Shiretoko

The Shiretoko Peninsula in Japan is renowned as the ultimate destination for ice diving. Unlike other frozen lakes, divers have the unique opportunity to explore the rare drift ice, making this site truly exceptional. From January to March each year, the freezing freshwater from Russia's Amur River is carried by the wind to the Shiretoko Peninsula.

This remarkable dive site offers a variety of fascinating marine life, including the shellless clam, known as the Hadaka Kamegai or kurione, and its main food source, the swimming clam, called Mizin-Uki-Mai. Despite the below freezing water temperatures, the area is teeming with abundant marine species like crabs, shrimps, nudibranchs, and anemones.

In the western part of the Shiretoko Peninsula, Utoro experiences the arrival of drift ice as early as the end of January. Diving here predominantly involves creating an opening in the densely-packed ice near the shore. With water temperatures ranging between -1 and -2 degrees Celsius, visibility reaches around 10 meters with a depth of approximately 10 meters. As this is a complete ice dive, it is crucial to possess the necessary equipment and skills. The Shiretoko Peninsula is a designated World Natural Heritage site, boasting a unique natural environment both above and below the water's surface. Thorough preparation is essential for this extraordinary dive, including acquiring the appropriate training and equipment.

##### Location Details:
- Country: Japan
- Close Location: National Highway Route 334, Utoro-higashi, Utoro, Shari, Shari County, Okhotsk Subprefecture, Hokkaido Prefecture, 099-4352, Japan.