Nakano-ko Island (Nagura Bay) - Japan Diving

Site Overview

Nakano-ko Island is a pristine coral reef system located in the sheltered waters of Nagura Bay off Ishigaki Island featuring exceptional coral health and diversity in a protected marine environment. The reef extends from five to twenty-eight metres depth with a gentle slope covered in massive table corals staghorn thickets and colourful soft corals creating a vibrant underwater landscape. The site's protected location within the bay ensures calm conditions with minimal current making it accessible to all certification levels while the depth range provides extended bottom time for photography and observation. Green sea turtles are abundant with multiple individuals observed foraging on the reef and resting on coral bommies during every dive. Hawksbill sea turtles are seasonally present during the nesting season adding to the turtle diversity. The reef supports hundreds of tropical fish species with schooling anthias butterflyfish and parrotfish creating constant colour and movement. Mandarinfish are regularly spotted among the coral branches at dusk providing a unique attraction for evening dives. The combination of pristine coral health calm conditions reliable turtle encounters and accessible depth makes Nakano-ko Island one of Ishigaki's most rewarding dive destinations. The combination of pristine coral health calm conditions reliable turtle encounters and accessible depth makes Nakano-ko Island one of Ishigaki's most rewarding dive destinations for divers seeking a comprehensive tropical reef experience. The site's protected bay location ensures consistently good conditions throughout the diving season making it a reliable choice regardless of weather patterns affecting the exposed reef sites around Ishigaki Island.