Can I experience snorkeling in Kabira Bay, Ishigaki Island? Introducing the various activity experiences you can enjoy at the No.1 popular spot in Ishigaki Island!
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What is Kabira Bay?
Many people may think of Okinawa Prefecture when they think of popular tourist destinations in Japan.
In addition to the main island of Okinawa, Okinawa Prefecture is characterized by the existence of several remote islands that are popular for sightseeing.
Ishigaki Island is one of the most popular of these islands and attracts a large number of visitors every year during the tourist season.
Ishigaki Island has various attractive spots, but Kabira Bay is the most popular among them.
Why is Kabira Bay so popular?
The reason for Kabira Bay's popularity is its beauty.
The seas of the Yaeyama Islands, of which Ishigaki Island is a part, are rich in coral and are characterized by white sandy beaches and blue seas derived from coral.
Kabira Bay attracts many people to enjoy the beauty of the sea of Yaeyama and Ishigaki Island.
The No. 1 popular scenic spot representing Ishigaki Island
The beauty of Kabira Bay is not limited to Ishigaki Island, but is one of the most beautiful in all of Okinawa Prefecture.
On the contrary, it is one of the most spectacular spots not only in Okinawa Prefecture but also in all of Japan.
Kabira Bay has received a three-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide, a travel guide published by Michelin.
It is easy to imagine the degree of attraction when you hear that Kabira Bay is the only place in Okinawa Prefecture, which has numerous attractive spots, that has received a three-star rating.
Enjoy a variety of activity experiences
The beautiful ocean may make you want to enjoy swimming, but unfortunately swimming is prohibited in Kabira Bay.
Because of the fast tides and the large number of tourist glass boats that come and go, swimming in the ocean is not allowed because it could cause accidents.
However, the tranquil and beautiful environment of Kabira Bay, in part preserved by the ban on swimming, may be reason enough to give up swimming.
In addition, the sea at Kabira Bay can be enjoyed in plenty of ways other than swimming.
In addition to the glass boats mentioned above, Kabira Bay offers a wide variety of activities to participate in.
The color of the bay changes with time.
One of the major characteristics of Kabira Bay is that the color of the sea changes with the time of day.
Kabira Bay, which is usually lush and deep with beautiful colors, changes its color to emerald green during the day from morning to afternoon when the weather is fine.
The colors are different from the usual, and are breathtakingly beautiful, and such a photogenic scene is also very popular on social networking sites.
In addition, Kabira Bay at dusk with the setting sun is red-hot and passionately beautiful.
It is called the sea that you could look at all day long and never get tired of it because of the colors that change with the time of day.
Basic Information on Kabira Bay
The address of Kabira Bay is 934 Kabira, Ishigaki City, and can be reached by rental car, bus, or cab from the New Ishigaki Airport or the Remote Islands Terminal.
If you use a rental car, it will take about 30 minutes to get there from either the New Ishigaki Airport or the Remote Island Terminal.
If you take a bus from New Ishigaki Airport to Kabira Bay, take the Yonehara Campground Line from "Ishigaki Airport" or take the East Circle Line bus.
The trip takes 40 to 45 minutes, and if you get off at "Kabira Koen-mae", it is only a 2-minute walk.
To go to Kabira Bay from the Rito Terminal, take the Kabira Resort Line from the Rito Terminal bus stop.It takes about 40 minutes to get to "Kabira Koen-mae", which is also about a 2-minute walk.
As for cab transportation, from New Ishigaki Airport to Kabira Bay takes about a little over 30 minutes by cab and costs about 4,500 yen.
The trip from the remote island terminal to Kabira Bay takes less than 30 minutes, and the estimated cost is about 4,000 yen.
When using a rental car, there are both free and paid parking lots nearby, so basically you will be able to park without any problems.
Is snorkeling experience popular in Kabira Bay?
Now that you have seen an overview of Kabira Bay, let's check out some of the activities available.
What comes to mind when you hear of popular activities in Okinawa Prefecture?
If you have any experience or knowledge of travel to Okinawa, snorkeling may come to mind.
Snorkeling is also highly popular at Kabira Bay.
Although swimming is not allowed due to the currents and glass boats, you can take a snorkeling tour to enjoy the underwater world of Kabira Bay in a safe location.
But snorkeling is not the only way to enjoy Kabira Bay.
Activities such as SUP and canoeing have become equally popular, and the number of people participating is very high.
SUP and canoeing in particular have the advantage of keeping your entire body dry, and are ideal activities for those days when it is windy and you might feel cold, or when you don't want to lose your makeup.
However, Kabira Bay is a popular tourist spot, so the activity tours may fill up during the tourist high season.
Having knowledge and interest in more than one activity will give you the flexibility to have fun if any particular activity is full.
Popular Activity Experiences in Kabira Bay
Below we have selected some of the most popular activities that can be enjoyed at Kabira Bay.
All of these activities are easy to participate in and attractive, so let's check them out in order!
SUP
The first thing I would like to introduce is SUP (stand-up paddleboarding).
This activity originated in Waikiki, Hawaii, as a practice activity for surfers, who would stand on a surfboard or SUP board and paddle through the ocean.
You will feel as if you are standing directly on the surface of the sea and enjoy the most exhilarating walk on the sea.
Some may think it sounds difficult to stand on a board, but in fact, SUP is known for its ease.
The high stability of the boards used allows even the uninitiated to quickly become accustomed to them without losing their balance.
Many athletes use SUP as a form of core training, and the fitness benefits are also an exciting aspect of SUP.
