We are reporting from Miyakojima, where October is the best time to go. This is Totty, the owner of Aloha Signal. The photos were taken by Naruki.
While sailing, I sometimes ask Naruki to take photos for my blog with my SLR, saying, "Please take a picture of that situation." Normally, I'm the one taking the photos, so I rarely appear on the blog. I think he's being thoughtful. He always takes a few shots with me in them. He's such a nice guy.
In addition to that, we always include private shots of Yuuma.
...What is the intention behind this photo?
A handsome, tanned, half-naked man stands with the blue sea in the background, his long hair fluttering in the wind.
Maybe Naruki wasn't really thinking about anything and was just taking pictures because he didn't want to just walk past someone walking around with a camera? Come to think of it, there were some bonus shots of Macchan too.
That guy...
But that's not what I wanted to talk about. I wanted to talk about Miyakojima, where October is the best season.
This October, the only day that was cancelled due to a typhoon was October 10st! I was a bit worried about what would happen this year, since it was so badly cancelled last year.
The wind direction is good and there are many days when the wind is weak, so especially from mid-month onwards, I've been diving at super points including famous points every day. Furthermore, the conditions have been lucky enough to be able to go on two expeditions to the south coast of Miyakojima in the last four days!
The "expedition" where we go to dive in areas that are not often accessible is special for us as a staff member. We were able to take some great photos, so today I would like to write about the "expedition to the south coast of Miyakojima."
Now let's write!!
What is the Miyakojima South Coast Expedition?
He usually dives around Irabu Island and Shimoji Island in the upper left of the image as his main field, but occasionally goes on "expeditions" to the area around the yellow hand, known as the "south coast area of Miyako Island."
The usual main areas of Irabu Island and Shimoji Island are reached in 30 minutes, while the southern coastal area of Miyako Island takes 45 minutes, passing under the Irabu Bridge and then the Kurima Bridge.
The main question today is why people go to the trouble of diving so far away.
The southern coastal area of Miyako Island is packed with super points that are just as good as Irabu Island and Shimoji Island.
Generally speaking, the area on the southern coast of Miyako Island is not well known. When it comes to diving in Miyako Island, Irabu Island and Shimoji Island are probably more popular, as they are home to famous spots such as the Devil's Palace, Antonio Gaudi, and Tooriike Pond. We also receive many requests for this spot.
So, when you "go on an expedition," you obviously won't be able to visit the Palace of the Devil or Antonio Gaudi. But don't be disappointed. Think about it carefully.
Would you go out of your way to dive in a diving spot with lower specs than usual, and in a place that is farther away than usual?
The answer is no. It's worth the time and effort.
Three attractions of the diving point area on the south coast of Miyakojima
Towering cliffs stand on the southern coast of Miyako Island. From the boat, we can see layers of rock piled up on the walls like a mille-feuille. Perhaps the process by which this area became land, and the geology itself, are different from other areas.
The underwater scenery is also completely different from the terrain of Irabu Island and Shimoji Island. Even though the terrain is the same, there must be something different about it.
Advantage 1: Reserve the spot exclusively! A premium feeling with almost no diving boats.
Only two diving shops out of 100 focus on the southern coast of Miyako Island as their main diving field, and only three or four out of 2 shops regularly travel to the southern coast of Miyako Island on their own boats.
So even when it's really busy, there are only 5-6 dive boats moored, and in most cases the area is reserved for you. Even though it's a long weekend, it's not crowded, and you almost never encounter teams from other shops in the water.
In contrast, there are about 30 boats moored at Irabu Island and Shimoji Island at all times. Considering that during long holidays, there are 4 to 5 boats crowded at the Demon King's Palace,
You can see just how private and premium the southern coast of Miyakojima is. This is a special trip to the southern coast of Miyakojima.
Attraction 2: A parade of laser beams and curtains of light
The southern coast of Miyakojima is characterized by many areas with large roots that form caves and channels between them. At the top of these caves and channels are many thin cracks that allow light to enter.
We go on expeditions in search of that light, so we don't often go on cloudy days, as there are many more fun spots on Irabu Island and Shimoji Island even on cloudy days.
By the way, the diving points that we regularly use on the southern coast of Miyako Island are all points where laser beams and curtains of light shine down, taking into account the season and time of day.
There is a light here that is not found on Irabu Island or Shimoji Island.
Attraction 3: The existence of "Seven-Fork Arch," one of the top three diving points in all of Miyakojima
The top three diving spots in all of Miyakojima are "The Devil's Palace on Shimoji Island," "Angel Cave on the east coast of Miyakojima," and "Seven-pronged Arch on the south coast of Miyakojima."
All of these are legendary diving spots. If they were located in areas such as Okinawa main island or Ishigaki Island, they would be super famous spots.
This is the most famous angle of the seven-pronged arch. Its delicacy, mystery, power, and artistic quality are all top-class. However, that's not the end of it, which is why it's a legendary feature.
Next to these arches is a large plaza, with beams of light shining down from the ceiling, shimmering like an aurora.
There's a huge gap between the outside and inside, separated by an arch overhead.
Another great thing about the Seven-Forked Arch is its depth. It's only about -10m. This means that beginners, intermediates, and advanced divers of all levels can enjoy the air and no-decompression dives to their heart's content without worrying about the dive time.
You can enjoy it at your leisure. The amount of time you can spend there is a world apart compared to Antoni Gaudi, which is submerged at -35m. This is another reason why it is in the top three.
A truly amazing spot will make anyone who sees it say, "Wow!" Well, I think I've covered all the charms of the Seven Arches. But there's still one more spectacular view to share. This is it.
In fact, the Seven-Forked Arch is also the point where you can emerge from the water. The view is absolutely spectacular.
With so many highlights condensed into one spot, the 1-minute dive goes by in the blink of an eye. With one breathtaking view after another, you won't have time to worry about time.
Timing and determinants of expedition to the southern coast of Miyako Island
The southern coast of Miyakojima is only accessible if the sea is perfectly calm or the wind direction is north-northwest to north-northeast. If there is a swell, that will also be a factor that makes it impossible to try.
In summary, it is a difficult area that can only be attempted if a number of conditions are met, but there are also times when you can go in succession, as in this case.
Therefore, an expedition to the south coast of Miyako Island is not something that can be planned several days in advance. In most cases, the expedition is decided on the evening before or the morning of the day itself.
Requests are always welcome, but ultimately it's down to luck. We're always ready to go.
Even if there is a request for the Palace of the Devil or Antonio Gaudi, if I am sure that the south coast is the best place to visit, I may press the request and show you the south coast area of Miyakojima.
We will do our best to deliver the greatest excitement to you.
See you tomorrow.
