GRANDE POLPO

Leave your Hokkaido diving needs to Grande Polpo. This PADI 5 Star Dive Center in Sapporo makes the region easy to explore, whether you're a first-timer or heading out on your own — beginners and solo divers are equally welcome here.

Where you'll dive

Two main destinations anchor the experience: the coastal waters of Shakotan and the freshwater Lake Shikotsu. It's a mix that spans saltwater and freshwater diving, with marine life ranging from sharks, whales and turtles to freshwater fish, eels, molluscs and crustaceans.

With two PADI Instructors on hand and courses covering PADI scuba diving and EFR first aid, the center is well set up for divers building their skills. On-site you'll find a retail shop, dive boat, food and drinks, and parking, plus scuba and kids' equipment rental. English and Japanese are both spoken, and conservation activities round out what this friendly Hokkaido operation is known for.