Ishigaki Island, Kabira Bay Glass Boat Guide! Fees, time required, attractions and sea turtle information
What is Kabira Bay Glass Boat?
Attraction and Enjoyment
The most beautiful spot in Ishigaki Island...At Kabira Bay, the “glass-bottom boat tour”—which lets you enjoy the crystal-clear waters without getting wet—is extremely popular.It is.
Through the glass windows in the boat's hull, you can observe colorful corals and tropical fish—and, if you're lucky, even see sea turtles swimming gracefully.
On this page, you'll find information about the Kawahira Bay glass-bottom boat...Travel Time, Highlights, How to Choose an Operator (Which One Is Best), and Recommended TimesHere, we’ll summarize and explain the key points you’ll want to know before trying it out.
◆For those who want to know the estimated time and highlights in advance
◆For those who are unsure which airline to choose (which one is best)
◆For those looking for activities that won't get you wet or fun things to do with kids
Click here to see the ranking of popular Ishigaki Island glass boat tours.
What is Kabira Bay?
Ishigaki Island's representative scenic spot
Kawahira Bay is one of Japan’s most spectacular scenic spots, having earned three stars in the Michelin Green Guide.
The contrast between the white sandy beaches and the emerald-green sea continues to captivate visitors.
The ocean's color shifts in layers due to the tidal currents in the bay, allowing you to enjoy different kinds of beauty in the same spot depending on the time of day and the weather♪
The panoramic view from the observation deck is breathtaking, and you’ll instantly understand why it’s acclaimed worldwide.
History of Black Butterfly Pearl Cultivation
Kawahira Bay has a long history as a black-lipped pearl farming area and has nurtured a unique culture alongside its beautiful natural surroundings.
The bay is largely sheltered from the open ocean, providing a calm environment ideal for pearl growth.
In the past, it was a major industry on the island that employed many people, and even today, pearl shops are scattered throughout the island, offering a glimpse into the island’s pearl farming heritage.
It is a spot with a profound charm where sightseeing and history blend harmoniously.
Directions from Ishigaki Airport/Retreat Island Terminal
Kabira Bay is conveniently accessible from Ishigaki Airport or the Ishigaki Port Terminal in the city center.
Car rental: Many rental cars are available near the airport, and the seaside route is scenic and ideal for driving.
Bus: Kabira Resort Line and other buses are available (about 45-60 minutes)
*Points: Early arrival is recommended as the parking lot is crowded during the season.
・Rental cars: They make it easy to set out from the city center and stop along the way to sightsee.
Bus: Operated by Higashi Unyu Bus (about 45-50 minutes)
Point：Because it departs from the city center, it is easy to make an itinerary with restaurants and sightseeing spots.
Features of the Kabira Bay Glass-Bottom Boat and
Reasons to Try It
A glass-bottom boat is a sightseeing boat that allows passengers to observe the underwater scenery through transparent glass windows in the boat's hull.
No need to dive into the ocean, so everyone from children to the elderly can safely enjoy the experience in their normal clothes.That's what makes it special!
This is a popular classic activity in Kabira Bay, with a variety of options ranging from small boats that hold about 10 people to large boats that hold about 40. Excluding group tours,Basically, no reservation is required.You can board the ship at
![★Fall Special SALE [Ishigaki Island / Approx. 2.5 hours] Same-day reservations accepted! SUP Tour at “Kabira Bay,” a world-renowned popular spot ★ Awarded three stars by the Michelin Guide ♪ Free photos & transportation included](https://ishigaki-tours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG_9631-825x510.jpg)
![★Winter Special SALE [Ishigaki Island / Half-Day] Same-Day Reservations Accepted! Awarded Three Stars in the Michelin Guide! Kayak Tour of “Kabira Bay,” a World-Renowned Popular Spot★Free Photos & Transportation Included](https://ishigaki-tours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG_9637-825x510.jpg)
Ship Types and Embarkation Styles
(small, large, group)
Various types of glass boats, from small to large, operate in Kabira Bay, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your number of people and travel style.
Small boats offer more flexible routes and can get closer to underwater attractions, providing a more immersive experience.
Large ships offer a sense of stability and are a safe choice for groups and families.Many boats are covered, making them comfortable even on sunny days.It is.
Click here to see the ranking of popular Ishigaki Island glass boat tours.
Where is the best place for a Kabira Bay glass boat?
Airlines and How to Choose One
There are several glass-bottom boat operators in Kabira Bay, and many people say they don't know which one to choose.
