Even in winter, more and more people are enjoying sea bathing and diving. This time, we will introduce five recommended diving spots in winter. Even if the temperature is low, you will be able to feel the charm of winter at the diving spots that take advantage of their respective characteristics.
Characteristics of recommended diving spots in winter
Winter diving spots are characterized by slightly different climates than normal diving spots.
For example, in winter, the seawater becomes colder and the water temperature drops. As a result, activities in the water can be difficult at regular dive sites.
For this reason, we recommend diving spots that are suitable for winter even when the water temperature is low.
Also, winter diving spots often have weaker winds and smaller waves than normal diving spots.
This is because the number of large, strong meteorological typhoons passing through the western Pacific region decreases in winter.
Therefore, at diving spots recommended in winter, the surface of the sea is less likely to be loose, making underwater photography and observation easier.
Also, winter dive sites often have less underwater life than regular dive sites.
This is because aquatic life goes into hibernation due to the cold water temperature. However, on the other hand, there are also aquatic creatures that can only be seen in winter.
Benefits of diving in winter
The first advantage of diving in winter is that there are fewer people.
In summer, most diving spots are crowded with people, making underwater photography and observation difficult.
However, diving in winter makes underwater photography and observation easier because there are fewer people.
Another advantage of diving in winter is the low cost.
For diving in winter, diving schools and tour companies may set a lower price than in summer to recruit participants.
Therefore, by diving in winter, you can dive cheaper than usual.
Another advantage of diving in winter is that it is easier to photograph and observe underwater.
By diving in winter, the water temperature is low, making underwater photography and observation easier.
Also, diving in winter may result in less underwater life. This is because aquatic life goes into hibernation due to the cold water temperature.
However, on the other hand, there are also aquatic creatures that can only be seen in winter. Therefore, by diving in winter, you can also discover new underwater creatures.
5 recommended diving spots in winter
Japan
- Izu Peninsula
- Miyake Island
- Ogasawara Islands
- Nansei Islands
- Tokunoshima
These are the spots that come to my mind as recommended diving spots in winter in Japan. The following sections list the features and caveats of each.
abroad
- Singapore
- Mexico
- Malaysia
- sea bream
- Costa Rica
These are the spots that come to my mind as recommended diving spots in winter. The following sections list the features and caveats of each.
Features and precautions of each diving spot
Izu Peninsula
One of the characteristics of diving spots on the Izu Peninsula in winter is that there are many stones on the seabed and the water temperature is stable.
Also, as a point of caution, it is recommended that you do not bring mechanical items such as watches. This is because underwater machinery can quickly fail. Also, using underwater machinery may prevent you from getting close to aquatic life.
Also, it should be noted that there are many stones on the bottom of the sea at the diving spots of the Izu Peninsula in winter, so visibility may be poor. Another point to note is that there are many whales on the seafloor, so avoid getting close to them.
Miyake Island
Miyakejima's diving spots in winter are characterized by the fact that there are many rocky areas on the seabed and the water temperature is stable.
Also, be aware that there is a lot of mud on the seabed, so it can be difficult to swim. Also, there are many fish on the seabed, so avoid getting too close to them.
Also, it should be noted that there are many stones on the bottom of the sea at diving spots in Miyakejima in winter, so visibility may be poor. Another point to note is that there are many crabs on the seabed, so avoid getting too close to them.
Ogasawara Islands
One of the characteristics of diving spots in the Ogasawara Islands in winter is that there are many stones on the seabed and the water temperature is stable.
Also note that the Ogasawara Islands are located in the East China Sea, so the water temperature is relatively low and a lot of steam can be emitted. For this reason, it is worth noting that it may be difficult to swim. Also, there are many fish on the seabed, so avoid getting too close to them.
Also, at the diving spots of the Ogasawara Islands in winter, there are many stones on the seabed, so it is important to note that visibility may be poor. Another point to note is that there are many crabs on the seabed, so avoid getting too close to them.
Nansei Islands
One of the characteristics of diving spots in the Nansei Islands in winter is that there are many fish on the seabed. Also, the water temperature is stable.
Also note that there is a lot of sand on the seabed, which can reduce visibility. Also, there are many giant tortoises on the seabed, so it is also worth noting that you should avoid getting close to them.
Also, it should be noted that there are many rocks on the bottom of the sea at diving spots in the Nansei Islands in winter, so visibility may be poor. Another point to note is that there are many crabs on the seabed, so avoid getting too close to them.
Tokunoshima
One of the characteristics of diving spots in Tokunoshima in winter is that there are many rocky areas on the seabed and the water temperature is stable.
Also, as a point to note, Tokunoshima has relatively strong winds, so the sea surface can be turbulent. Also, there are many fish on the seabed, so avoid getting too close to them.