If you enjoy SUP in the beautiful ocean of Ishigaki Island, you are sure to get an extremely photogenic picture.
Why don't you come to Kabira Bay for the best SUP experience?
Canoe/Kayak
continuedI would like to introduce you to canoeing and kayaking, where you can enjoy a walk on the sea in a small boat for one or two people.
Both canoeing and kayaking are characterized by the ease with which they can be challenged, and you will quickly become accustomed to their operation without much practice.
Unlike competitive canoes and kayaks, they require little physical strength or arm strength to paddle and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Another major advantage is that it can accommodate two people, and many couples enjoy ocean dates together.
It is also suitable for parents and children, and young children can safely experience canoeing and kayaking if they are accompanied by their parents.
No need to worry even if you cannot swim, as life jackets are worn aboard the boat.
Why not enjoy the sights of Kabira Bay at your leisure by canoe or kayak?
glass boat
The term "glass boat" refers to a vessel with a transparent glass bottom.
In this activity, visitors board a boat with a crystal-clear bottom to view the underwater world of Kabira Bay through the bottom of the boat as if it were a mobile aquarium.
The clarity of the waters of Kabira Bay makes this activity unique in that you can hold an extremely clear view in your hands.
The sight of coral and tropical fish will give you the best of the tropical atmosphere.
In addition, although a glass boat is called an activity, it can be enjoyed simply by getting on board.
Because there is no need to pilot the boat yourself, children and the elderly alike can participate without worry.
We recommend that you join us, as you will be able to enjoy Kabira Bay without feeling tired.
There are many popular snorkeling spots in Ishigaki Island besides Kabira Bay!
We have introduced a variety of activities, but many of you may want to enjoy snorkeling when you come to Ishigaki Island.
Enjoying the spectacle of the sea by SUP, canoe or kayak is a great activity, but the underwater beauty of Ishigaki Island is also a must-see.
However, one drawback of focusing only on Kabira Bay is that you will not be able to participate in snorkeling when the bay is full.
To make your trip fulfilling, you will need to have multiple plans rather than just one objective.
Popular snorkeling spots in Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island is blessed with many tourist attractions.
You don't have to limit yourself to just Kabira Bay to enjoy snorkeling at a variety of beautiful spots.
Below we have picked out some of the tourist spots on Ishigaki Island where snorkeling is held outside of Kabira Bay.
All of them are places where you can enjoy the unique nature of Ishigaki Island, so let's take a look at them in order.
Blue Cave
The first place I would like to introduce as one of the best snorkeling spots on Ishigaki Island is the "Blue Cave.
The Blue Cave is famous overseas in Capoli Island, Italy, and in Japan in Onna Village, also in Okinawa, but the Blue Cave on Ishigaki Island is no less beautiful.
The Blue Cave on Ishigaki Island is located in the northern part of the island, about 20 km from the city center, a 30-minute drive away, but since there are places along the way that are difficult to find, it is best to take a tour.
The Ao no grotto is a sea-eroded cave where the sea has penetrated to the inside of the cave. Sunlight shining into the cave reflects off the seabed and emphasizes the blue wavelengths in the light, filling the entire area with a brilliant blue color.
This beauty is the result of a complex interplay of factors including the coral-derived white sand that fills the seabed of Okinawa, the clarity of the ocean, and the shape of the caves, and is a miracle of nature.
In such a blue cave, you can enjoy the artistic beauty to the fullest through the snorkeling experience.
This tour is full of attractions, and depending on your luck, you may even meet adorable sea turtles.
phantom island
The next island I would like to introduce is "Hamashima," also commonly referred to as "Phantom Island.
Hamashima is an island where land is visible only for a very short period of time due to the ebb and flow of the tide, making it a beautiful spot used for filming TV commercials.
The entire island is a white sand beach, surrounded on all sides by the blue ocean characteristic of the Yaeyama Islands, and the location is truly paradise itself.
Since it is a small island, there are no ferries or other services, so it is convenient to take a tour from Ishigaki Island.
There are tours that take you ashore for a short time to enjoy a commemorative photo, but if you are going to go all the way to the Phantom Island, you should definitely try snorkeling.
You will be able to enjoy the beauty of the Yaeyama Islands' unique sea, filled with coral and tropical fish, as much as you can.
Many tours are offered in combination with sightseeing on nearby Taketomi Island, so it is recommended to enjoy them together.
Yonehara Beach
The last beach I would like to introduce is Yonehara Beach, a popular beach in the northern part of Ishigaki Island.
It is adjacent to the Yonehara Campground, where you can enjoy the contrast between the sandy beach and the ocean as well as the beautiful greenery unique to the campground.
In addition, Yonehara Beach has a reputation for ease of swimming.
The coral colony is located just off the beach, so even those who are not confident swimming long distances can easily enjoy the tropical ocean-like atmosphere.
And such a marine environment is ideal for snorkeling.
Even those who have never snorkeled before can immediately see the beautiful tropical waters and enjoy the thrill of the activity in an easy and safe manner.
Of course, the beauty of the sandy beach and water quality is also of the highest quality, and together with the subtropical vegetation on the shore, the location is one of the best on Ishigaki Island.
This is a great spot for beginners and experts alike, so why not visit Yonehara Beach and try snorkeling?
summary
In this issue, we have provided information on snorkeling and various other activities to enjoy sightseeing in Ishigaki Island.
Ishigaki Island is an island full of various attractions and can be enjoyed in a wide variety of ways.
However, participation in activities is still essential to fully enjoy the beauty of the natural environment.
We encourage you to try various activities and enjoy sightseeing in the remote islands.
