Dive Site: Hiroshi Point

About Hiroshi Point

Hiroshi Point is a prominent shore and boat dive site located on the southern end of Kosrae in the Federated States of Micronesia. This site is celebrated for its remarkably well-preserved hard coral gardens, some of which are estimated to be over 2,000 years old, creating a unique and ancient underwater landscape. It is well-regarded globally for both diving and snorkeling, attracting visitors with its clear waters and abundant marine life. The topography features a sloping wall that descends into deeper waters, often adorned with cascading corals. Divers can explore numerous gullies, overhangs, nooks, and crannies within this mazelike reef area. While the site is generally shallow, around 12-13 meters (40-42 feet), the wall continues to greater depths, offering diverse exploration opportunities for various skill levels. Marine life at Hiroshi Point is prolific year-round, with notable sightings including schooling barracuda, hawksbill turtles, and various jellyfish. The corals host a vibrant community of reef fish such as sergeant majors, surgeonfish, parrotfish, and clownfish, alongside frequent appearances of moray eels. Eagle rays and reef sharks are also commonly observed patrolling the area, especially in mild currents. Diving here typically involves a gentle drift along the picturesque wall, guided by a mild current that generally flows north around the point. Entry can be made by shore, or more commonly, by boat directly to the mooring. The site is accessible for all experience levels, including beginners, and is also popular for night dives and macro photography due to its rich biodiversity.

Dive site facts: Hiroshi Point

Depth

5–13 m (max 40–42 ft)

Current

Mild

Visibility

10–30 m (can be 30–60m)

Water temperature

29–30°C (84–86°F)

Entry

Shore / Boat

Level

Beginner

Dive type

Wall, Reef, Drift, Macro

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Kosrae, Micronesia

Coordinates

5.32000, 163.02000

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Hiroshi Point are generally mild, enabling a gentle drift along the wall, and typically flow north around the point. While a slight current is often present, it makes for an enjoyable drift dive where guides tow a surface float for easy pickup. Stronger currents can be experienced from November to June due to easterly trade winds, which may limit access to the south and west sides of the island, including Hiroshi Point, on windier days. Visibility is consistently excellent, often ranging from 10 to 30 meters (33 to 98 feet), and can extend to 30 to 60 meters (100 to 200 feet). Water temperatures remain consistently warm, averaging 29-30°C (84-86°F) year-round, so thermoclines are not typically a concern. Divers of all levels, including beginners, can comfortably enjoy this site, but some current experience is beneficial to fully appreciate the drift.

Marine life & sighting chances

Barracuda

common

Hawksbill Turtle

common

Jellyfish

common

Sergeant Major

common

Surgeonfish

common

Parrotfish

common

Clownfish

common

Moray Eel

common

Eagle Ray

common

Reef Shark

occasional

Fairy Basslet

common

Moorish Idol

common

Emperor Angelfish

common

Bird Wrasse

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Entry to Hiroshi Point is typically made from a dive boat, which moors directly at the site, allowing divers to descend straight to the reef. Alternatively, shore entry is possible. The dive begins by exploring the sloping wall, which starts at a shallow depth of approximately 5 meters (17 feet) and descends to around 13 meters (42 feet) for general recreational diving, with the wall continuing further. Divers will gently drift along the wall with the mild current, typically flowing north, observing the abundant hard and soft corals and diverse reef fish. The dive profile involves a gradual progression along the wall, allowing ample time to explore overhangs, gullies, and coral formations for macro life and larger pelagics like barracuda and turtles. The turn point is determined by air consumption and bottom time, after which the drift continues or divers ascend gradually. Safety stops are conducted in the shallower, protected areas of the reef, often around the 5-meter mark, before surfacing, where the dive boat will pick up the group.

Underwater photography

Hiroshi Point offers diverse photographic opportunities for both wide-angle and macro enthusiasts. For wide-angle shots, consider capturing the extensive hard coral gardens and the majestic schooling barracuda, utilizing the excellent visibility. A wide-angle lens, like a fisheye or rectilinear wide-angle, will be effective for these scenic shots. Macro photographers will find a paradise in the numerous nooks and crannies of the reef, home to clownfish, nudibranchs, and other small critters; a macro lens will be essential for these subjects. Given the mild currents, stable positioning is achievable for detailed shots. Strobe lighting is recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of the corals and marine life, especially in deeper sections or within overhangs. Pay close attention to buoyancy control to protect the ancient coral formations and avoid stirring up sediment.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Walung Drop-Off

  A sheltered site with a hard-coral garden and dramatic walls, often combined in itineraries.

• Shark Island

  A drift dive along a vertical wall packed with colorful soft corals and small tropical fish.

• Trochus Sanctuary

  An aquarium-like crevasse teeming with clownfish, wrasses, parrotfish, and nudibranchs.

• Blue Hole

  A natural hole in the reef, popular for both divers and snorkelers, attracting juvenile fish and stingrays.

• The Dwarf Forest

  A named dive site in Kosrae mentioned by local operators.

• Split Rock

  A named dive site in Kosrae mentioned by local operators.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia, typically involves international flights to major hubs like Guam or Honolulu, followed by connecting flights to Kosrae International Airport (KSA). United Airlines operates flights to this remote island. From the airport, resorts like Kosrae Nautilus Resort offer transfers, with the resort itself being about a 15-minute drive. Dive operations on Kosrae primarily run out of local resorts, offering two-tank boat dives that include tanks, weights, and lunch, with costs around $135. Dive boats are purpose-built with shade canopies and oxygen, and usually carry a small number of divers (4-6). Dive sites, including Hiroshi Point, are typically within a 5 to 30-minute boat ride from the marinas. Trips to Kosrae often focus solely on diving and exploring the island, with daily boat trips offered six days a week. There are over 60 mooring buoys around Kosrae, ensuring diverse site selection and protection of the reefs.

Safety & environment

For dive safety in Kosrae, it is essential to ensure you have comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation, as the island is remote. The nearest recompression chamber is likely located in Guam or Palau, necessitating a potentially lengthy and costly evacuation in case of a serious dive incident. Local dive operators prioritize safety, with dive guides towing surface floats during drift dives and having oxygen on board their boats. Site-specific hazards at Hiroshi Point are minimal due to generally mild currents, but divers should always assess conditions on site and be aware of potential changes in current strength, especially during windy seasons. Adhering to your dive guide's instructions and maintaining excellent buoyancy control is crucial to protect the delicate, ancient coral formations and ensure a safe, enjoyable dive.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Hiroshi Point FAQ

Liveaboards diving Hiroshi Point

These liveaboards may visit Hiroshi Point on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Palau Siren

Micronesia

16 guests

$501/day

Solitude Gaia

Micronesia

18 guests40 m

$310/day

Palau Aggressor II

Micronesia

18 guests32 m

$354/day

Black Pearl

Micronesia

24 guests

$390/day

Ocean Hunter 3

Micronesia

16 guests29 m

$350/day

Pacific Master

Solomon Islands

20 guests30 m

$268/day