Can I go whale watching in Ishigaki Island? Introducing recommended tours where you can see dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles.

Can I go whale watching in Ishigaki Island?

Whale watching is becoming a standard winter activity in Okinawa.

Late December to early Aprilis the best season for whale watching in Okinawa, where you can observe humpback whales coming from the northern seas to give birth and raise their young.

Unfortunately, Ishigaki Island, located further southwest than the main island of Okinawa, isNo whale watching tours are offeredThe following is a list of the most common problems with the

In this article, we will introduce the reasons why whale watching is difficult on Ishigaki Island, other creatures you can see, and recommended tours in winter!

Whale watching tours
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What is whale watching?

Whale watching is,Observe whales in the wild from the shipActivity.

In Okinawa, you have a chance to see humpback whales up close during the winter months, mainly from late December to early April.

While listening to the guide's explanation, visitors can observe the powerful action and majestic appearance of the animals.

Whale watching tours
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Why Whales Cannot Be Seen on Ishigaki Island

Migration route of whales is approximately from the main island of Okinawa to the vicinity of the main island of OkinawaIt is said that There is almost no information that whales were seen in Ishigaki Island! There is almost no information about it.

Whale watching tours are also a great way toEncounter rates are important.The whales are usually seen from the main island of Okinawa. Therefore, if you want to see whales, you should mainly go on tours to Okinawa Island, Kerama Islands, or Amami Oshima Island, where whales come every year in a certain season.

Whale watching tours
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The creatures you can see in Ishigaki Island are
Dolphins, manta rays and sea turtles

Even if whale watching around Ishigaki Island is difficult,Dolphins, manta rays and sea turtlesYou can observe marine creatures up close, such as Here are some recommended tours where you can meet creatures other than fish.

Click here to see the ranking of popular Ishigaki Island tours.

Recommended tours to see dolphins in Ishigaki Island

In Ishigaki Island, tours where you can interact with dolphins, swim with them, and experience being a trainer are popular.

If you are on a cultural tourEven with a baby.Participation is possible andIt will surely be a special memory for the whole family.

Recommended dolphin tours in Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Island / 1 hour] 0 years old and up can visit with dolphins! Dolphin Petting Experience Course★Popular with families, women, and couples Special experience only here in Ishigaki Island♪ (No.412)開始時間10:00 / 12:00 / 14:00 / 15:30 / 16:00 / 17:00所要時間Approx. 1 hour6,980 yen

Ishigaki Island/2.5 hours] 4 years old and up can join the tour! Dolphin Swim with Dolphins Experience Course Special experience only here in Ishigaki Island♪ (No.413)開始時間10:00 / 12:00 / 14:00 / 15:30 / 16:00 / 17:00所要時間Approx. 2 hours12,980 yen

Ishigaki Island/4 hours] Winter (December to March) only! Dolphin Trainer Experience Course (No.414)開始時間10:00-14:00 / 14:00-18:00所要時間Approx. 4 hours14,700 yen

Click here for Ishigaki Island Dolphin Tour Ranking

Recommended tours to see manta rays in Ishigaki Island

The Yaeyama Islands are dotted with manta ray spots, and during the breeding seasonMultiple manta rays at the same timeIt can also be seen.

Ishigaki Island also offers many diving and snorkeling tours to see manta rays.

Your dream of swimming with manta rays will surely come true in Ishigaki Island!

Click here to read the article in conjunction with this one.

A complete guide to seeing manta rays on Ishigaki Island☆ Introducing popular tours, spots, and times when encounter rates increase.The world's largest ray, which grows up to 6 meters wide, can be seen on Ishigaki Island. It is characterized by swimming as if flapping its wings. They are called "Queen of the Sea" and are admired by divers all over the world.

