About this tour
When Charlie from our team tried this introductory dive course in Yakushima, we got two 30-minute underwater sessions with a four-hour window total. It's a gentle entry point to scuba for absolute beginners — you're back on shore between dives, which breaks up the day but keeps you close to the shallows. The operator wraps you in gear, runs through a technical briefing (mostly in Japanese with some gestures), and sends you down to get the basic breathing-and-moving-underwater stuff sorted. The real drawcard: they hand you 50+ photos and videos free after the tour. Fair warning though — with short bottom time, you're unlikely to spot the sea turtles Yakushima is famous for.
Highlights
- Two separate 30-minute dives with shore breaks between sessions
- All scuba gear and insurance included in the price
- Over 50 photos and videos provided free post-tour
- Suitable for ages 10–70; younger kids (8–9) can do shallow snorkel instead
- No flight or altitude restrictions if you stay put same day
- Coastal setting near public transport in Yakushima
- Technical instruction given, though language barrier is real
What to expect
You'll show up and get a solid hour of pre-dive briefing — the operator explains breathing, hand signals, and safety protocols. Expect it to be delivered in Japanese with broken English and plenty of pointing. If you've never dived before and don't speak Japanese, this part can feel a bit opaque, but it's workable. Then into the water for your first 30 minutes in the shallows, focusing on getting comfortable with the gear and breathing underwater. Back to shore, catch your breath, grab some water, then a second 30-minute dive. The whole outing is four hours door-to-door. You won't go far offshore, so the scenery stays fairly local and close to the beach. It's relaxed pacing — designed to let you adjust without rushing.
The real payoff comes afterwards: the operator's already shot video and stills throughout, and they hand over a digital pack of 50+ clips and photos. Even on quiet days, you're getting decent coverage. It's a solid way to get underwater and have proof of it.
What travellers say
- Beginner-focused with gear and insurance bundled in
- Generous photo and video package free after tour
- Two separate dives let you pace yourself comfortably
- Suitable for ages 10–70 with family accommodation options
- No same-day flight restrictions; ferry or boat is fine
- Pre-dive briefing in Japanese; language barrier for non-speakers
- Short dive time means sea turtle sightings are unlikely
- Can't fly or gain altitude within 12 hours post-dive
- Swimwear, towel, and lunch not provided
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is genuinely beginner-friendly — no prior experience needed, and the two-dive split means you're not pressured into long bottom time. The photo package is generous and free. Kids from age 10 can do it (younger ones get a shallow snorkel alternative). Insurance and all kit hire are wrapped in. You can dive on arrival day, which saves time if you're touring Yakushima.
The pre-dive talk is in Japanese. If you don't speak it and you're completely new to diving, you'll be relying heavily on gestures and past experience. The short 30-minute dives mean sea turtles are rare — if that's your main draw, the operator suggests their longer "Sea Turtle Course" instead. You can't fly out or climb above 500m within 12 hours of diving, so book accordingly. You'll need to bring your own swimwear, towel, and beach sandals — lunch isn't included either.
Group sizes vary (private charters available for families with young kids or older adults). Peak season is likely summer; check local weather. Bring swimwear, a towel, flip-flops. The operator will have you fill out a medical checklist if you're over 60 or have health concerns — get a doctor's sign-off if needed and bring it. Kids under 13 must be with a parent or guardian.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original Global Hobo summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.