Irizaki hammerhead dives
西崎（ハンマーヘッドポイント）24°27′ N 122°56′ EDive
The Irizaki hammerhead dives off Yonaguni's western cape draw divers from November to May, when Sawes Yonaguni's season chart marks hammerhead sharks off the westernmost point of Japan.
Wikipedia singles out the winter hammerheads off Irizaki as Yonaguni's most popular dive, and it draws many divers to the island. Local shops run boats to the western sites, among them Hammerhead Rock, where you grip the reef in the current and wait for sharks and other big fish to pass. Sawes Yonaguni's chart marks November to May for hammerheads and lists giant trevally, Napoleon wrasse, barracuda and eagle rays all year.
This is diving in open water with a guide, so book a shop ahead and leave spare days for wind.
Before you swim
- Divers hold onto the rock while they wait at Hammerhead Rock, so expect current.
December to March
Winter is the season: Sawes Yonaguni's chart marks November to May for hammerheads, with water at 22–23 °C from January to April and a 5 mm suit recommended. JMA's February mean wind at Yonaguni is 7.6 m/s from the north-north-east, so expect some cancelled days.
Diving
Sawes Yonaguni lists Hammerhead Rock, where divers hold the reef and wait for hammerheads and big pelagics, and the Irizaki south pinnacle among its western sites.
Dive with a local shop.
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Worth knowing
- Tell the shop your experience and number of dives when you book.
- Schedule the dives early in your stay so wind days can slide later.
FAQ
Quick answers about Irizaki hammerhead divesよくある質問
When is hammerhead season on Yonaguni?
November to May, by Sawes Yonaguni's season chart. The hammerheads gather off Irizaki at the island's western end.
How cold is the water on Yonaguni in winter?
About 22–23 °C from January to April, according to Sawes Yonaguni, which recommends a 5 mm wetsuit for those months.
Is Irizaki hammerhead dives safe?
Know these before you swim at Irizaki hammerhead dives: divers hold onto the rock while they wait at Hammerhead Rock, so expect current.
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