Recommended Manta Tours in Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Island/Kabira/4 hours] 2 luxurious dives in half a day☆Guides to popular colorful coral reefs and manta points! Small Group Experience Diving Tour (No.503)開始時間8:15-12:30 / 12:30-16:40所要時間Approx. 4 hours19,800 yen

Ishigaki Island/1 day] Encounter rate is more than 90%! Manta Ray or Sea Turtle Snorkeling & Phantom Island Landing & Experience Diving Tour☆Beginners are welcome Small group for your safety♪ (No.525)開始時間9:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 7 hours17,000 yen →15,000yen

Ishigaki Island/Kawahira/one day】Dive in Kawahira with 2 dives of Manta Ray Experience Diving☆A small group of divers enjoy full day diving, so beginners can feel at ease (No.505)開始時間8:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 5.5 to 7 hours25,000 yen

Click here for Ishigakijima Manta Tour Ranking

Recommended tours to see sea turtles in Ishigaki Island

And sea turtles on Ishigaki Island.High probability of meetingThey are very popular. Tours are offered for snorkeling and diving with a high probability of seeing sea turtles.

You can observe them swimming leisurely and breathing softly with their noses on the surface of the sea.

Click here to read the article in conjunction with this one.

Meet sea turtles in Ishigaki Island! A complete guide to spots, times, and recommended snorkeling & tours!Table of Contents 1 Can I meet sea turtles in Ishigaki Island? 2 Types of sea turtles living in Ishigaki Island2.1 Green turtles2.2 Loggerhead turtles2.3 Hawksbill turtles3 High probability of encountering sea turtles4 Turtles and manta rays [...].

Recommended Sea Turtle Tours in Ishigaki Island↓.

Ishigaki Island / 1 Day] If you are in doubt, this is the one for you☆Let's look for sea turtles! Kabira Bay SUP/Canoe & Blue Cave Snorkeling Tour ★ (No.349)開始時間9:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 7 hours29,000 yen →13,500yen

Ishigaki Island/Half-Day] Same-Day Reservation OK! You May See Sea Turtles☆Snorkeling & Cave Exploration Tour of the Unexplored "Blue Cave"★Free Photo & Pick-up Service Included (No.304)開始時間9:00-12:00 / 13:30-16:30所要時間Approx. 3 hours13,500 yen →6,900yen

★Special Autumn SALE [Choice of Ishigaki Island or Kohama Island] Landing on Phantom Island + Ishinishi lagoon & Sea turtle snorkeling AM half-day course 《Mermaid experience available & photo gift included》 Beginners and children are welcome☆ (No.590)開始時間9:40-13:00所要時間Approx. 3 hours10,800 yen →9,800yen

Click here for Ishigakijima Sea Turtle Tour Ranking

If you want to go whale watching in Okinawa, this is the place!
Recommended Spots & Tours

Here are some recommended spots and tours for whale watching near Okinawa.

Whale watching tours
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Okinawa Main Island (Northern part)

Whale watching tours are held in the northern part of Okinawa's main island,Nature unique to the Yanbaru areaThe whales are a powerful sight to behold, and the visitors can enjoy them to the fullest along with the

Many tours are conducted in small groups, so they are recommended for those who want to observe quietly.

Northern Whale Watching Tours
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Okinawa Main Island (from Naha)

Tours departing from Naha are easily accessible from the city center,Half-day toursare being held in a number of locations.

Some tours can be booked on the same day, making them easy to incorporate into your itinerary.

Whale Watching Tour from Naha
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Kerama Islands

The Kerama Islands (such as Zamami Island) also offer many tours that have a fairly high chance of encountering whales.

Tours that include a walk on Abaren Beach are also popular.

Kerama Islands Whale Watching Tour
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Amami Oshima

Amami Oshima Island offers tours every year from January to March.The whale encounter rate is said to be over 90%!

Also,The "Whale Swim" offers the special experience of swimming with the whales.

Amami Oshima Whale Watching Tour
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Whale watching precautions

Whale watching takes place in winter. Even though it is in Okinawa,Winter sea breezes can be chilly.The following is a list of the most common problems with the

We have compiled a list of recommended items to bring and things to keep in mind so that even first-timers can participate with ease.

Whale watching tours
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What to wear and bring for whale watching

How to whale watch in comfort on board in winter,Solid winter clothing that keeps out the windis required.

