to do as the guide is close enough to reach out, and divers who take photos can take their time because they don't have to wait long for their subject. I think guests prefer small groups especially because it is a leisure activity with time and depth restrictions.

The advantages and disadvantages of small class sizes

The overall benefit is that it increases the chances of having fun! I believe that diving with the right number of people always leads to fun. I once used a diving shop in Palau, and even though there were a lot of guests during the holidays, there was only one guide for three of us. I experienced firsthand how "it can be so much fun even when it's crowded!" and I believe this even more now.

1. Preferences become more pronounced

10 people with 10 different requests and preferences, compared to 4 people with 4 different requests and preferences. It would be a different story if there was unlimited time, but diving is limited in terms of depth and time you can stay, so if you were to complete the above dives in 50 minutes per dive, it would be obvious who was the best. To put it in extreme terms, it would be like sharing 50 minutes among one team of guests, so with fewer people, the guide can spend more time on your preferences!

2. Large space

IMG_5893-1

This is a special environment, but 70-80% of the diving points on Miyakojima are cave-like. Some caves are narrow, while others are large enough for 10 people to fit in with plenty of room!

In a small cave, the limited space has to be shared among many people. You might think that it's okay in a large cave, but let's say you're a diver who loves photography and has a camera. You want to take beautiful, impressive photos like the ones you see online in a large cave. What do you think?

No matter how large a cave is, there are only a few good positions. Even if you find one, there may be too many divers in the frame of the photo. This is just one example, but it is very important to leave plenty of space per person.

3. You can take your time with the photos

If the creatures introduced by the guide are very attractive, you will want to take a good look at them and take photos. I'm going to assume that you are the type who likes to take your time and enjoy what you're introduced to.

For example, suppose you have a subject that you can only spend 5 minutes on due to course planning. Imagine splitting 5 minutes 300 seconds among 9 people (due to reasons such as going to a deep area or before going to a deep area), or splitting 5 minutes 300 seconds among 4 people. You can also replace that subject with the best position on a topographical point. Diving where you can take photos you like is an exceptional experience!

4. There are no disadvantages

The smaller the team size, the better. If you want the ultimate in service, you'll want one-on-one! If you focus purely on enjoying diving, there are no disadvantages to having a small team.

My Feelings, Then and Now

I think that small group sizes can make it difficult for individual guests to find the best option. Beginners, in particular, have a hard time understanding the fun diving system and current situation. The subtle differences in systems in each region can also be a cause of confusion.

 

A popular diving spot for beginners

Since you're spending a lot of money and time to go to a faraway southern island, be sure to choose a diving shop that suits you. And have fun! Of course, if you agree with the concept of BIGHOLIDAY, please come and visit us!

I hope your next diving trip will be a great one.