Prices are roughly the same across all companiesSo, when choosing,Features and Services by CompanyThe key is to look at it.
・The size and stability of the boat (whether it has a roof or not)
・Availability of a guide and quality of commentary
・Ease of getting on and off (for families with children and seniors)
Key Characteristics of Major Airlines
（Kaiho Marine, Marin is a very good friend of mine.
(Kabira Marine Service)
Kabira Bay has several operators, each with its own unique characteristics.
Kaikou MarineIt offers frequent service and short wait times, which are its main attractions.
Marin and Usuguru-kunIt's popular for its warm, welcoming service, so even first-time visitors can feel at ease.
Kawahira Marine ServiceIt operates many small boats and is recommended for those who want to get a close-up view of the underwater world.
Companies with high customer ratings all have one thing in common: their guides provide detailed explanations.
Not only does it let you simply look at the underwater world, but it also provides detailed explanations of the characteristics of the fish and coral, so,(degree of) satisfactionwill be high.
Estimated Fees and Reservations
The prices for glass-bottom boat tours in Kabira Bay are roughly the same across all companies, andAdults typically pay around 1,700 yen, or around 1,300 yen if booked online.This is a general guideline. Children's rates are typically about half the adult rate.
You can board the ride at the on-site ticket counter on the day of your visit, but,Online reservations not only get you a discount but also reduce your wait timeCan be done.
For a detailed overview of fare comparisons, discounts, same-day reservations, and flight status, check out this article.
↓Click here for details on rates, discounts, and reservations↓
Kabira Bay Glass Boat
Travel Time and Frequency
Glass BoatBoarding time is approximately 20-30 minutesare common and allow visitors to enjoy the underwater world in a short time.
Operations areEvery 15 to 30 minutesIt's available online, and one of its appeals is that it's easy to use whenever the mood strikes.
During busy times, there may be a short wait, but since the line moves quickly, it’s not too stressful!
It’s easy to fit into your sightseeing itinerary, and you can combine it with a visit to Kabira BayAbout 30 minutesIt's best to plan for this in advance to ensure things go smoothly.
Highlights of Kabira Bay by Glass Boat
Sea turtles and corals
On a glass-bottom boat tour of Kabira Bay, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of colorful tropical fish swimming in schools among the branching and table corals that cover the seabed.
If the timing is right.You might even spot a sea turtle, and your chances of seeing one are higher in the morning.There is a tendency.
Butterflyfishes
Sea cucumbers/starfish (e.g., blue starfish)
Pomacentrids (e.g., Luris sparrow sparrow sparrow sparrow sparrow sparrow sparrow)
Green turtles (high probability of encounter)
Table corals, branching corals, and coral reef corals
Another attraction is that the sea changes its hue from emerald green to deep blue depending on the time of day, offering different views with each season.
The waters in the bay are calm and there is little rocking, so children and seniors can enjoy the boat ride with peace of mind.
Kabira Bay Glass Boat
Recommended Times and Best Season
Even on the same glass boat,time zoneand ... andseasonThis greatly affects how the underwater world looks.
We especially recommendSpring to AutumnPlus, the water is crystal clear and there’s a wide variety of fish.
It operates even in winter, so you can enjoy it at a leisurely pace with fewer tourists. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your visit.
Recommended time for a beautiful view of the ocean
The most recommended time of day is,From mid-morning to mid-afternoon.It is.
Especially from 10:00 to 14:00, sunlight shines into the sea and corals and fishes can be seen clearly.
Conversely, be aware that in the evening, light levels decrease and transparency appears to be slightly reduced.
By keeping track of the time on the Kabira Bay Glass-Bottom Boat,(degree of) satisfactionwill vary greatly.
Tips on times to avoid crowds
The peak tourist hours are from around 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wait times tend to be longer, especially during long weekends and summer vacation.
If you want to avoid crowds,first thing in the morningかearly eveningWe recommend visiting during this time of day. The ocean is often calm in the morning, and the water may appear even clearer.
congestion avoidanceandBeautyIf you want to do both, first thing in the morning is your best bet. ◎
What to Expect and What to Bring for the Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
The glass-bottom boat tour of Kabira Bay begins after you purchase your ticket, when you’ll be informed of your boarding time and guided to the boat by a staff member.
Instead of boarding from a pier, you’ll board from a boat waiting at the water’s edge after walking along the white sandy beach.
The staff’s commentary highlights the key points, so even first-time visitors can enjoy the experience with peace of mind.
