
Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations in Kōbe, Hyōgo, Japan
1. Shikine-hama Beach
A secluded beach offering excellent snorkeling opportunities with diverse marine life.
- Rich Marine Life: Abundant coral reefs and various species of fish make Shikine-hama a vibrant underwater playground.
- Peaceful Environment: Quieter than other popular beaches, providing an undisturbed snorkeling experience.
- Accessibility: Easy access from Kobe by car or public transportation.
2. Ario Beach
Popular beach with crystal-clear waters perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling.
- Clear Waters: Transparent waters allow divers to see up to 20 meters deep.
- Beginner-Friendly: Shallow waters make it ideal for beginner scuba divers and snorkelers.
- Convenient Facilities: On-site rental shops, lockers, and rest areas are available for visitors.
3. Harigane-no-hama Beach
Secluded beach with a unique rocky landscape and various marine life.
- Unspoiled Beauty: Harigane-no-hama's unspoiled coastline offers a tranquil diving experience.
- Rock Formations: Interesting rock formations provide diverse habitats for marine life.
- Night Dives: Exciting night diving opportunities to witness bioluminescent marine creatures.
4. Tsutsumikura Beach
Beach with a rich history and diverse marine life for snorkeling.
- Historical Significance: Remains of old pottery kilns add historical charm to the diving experience.
- Marine Biodiversity: Wide variety of marine life, including sea turtles and colorful coral reefs.
- Easy Access: Located near Kobe city center, making it easily accessible for tourists.
5. Iwaya Rocks
Underwater caves and rock formations teeming with marine life.
- Unique Rock Formations: Incredible underwater caves and arches create a breathtaking dive site.
- Marine Life Abundance: Hundreds of species of fish, sea turtles, and octopuses can be found here.
- Advanced Divers Only: Strong currents and deeper waters make this site suitable for advanced divers only.
6. Port Island Park
Artificial island with a coral reef and diverse marine life.
- Coral Reef Restoration: An artificial reef helps in the restoration of coral reefs in Kobe.
- Accessible Diving: Easy access to diving sites with shallow waters, making it suitable for beginners.
- Variety of Marine Life: Rich marine life including various species of fish, sea turtles, and rays.
7. Sumaura Beach
Long sandy beach with shallow waters perfect for snorkeling.
- Beginner-Friendly: Shallow waters offer an easy and enjoyable snorkeling experience.
- Scenic Coastline: Beautiful coastal scenery with nearby historical sites to explore.
- Convenient Facilities: On-site rental shops, rest areas, and changing rooms are available for visitors.
8. Kattegata Beach
Beach with a unique rocky shoreline and opportunities for snorkeling.
- Rocky Shoreline: Interesting rock formations create diverse habitats for marine life.
- Snorkeling Opportunities: Calm waters make it possible to snorkel and explore the marine life close to shore.
- Historical Significance: Nearby historical sites such as the Iwaya Rocks provide additional interest.
9. Sakai City Beach
Beach with a natural bay providing calm waters for snorkeling.
- Calm Waters: Protected by a natural bay, the waters are generally calm and suitable for snorkeling.
- Marine Life Diversity: Variety of marine life such as sea turtles, colorful fish, and coral reefs.
- Accessibility: Easy access from Sakai City by car or public transportation.
10. Maiko Marine Park
Artificial reef providing diverse marine life opportunities for snorkeling.
- Artificial Reef: An artificial reef attracts various species of fish and coral growth.
- Easy Access: Located near the Maiko Aquarium, making it easily accessible for tourists.
- Variety of Marine Life: A rich variety of marine life including sea turtles, octopuses, and various species of fish.
11. Kobe Port Island Aquarium
An aquarium with a diving area for close-up encounters with marine life.
- Dive with Sharks: Opportunities to dive and swim with sharks in a safe environment.
- Variety of Marine Life: Displays various species of marine life, including rare and endangered species.
- Educational Experience: Provides educational exhibits about marine conservation and the ocean ecosystem.
12. Ario Marine Park
Marine park offering snorkeling and diving opportunities.
- Rich Marine Life: Abundant marine life such as sea turtles, colorful fish, and coral reefs.
- Accessible Diving: Easy access to diving sites with shallow waters, making it suitable for beginners.
- Conservation Efforts: Involved in conservation efforts, promoting sustainable marine life practices.
13. Sumaura Aquarium
Aquarium with a diving area for close-up encounters with marine life.
- Dive with Sea Turtles: Opportunities to dive and swim with sea turtles in a safe environment.
- Variety of Marine Life: Displays various species of marine life, including rare and endangered species.
- Educational Experience: Provides educational exhibits about marine conservation and the ocean ecosystem.
14. Kinosaki Marine World
Marine park with various aquariums and a diving area.
- Dive with Sharks: Opportunities to dive and swim with sharks in a safe environment.
- Variety of Marine Life: Displays various species of marine life, including rare and endangered species.
- Educational Experience: Provides educational exhibits about marine conservation and the ocean ecosystem.
15. Maiko Dolphin Show
Dolphin show with opportunities for close-up encounters.
- Dolphin Interaction: Opportunities to interact and swim with dolphins in a controlled environment.
- Educational Experience: Provides educational exhibits about marine conservation and the ocean ecosystem.
- Family-Friendly: A fun and family-friendly experience for all ages to enjoy.