The Zen of Diving^™
  

Futo  —  East Izu

Anenome
 

Futo is one of our favorite dive sites in Izu. Often this site is used for the second day of the PADI Open Water Diver course. There is probably the easiest entry and exit of all the dive sites on the peninsula due to its paved concrete ramp and handrails with guide rope leading down to the water. It is suitable for novice divers as well as experienced divers who can enjoy the variety of marine life and anenomes carpeting the ocean floor.

There are two beach sites, Waki no Hama which is located at the entrance, and Yokobama which is further down at the end of the service road, a nice walk carrying scuba gear.

Here, we can see the symbiotic relationship of the Snapping Shrimp, the Japanese Shrimp Goby (Amblyeleotris japonica), and the Blue Hana Goby (Ptereleotris hanae). In the Dartfish family, this fish has other names including Filament Dartfish or Thread Tail Dart Goby.

After the dive, it is nice to warm up in the Onsen Maru, a boat converted into a hot tub for soaking after the dive. There are two boats, one which divers can use while wearing their wetsuits and one for swimsuit clad dippers only.

Dive Sites

Waki no Hama
Level: Novice Entry: Shore Type: Beach with Rocky Bottom Depth: 18 meters	Description: Easy entry with sloping ramp and handrails, although the entry often faces directly into the path of oncoming waves. With a combination of rocky and sandy bottom, there is a diversity of fish and marine life.	Sealife: Filefish, gobies, blennies, trumpetfish, saury.
Yokobama
Level: Novice Entry: Shore Type: Beach Depth: 25 meters	Description: This is a nice little walk from the parking lot but being able to see the symbiotic relationship of the snapping shrimp, Japanese shrimp goby, and the Blue hand goby (dartfish) makes up for it. On the right side near shore, there is a cavern which allows natural light to stream down on the rocks below. With possibly the easiest entry of all the dive sites in Izu, this site is great for all divers, including novices.	Sealife: Snapping shrimp, Japanese shrimp goby, Blue hana goby (dartfish), lionfish.

Getting There

Pickup at Atami station (approximate driving time 45 minutes to 1 hour) or Izu Kogen station, about 15 minutes.

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