Big Blue

Based in Osaka, Big Blue is a long-established PADI 5 Star IDC dive centre that has been welcoming divers for 45 years. With a resident PADI Course Director and three PADI instructors on the team, the centre is set up to deliver high-quality training — and every course can be taken in English, alongside Japanese and Chinese.

Courses and what it's known for

The full PADI range is on offer here, from Scuba Diving and Freediving to Mermaid and First Aid (EFR). A freediving instructor is on hand for freediver courses and tours, and all training uses E-learning. An onsite training pool and classroom, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and parking round out the facilities.

Fun diving is run mainly along the waters of Wakayama, where divers can encounter sharks, whales, turtles and ocean fish. With Nitrox, air fills, equipment sales, rental and servicing all available, Big Blue suits everyone from first-timers learning in English to certified divers looking for regular trips.