Futo Marine Reserve - Japan Diving

Site Overview

Futo Marine Reserve is one of Izu Peninsula's most popular shore dive sites featuring a protected marine reserve with exceptional macro biodiversity and easy access from the dedicated dive entry facilities. The reef extends from three to twenty metres depth with rocky substrate supporting dense kelp forests temperate coral communities and an extraordinary diversity of small marine species. Japanese pygmy seahorses common frogfish nudibranchs flatworms and shrimp provide abundant macro photography opportunities throughout the site. The marine reserve status ensures excellent conservation with no-take policies resulting in abundant fish populations and healthy invertebrate communities. The dedicated entry stairs rinse tanks and equipment areas make Futo one of Japan's best-equipped shore dive facilities. The site is particularly famous for its nudibranch diversity with over fifty species recorded making it a premier destination for underwater macro photography and species identification. The site represents one of Japan's most compelling underwater destinations combining rich marine biodiversity with the distinctive geological and cultural heritage that characterises the region. Divers consistently praise the exceptional visibility healthy marine ecosystems and the professional guiding services provided by local operators who possess intimate knowledge of seasonal patterns and optimal dive timing. The underwater topography creates varied habitat zones supporting an extraordinary range of species from tiny macro critters hiding among the coral branches to large pelagic predators patrolling the blue water beyond the reef edge. Conservation efforts by local communities and dive operators have ensured the long term health of the reef systems making this a sustainable diving destination that continues to improve in ecological quality year after year.