The boat may rock depending on the weather, so if you are prone to seasicknessanti-travel sickness (medicine)Prepare a

If the weather is sunny, you will also need UV protection. If it is sunny, prepare hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Notes to check

Cameras and videos are allowed freely on whale watching,Waterproof casePrepare it together with

Get plenty of sleep the day before and eat moderately on the day of the event,Prevention of seasicknessPrepare for the

Tours may be cancelled depending on weather conditions. Please confirm at the time of reservation any alternative plans in the event of cancellation.

Winter Activities in Ishigaki Island

Even if whale watching is difficult, Ishigaki Island offers many activities that can be enjoyed even in winter!

Here are some recommended activities for winter.

Click here to see the ranking of popular Ishigaki Island tours.

Mangrove Canoe or SUP

Mangroves designated as a natural monumentSUP and canoeing are the most popular activities to experience on the Miyara River in Miyara, a river in the northern part of Japan.

Protected by mangroves, the tour has a high probability of being held even in windy weather, and can be enjoyed in winter when the sun is not strong.

Click here for recommended mangrove tours

★Special Autumn SALE 【Ishigaki Island/1 Day】Support and canoeing tour to popular spots in Kabira Bay and Miyara River Mangrove (No.528)開始時間6:00-11:15 / 9:00-15:45 / 13:30-20:15所要時間Approx. 7 hours29,000 yen →15,000yen

Ishigaki Island/Half-day] Same-day reservation OK! Ishigaki Island's longest mangrove canoe tour with free photo and pick-up service at the Miyara River, a national natural treasure (No.328)開始時間6:00 / 9:00 / 13:30 / 17:00所要時間Approx. 2.5 hours14,500 yen →7,900yen

Ishigaki Island / 1 Day] Conquer the ocean and river☆Longest in Ishigaki Island! Miyara River Mangrove SUP/Canoe & Blue Cave Snorkeling Tour★ (No.362)開始時間6:00-11:15 / 9:00-15:45 / 13:30-20:15所要時間Approx. 5 hours29,000 yen →13,500yen

Learn more about SUP

Ishigaki Island SUP Tour Beginners welcome! Let's enjoy SUP in Ishigaki Island! SUP is an abbreviation of "Stand Up Paddle", and it is an activity where you stand on a board and paddle on the sea or river. (52 total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

Learn more about canoeing

Ishigaki Island Canoe (Kayak) Tour If you want to have a relaxing and extraordinary experience at various kayaking spots, such as Kabira Bay, the beautiful ocean, and rivers thick with mangroves, a canoe tour is the best choice♪. (39 in total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

fishing

For those who have been interested in fishing but have never had a chance to try it... we recommend the "fishing" tour!

Even if it is your first time, the guide will give you a detailed lecture so that you can target big fish, which is typical of Okinawa.The fish you catch can be cooked at the tavern.

We hope you will experience something unique to your trip to Ishigaki Island.

Held on Ishigaki Island! Click here for recommended fishing tours

Ishigaki Island/Three hours】Adults from 5 years old are welcome to join!開始時間8:00-11:30 / 12:30-16:30所要時間Approx. 3 hours13,000 yen →10,000yen

Ishigakijima Island/Fishing/Half-day morning】Repeaters are coming back for the popular guide...! (No.558)開始時間8:00-12:00所要時間Approx. 4 hours13,000 yen

Ishigaki Island / Fishing] We can handle anything! Charter a boat for a half-day course Beginners welcome♪ (No.393)開始時間8:00-12:00 / 13:00-17:00所要時間Approx. 4 hours45,000 yen

Learn more about fishing

Ishigaki Island Sea Fishing and Boat Fishing Experience Tour Small children and first-timers are welcome☆ Let's experience fishing in Ishigaki Island! The sea of "Ishigaki Island", the center of the Yaeyama Islands, is blessed with a mild climate unique to the subtropical zone, so you can catch a lot more fish than expected! Moreover, beginners and children can enjoy fishing together [...]. (28 total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

Manufacturing Experience

An indoor manufacturing experience recommended for rainy days.

