Hitotsuishi

Hitotsuishi (一ツ石) is a boat dive at Owase on the Kii Peninsula coast of Mie, one minute from the harbour in the centre of Owase Bay, with a maximum depth of 21 m and an average around 14 m. Large rocks interlock on the sand at about 14 m, forming two tunnels of about 6 m and 4 m that divers can pass through, crowded with spiny lobster and small slipper lobster. Large striped beakfish, black sea bream and filefish sit in the crevices, and sweepers, damselfish and stripey school around the reef. The top of the reef is only 4 m deep, there is little current, and the islet of Saburujima shelters it in most weather, so it suits divers from beginner/novice level; a torch helps in the tunnels.