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Beneath Sado's waves, a world awaits.

Giant wrasse. Underwater hot springs. Sunken ships.
48 years of diving one island's extraordinary ocean.
Your turn.

4.9★★★★★
Hitoshi Sakuma, owner
I've dived oceans all over the world. In the end, I chose Sado. Hitoshi Sakuma · Owner, Est. 1978

An 85°C hot spring erupts from the ocean floor.

The Kobudai Giant Asian Sheepshead Wrasse swim right up to you, close enough to touch.
Underwater Hot Springs One of the world's rarest dive sites; volcanic vents heating the sea to 85°C.
Shipwreck Exploration Explore sunken vessels resting silently on the ocean floor.
Four Seasons of Life Where warm and cold currents collide; a biodiversity hotspot year-round.
About Sado's Ocean

Why divers keep choosing us on Sado Island

4.9

Jalan.net Rating / No.1 in Sado AreaAlso rated 4.9 on Google reviews (Sado shop)

20,000+

Divers guided in Sado
(cumulative)

48 yrs

Guiding divers through
Sado's waters since 1978

PADI

Internationally certified
PADI Dive Center

From Our Divers

4.9 / 5.0
★★★★★ 46 reviews
Google
4.9 / 5.0
★★★★★ 77 reviews
★★★★★

"I picked up diving at 65 and hit my 100th dive right here in Sado. The crew surprised me with an underwater celebration; I'll never forget it. The guides know these waters inside and out, and every dive is a new memory."

100th Dive Milestone (age 65, office worker)

★★★★★

"First time diving and I was pretty nervous, but the staff were so patient; never rushed us once. Felt totally safe the whole time. And then a massive Kobudai swam right up to us. Unreal. We're already planning our next trip."

First-time diver (couple in their 20s)

★★★★★

"I've been coming to Sado for eight years now. Tried other shops along the way, but Freeway is on another level; the safety, the guiding, everything. They always know exactly which point to hit, and I see something new every single time."

8-year returning customer (40s, self-employed)

★★★★★

"I was a little nervous going in, but the staff let me take my time and never pressured me. The water was so clear, and the fish just came right up to us. Honestly one of the best experiences of my life."

First-time diver (20s, student)

★★★★★

"Four years straight and counting. The service never dips; it's consistently top-notch every visit. My only regret is not finding this place sooner."

Goro (4-year repeat visitor, 50s)

★★★★★

"We brought the whole family; including our 10-year-old daughter. A staff member stayed glued to her side the entire dive. They even took underwater photos of all four of us. Hands down, best summer memory we've ever made."

Family of 4 (40s, child age 10)

Jalan.net 4.9 / 5.0 (46 reviews)   Google Maps 4.9 / 5.0 (77 reviews)

Your turn.

Sado's ocean is waiting. Come see for yourself.

Book Now

Featured In

Find Your Perfect Dive

First-Time Diving

For Beginners

First-Time Diving

¥14,500~

"Sunlight from below the surface; it's something you'll never forget."Hiroyuki Koide (Sado Shop Manager)

Your own guide, your own group. Go at whatever pace feels right.

No license needed Ages 10+ ~3 hours
Fun Diving

Returning Divers

For Licensed Divers

¥17,500~ (2 boat dives)

30 centimeters from a Kobudai.

17 dive points, each one different. Veteran guides who know every rock and current.

C-card required Ages 12+ Transfers included Tank & weights included
PADI Course

Get Licensed

Start in Sado. Dive the world.

¥68,000~ (3-4 days)

PADI Open Water Diver course. Earn your C-card; recognized in 180+ countries; surrounded by Sado's incredible marine life.

eLearning available All materials included Small groups No hidden fees
Divers in Santa costumes underwater at the Sado Christmas Dive SADO CHRISTMAS DIVE 2026Sado Christmas DiveSaturday, November 7, 2026, in Ogi, Sado. Our once-a-year fun dive in Santa costumes. 25 spots, book by October 30, 7:00 p.m.Learn more

Meet Our Team

Our team has watched the seas of Sado for many years, and we guide you according to the season and the conditions of the day.

If you want to see Kobudai up close; courtship, spawning, head-on battles: Sado is the place. They still blow my mind every time.

Hiroyuki Koide (Sado Shop Manager)

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can't swim?

No problem at all. Your wetsuit keeps you buoyant; you won't sink. Plenty of non-swimmers dive with us and have a great time.

Can I come by myself?

Absolutely. We run small groups and our staff gives you as much one-on-one attention as you need. Solo visitors are always welcome.

I wear glasses; is that okay?

Contact lenses work great (dailies are best). We also have prescription masks available to rent; just mention it when you book.

Can kids join?

Ages 10 and up can do a trial dive. Parents or guardians are welcome to watch from a spot where they can keep an eye on things.

I get seasick easily.

Most of our dive points are just 3 to 15 minutes from the harbor by boat. It's a quick ride, so even if you're prone to seasickness, you'll be fine.

How do I get to Sado?

Take the Niigata to Ryotsu ferry. The jetfoil gets you there in about an hour; the regular ferry takes around 2.5 hours.

Shop Information

Two locations: Sado Island & Niigata City

Sado Shop exterior

Sado Shop

Address 1211-3 Higashiodori, Sado City, Niigata 952-1307
Phone 0259-52-5781
Hours Apr to Dec: 10:00 to 20:00 / Jan to Mar: 11:00 to 19:00
Closed Irregular holidays (closed over New Year's)
Access ~25 min by car from Ryotsu Port / 5 parking spaces / Transfers available
Payment VISA / MASTER / JCB / PayPay accepted
FAX 0259-52-5782
Email sado@divingfreeway.com
Niigata Shop exterior

Niigata Shop

Address 5-2-10 Meike, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata 950-0941
Phone 025-250-0181
FAX 025-250-0182
Email niigata@divingfreeway.com
Hours 10:00 to 19:00 (Closed Wednesdays)
Access 2-min walk from "Meike Nichome" bus stop / Across from Meike Elementary School
Payment VISA / MASTER / JCB / PayPay accepted
Call Book Online