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Sand Cross

Sand Cross or Yonbori: Dive Site in Japan with Stunning Coral Formations

Discover the breathtaking dive site known as Sand Cross or Yonbori, located in Uza, Yomitan, Nakagami, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. This serene dive spot showcases an intricate network of coral formations and mesmerizing coral sand pathways that connect these formations. Offering a diverse topography with arches, tunnels, and crevices, this underwater paradise teems with vibrant marine life.

While the site has unfortunately experienced a decline in the population of Yaemenid fishes over the past few years, the corals in the shallower areas are showing remarkable signs of recovery. Prepare to be amazed as you witness these corals returning to their former vibrant state.

Sand Cross or Yonbori is home to an abundant variety of both soft and hard corals, including the beautiful Yasemidorii community. Keep an eye out for magnificent turtles such as loggerheads, green turtles, and hawksbill turtles, as they inhabit the area. Additionally, within the vast Napoleon fish territory, encountering these majestic creatures is a possibility, albeit rare. Prepare to be surrounded by a plethora of fish species, including snappers, wrasses, and occasional sightings of rare nudibranchs.

With excellent visibility of up to 20 meters and a maximum depth of 22 meters, this dive site is perfect for advanced and expert divers seeking an awe-inspiring underwater adventure. Immerse yourself in the wonders of Sand Cross or Yonbori and witness the natural beauty that Japan has to offer.

Diving Conditions Score for Sand Cross

9.3
Excellent

Excellent diving conditions!
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.

Dive Site Overview for Sand Cross

Depth

22m

Visibility

20m

Experience Level

advanced
expert

Weather Conditions for Sand Cross

Wave Height

0.44m

Wind Speed

4 m/s

Water Temp

26.8°C

Visibility

36.04km

Cloud Cover

4%

Wave Period

5.5s

Air Temperature

24.4°C

Precipitation

0 mm

Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for Sand Cross
Alpha

Dive Score Chart for Sand Cross

Best time to dive: 17:00 with score 9.70177370030581/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.44m, Wind 3.2 m/s.Best night dive time: 18:00 with score 9.125766666666665/10.

Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.

Sunrise at Sand Cross: 06:00
Sunset at Sand Cross: 18:00

Optimal diving conditions at Sand Cross are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.

🌞
Best Overall
17:00

Score: 9.7/10
Waves: 0.44m (5.45s), Wind: 3.2 m/s

🌙
Best Night
18:00

Score: 9.1/10
Waves: 0.44m, Wind: 4 m/s

Seasonal Analysis for Sand Cross
Alpha

Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Sand Cross

The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.

Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions

Higher values indicate better diving conditions

Seasonal DiveScore Chart

This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.

Higher values indicate better diving conditions

Best Season for Sand Cross

Winter

Avg. Score: 8.5/10

Winter offers the best overall diving conditions with calmer seas and better visibility, despite cooler temperatures.

Best Months for Sand Cross

January
Score: 8.8
February
Score: 8.4
November
Score: 8.4

Ideal Conditions for Sand Cross

Water Temp

Thermometer Emoji

26.5°C / 79.7°F

June

Visibility

Telescope Emoji

11.6m / 38.1ft

January

Wave Height

Wave Emoji

1.5m / 4.9ft

January

Wave Period

Wave Emoji

8.0s

January

Seasonal Insights for Sand Cross

Sand Cross shows typical northern hemisphere patterns with July being the warmest month (28.3°C) and January the coldest (13.7°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in January with average wave heights of 1.5m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in January with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). December is usually the driest month with 0.2mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during January to March, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.

Scoring Legend:
9-10 (Excellent)
7-8 (Good)
5-6 (Average)
3-4 (Poor)
1-2 (Dangerous)

Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 21, 2026

Note: This dive site is not a verified dive site. Please dive with caution. This dive site might have incorrect information by the community.

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