EE FR
June 19, 2014 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly Dive Okinawa
Reconnect with Nature
T
W
ith its rich coral reefs, sea life and almost yearlong warm water, Okinawa has a reputation as one of the best dive locales in the world. Whether you’re a master diver or a recreational snorkeler, the waters of Okinawa offer something for everyone. At spots like the Junkyard you can explore a reef that houses octopus, eel, clownfish, angelfish and much more. Up north at Maeda Point you can see schools of fish, tube worms, chromis and, if you’re lucky, a sea turtle. More advanced divers can explore the under-
inside
water mountains and valleys of spots like the Toilet Bowl or Bolo Point. Of course, always be safe as diving conditions can change rapidly, and check the dive site’s current condition before heading out. More dive sites and full directions to each of them can be found at mccsokinawa.com/dive_sites. While you’re underwater, take a few photos for our 8th Annual Underwater Photo Contest. Submit your entries by July 7 to any Tsunami SCUBA Center. Visit mccsokinawa.com/tsunamiscuba for more details.
Living at Large: Hot Sizzlin’ Summer Sale | 3 Ryan vs. Courtney: Humidity Busters | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5 Off Base Events: Get Out and Explore | 11
he northern third of Okinawa Island is called Yanbaru. Predominantly covered in subtropical evergreen broadleaf forest, Yanbaru is a biological haven for a number of animals and plants that are found nowhere else on the planet, such as the Yanbaru Kuina (Okinawa Rail) or the Noguchigera (Okinawa Woodpecker). The forest is crisscrossed by several hiking trails that lead you to beautiful mountain vistas, waterfalls and river valleys. A walk through the forest will transport you into a world of natural beauty, making the concrete and congestion of southern Okinawa seem worlds away. This area of Okinawa is also known for stunning beaches, which don’t experience the overcrowding that the southern beaches suffer in the hot months of the summer. Often, you may find that you are the only person on an entire stretch of pristine beach. Explore northern Okinawa for a break from the city and the chance to feel the peace and serenity of nature.
Photo of the Week | 11 Spotlight: Flea Markets | 13 Movie Schedule | 15 SMP Events | 15