Also, it should be noted that there are many stones on the bottom of the sea at Tokunoshima diving spots in winter, so visibility may be poor. Another point to note is that there are many crabs on the seabed, so avoid getting too close to them.
Singapore
A feature of winter diving spots in Singapore is that there are many corals on the seabed and the water temperature is stable.
Also note that Singapore is relatively humid, so it is always recommended to check the water temperature before entering the water. Also, there are many fish on the seabed, so avoid getting too close to them.
Also, at diving spots in Singapore in winter, there are many corals on the seabed, so it is important not to damage the corals. Another point to note is that there are many crabs on the seabed, so avoid getting too close to them.
Mexico
One of the characteristics of diving spots in Mexico in winter is that there are many corals on the seabed and the water temperature is stable.
Also, as a point to note, Mexico has relatively good water quality and many fish inhabit, so it is important to avoid getting close to the fish.
Also, at diving spots in Mexico in winter, there is a lot of coral on the seabed, so it is important not to damage the coral. Another point to note is that there are many crabs on the seabed, so avoid getting too close to them.
Malaysia
Malaysia is located in a tropical country and the climate is relatively warm in winter, so you can enjoy diving in Malaysia in winter.
In winter in Malaysia, the waters on the east coast are popular as diving spots. Therefore, it is close to Thailand and convenient for travel.
As a point to note, the water temperature in the sea is relatively low, so a wet suit is required. Also, depending on the sea area, there may be strong winds and high waves, so it is important to check the weather and sea conditions in advance to enjoy diving safely.
As a specific example, in the state of Serangoon on the east coast of Malaysia, there are "Selangoon Island" and "Mandeka Island", where beautiful coral reefs spread and large tropical fish and lizards can be seen. In addition, there is a diving spot called "Hacker Rock" in Serangoon Province, which is close to the border with Thailand, and is a popular spot where you can see large tropical fish and coral colonies.
sea bream
Thailand is located in a tropical country and the climate is relatively warm in winter, so you can enjoy diving even in winter in Thailand.
In winter in Thailand, the Andaman Sea area in the south is a popular diving spot. Therefore, it is close to Malaysia and Singapore, making it convenient for travel.
As a point to note, the water temperature in the sea is relatively low, so a wet suit is required. Also, depending on the sea area, there may be strong winds and high waves, so it is important to check the weather and sea conditions in advance to enjoy diving safely.
As a concrete example, "Sang Kang National Park" in Phuket in southern Thailand is famous. There you can see beautiful coral reefs, large tropical fish and sharks. Another popular diving spot is Coco E Island, near the Cambodian border in southwestern Thailand. There you can see colonies of coral and large tropical fish, as well as historical attractions such as the ruins of warships.
Costa Rica
One of the characteristics of Costa Rica's diving spots in winter is that the water temperature is very low. In winter, the water temperature drops to around 22°C to 26°C. Therefore, when diving, you may need a thick swimsuit or wet suit.
Winter in Costa Rica is also characterized by high humidity and a lot of rain. It is important to check the weather before diving. When it rains, the surface of the sea becomes violently choppy, and diving may not be possible.
In addition, larger fish such as trout and hammerhead fish are sometimes seen in greater numbers in Costa Rica in the winter. These fish can become aggressive when approached by humans, so be careful. In addition, many artificial objects such as concrete blocks and ship frames can be found on the seabed. It's interesting for divers to just look at them carefully, but you need to be careful as touching or collecting them is sometimes prohibited.
Tips for Enjoying Winter Diving
Here are some tips for enjoying winter diving.
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Wear a thick bathing suit or wetsuit.Dives may require a thick bathing suit or wetsuit during the winter as the water temperature can be very low. The colder the water temperature, the easier it is for the body to cool down, which helps regulate body temperature during diving.
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Check the weather. Winter can be humid and often rainy. It is important to check the weather before diving. When it rains, the surface of the sea becomes violently choppy, and diving may not be possible.
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Watch out for large fish. Larger fish, such as trout and hammerhead fish, can be seen in greater numbers in the winter. These fish can become aggressive when approached by humans, so be careful. Follow the instructions of your dive guide or instructor and keep your distance when viewing large fish.
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Artifacts are forbidden to be touched or collected Many artifacts such as concrete blocks and ship frames can be seen on the seabed. It's interesting for divers to just look at them carefully, but you need to be careful as touching or collecting them is sometimes prohibited. You may not be allowed to bring back artifacts you find on the seabed, so be sure to take pictures or leave them as they are.
summary
These are the recommended diving spots in winter. How about safe winter diving while paying attention to the precautions?