There are many plans that can only be experienced on Ishigaki Island, such as resin art that gives shape to the sea and the unique Yaeyama mincer weaving experience.

Held on Ishigaki Island! Click here for the manufacturing experience.

Ishigaki Island / 1.5 hours] Same-day reservation OK & professional instructor will guide you! Resin Art Experience Course (No.418)開始時間10:00-11:30 / 11:00-12:30 / 13:30-15:00 / 14:30-16:00 / 15:30-17:00 / 16:30-18:00所要時間Approximately 1 hr. 30 min.6,500 yen →6,300yen

Ishigaki Island/Indoor Experience/2 hours] Same-day reservation OK☆Only here in Ishigaki Island! Animal Candle Making Experience ★ Take home on the same day!開始時間9:00~ / 10:00~ / 11:00~ / 12:00~ / 13:00~ / 14:00~ / 15:00~ (in Japanese)所要時間Approx. 2 hours9,800 yen →3,900yen

Ishigaki Island, Resin Art] Same-day reservation available★Authentic resin art "Ocean Art Board" making experience 《with photo gift》 (No.340)開始時間11:30-15:30
*Please call us for other time requests.所要時間Approx. 1 to 1.5 hours7,000 yen

Learn more about the manufacturing experience

Ishigaki Island's craftsmanship and handmade experiences Same-day/one day before reservation OK】Let's compare and reserve handmade experience tours in Ishigaki Island easily! Why don't you take this opportunity to make your travel memories such as making Okinawan Shisa, bracelet with Minsa patterned stone, resin art made with Ishigaki Island sand, and so on. The experience is indoors, so you can participate even on a rainy day! (27 total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

Stargazing & Night Tours

Night tours are also popular where you can observe the star-filled sky unique to Ishigaki Island and explore the jungle at night.

The winter air is crystal clear and shooting stars are easy to spot.

Encountering the unique subtropical flora and fauna is an exciting experience for adults and children alike!

Click here for recommendations for starry sky night tours.

Ishigaki Island/Night] Same-day reservation OK! Natural planetarium! Starry sky & subtropical jungle night tour♪ Recommended for families with children and group tours (No.316)開始時間7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.所要時間Approx. 2 hours7,900 yen →4,900yen

Ishigaki Island/Night Sea Kayak Tour with free equipment rental and pick-up/drop-off (No.453)開始時間7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.所要時間Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes14,500 yen →7,900yen

Ishigakijima Island] Guided by a professional stargazing photographer☆Starry sky photo tour to enjoy one of the best starry skies in Japan★Recommended for couples, families, and women's travelers (No.356)開始時間20:00-22:00 (varies)所要時間Approx. 2 hours14,500 yen →7,900yen

Learn more about starry night tours

Ishigaki Island Stargazing & Night Safari Tour You will experience beautiful starry skies and subtropical flora and fauna that you will never experience anywhere else. A night tour is the best way to end the day! (15 in total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

summary

Although whale watching tours are not offered on Ishigaki Island, there are plenty of opportunities to encounter dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles.

Create special memories with winter activities unique to Ishigaki Island!

Click here to read the article in conjunction with this one.

The weather, clothing, and recommended activities for December on Ishigaki Island!You can enjoy Ishigaki Island even in December! For those who want to visit Ishigaki Island during the year-end and New Year vacations, we introduce local weather, recommended clothes, events, and things to do!

A thorough explanation of why it is recommended to visit Ishigaki Island in winter!Ishigaki Island is popular as a tropical resort from all over the world, and of course in summer, there are ways to enjoy the island only in winter. Here are 8 reasons why you should visit Ishigaki Island in winter.

What is the best season to travel to Ishigaki Island? Summary of advantages and disadvantages by spring, summer, fall and winter!Even the southernmost resort Ishigaki Island has four seasons. So, for those who are considering a trip to Ishigaki Island, we will introduce the advantages and disadvantages of each season and the best season for that time of year.