Kume-jima Turtle Reef - Japan Diving

Site Overview

Kume-jima Turtle Reef is one of Japan's most reliable dive sites for green sea turtle encounters with multiple individuals observed on virtually every dive in a healthy coral reef environment. The reef extends from three to eighteen metres depth with a gentle coral slope covered in staghorn thickets table corals and brain corals creating ideal foraging habitat for green sea turtles. Multiple turtles are commonly observed grazing on the algae-covered reef flat resting on coral bommies and swimming gracefully through the water column providing exceptional close encounters for divers and snorkellers. The reef supports a diverse tropical fish community including clownfish parrotfish butterflyfish and damselfish creating a colourful and lively underwater environment. The gentle slope and calm conditions make it one of Kume-jima's most accessible dive sites suitable for all certification levels including beginners. The site is also popular for night diving when the turtles can be observed sleeping in reef crevices and nocturnal species emerge from their hiding places. The proximity to Kume-jima harbour ensures short boat rides making it convenient for multi-dive days. The combination of reliable turtle encounters healthy coral easy conditions and convenient access makes Kume-jima Turtle Reef one of the island's most popular dive destinations.