Ijakajaku
伊釈加釈26°13′ N 127°16′ EDiveDive: beginner
Ijakajaku is a beginner-friendly Kerama dive at an islet north-west of Aka-jima, and it is best known as a manta cleaning station from May to October; sea turtles are often around, and in winter divers can hear humpback song.
Photo keiyac · Flickr · CC BY-SA 2.0
The islet of Ijakajaku measures only about 0.02 km², and the dive is the reason anyone goes there. Mantas visit its cleaning station from about May to October, according to the Okinawa Convention and Visitors Bureau, which rates the site for beginners with a maximum depth of 30 m. In whale season, Marine Diving says, the song of humpbacks carries through the water.
Before you swim
- Currents are moderate
- Keep well back from mantas at the cleaning station and never block their path
December to March
Mantas are a May to October sight here, by the visitors bureau's account. In winter Marine Diving says divers at Ijakajaku can hear humpback song underwater.
Diving · beginner
30 m
A manta cleaning station where mantas come in to be cleaned, usually from May to October, with sea turtles often around. The visitors bureau gives the maximum depth as 30 m, and Marine Diving says you can hear whale song here in winter.
Dive with a local shop.
Our ratings
- Scenery
Worth knowing
- Ask the dive shop about manta sightings that week; the cleaning station is a summer and autumn sight.
- On a February dive, listen for humpback song, which Marine Diving says carries to Ijakajaku in winter.
FAQ
Quick answers about Ijakajakuよくある質問
When can you see mantas in the Kerama Islands?
Usually from May to October, when mantas visit the cleaning station at Ijakajaku north-west of Aka-jima, according to the Okinawa Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Is Ijakajaku worth visiting in winter?
Mantas are a May to October sight here, by the visitors bureau's account. In winter Marine Diving says divers at Ijakajaku can hear humpback song underwater.
Is Ijakajaku safe?
Know these before you swim at Ijakajaku: currents are moderate; keep well back from mantas at the cleaning station and never block their path.
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