Items to bring:Hat, Camera (Smartphone), DrinkIt's so nice to have one!
If you're worried about getting seasick,Preventative Motion Sickness MedicationIt’s reassuring to be mindful of staying hydrated. Since there’s almost no risk of getting wet, you can participate in your regular clothes.
Glass Boat + α: 5 Popular Tours
Kabira Bay, the No. 1 popular tourist spot in Ishigaki Island, offers a popular set plan that includes a glass boat.
The best part is that you can combine the glass-bottom boat ride with a variety of marine activities!
Here, we’ll introduce a carefully selected lineup of year-round tour packages offered by “Ishigaki Island Tours,” a travel agency specializing in Ishigaki Island.
Landing on Phantom Island & Snorkeling
×x Kabira Bay Glass Boat Tour
Glass boat experience in "Kabira Bay" and landing on "Phantom Island," an uninhabited island with a spectacular view and snorkeling experience.Super Satisfaction PlanIt is.
The waters off the "Phantom Island" are known as the Sekisei LagoonOne of the largest coral reefs in JapanIt's also famous for its beautiful coral reefs. You can swim among colorful corals and cute fish in the crystal-clear waters.
If you don't want to get wet, you can skip the snorkeling and just relax on the boat while taking in the stunning views. ◎
The guide takes photos with a special camera, andFree data giftThere are also some great services available.
Blue Cave Snorkeling
×x Kabira Bay Glass Boat Tour
This package includes a glass-bottom boat tour of "Kabira Bay," where you can enjoy beautiful scenery, and snorkeling at the "Blue Cave."
You can go ashore to explore the interior of the cave and observe the stalactites and other mysterious sights of Ishigaki Island. Swimming among the colorful fish, reminiscent of the Palace of the Dragon King, is one of the highlights of the experience.
From the boat, you can see coral and tropical fish,If the timing is right, you might even spot a sea turtle.
Kabira Bay SUP
×x Kabira Bay Glass Boat Tour
This package lets you enjoy a glass-bottom boat tour and SUP at "Kawahira Bay." SUP stands for "stand-up paddleboarding," a water sport that's rapidly gaining popularity around the world.
Standing on a surfboard, paddling, and gliding smoothly across the waterRefreshing feeling...is the main attraction. The underwater world seen from the glass-bottom boat is trulyNatural aquariumIt seems that the
Unexplored and spectacular photo
×x Kabira Bay Glass Boat Tour
After enjoying the underwater scenery from a glass-bottom boat, this tour takes you to some of Ishigaki Island’s hidden gems.
You can visit quiet, uncrowded spots and breathtaking natural scenery, and enjoy taking photos and going for walks.
You can explore hidden gems with few tourists and fully enjoy the island's laid-back pace.
EV Trike Experience
×x Kabira Bay Glass Boat Tour
After enjoying the underwater view from the glass-bottom boat, you can tour the island on an EV trike (electric three-wheeled motorcycle).
Since you can drive around freely and visit scenic spots, it's recommended for active travelers and photography enthusiasts.
This is a new type of tour where you can enjoy Ishigaki Island from both sea and land perspectives.
![[Okinawa, Ishigaki Island] Guided Tour of Ishigaki Island’s Scenic Spot, “Kabira Bay”! EV Trike Tour & EV Glass-Bottom Boat Experience (No. 598) – Featured Image](https://ishigaki-tours.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_4533-scaled-e1693029340452-825x510.jpg)
Enjoy with glass boat experience
Facilities around Kabira Bay
Here is a guide to facilities around Kabira Bay that you can enjoy together with the glass boat experience.
Kabira Village, located in front of Kabira Park overlooking Kabira Bay, is dotted with unique restaurants and souvenir stores that cannot be found in the city center.
Let's take a walk together with Kabira Bay.
Enjoy the spectacular view and lunch!
Kabira village is home to a surprisingly large number of famous eateries.
After refreshing your mind and body while gazing out at the Kabira Blue sea, let's enjoy some Kawabe cuisine!
Here are some island lunch restaurants with a loco feel that are popular with islanders.
Kabira Park Tea House
Kabira Park Tea House is a restaurant located in Kabira Park, where the same old taste ofYaeyama soba (buckwheat noodles)is the signature dish.
You can also enjoy simple Okinawan regional dishes such as champuru and stir-fried vegetable set meals. It tends to get crowded at lunchtime, so it’s best to go early.
Business hours: 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closed on Thursdays
Parking available (free of charge)
Ishigaki Beef Kebab Kaboo
This is Japan's southernmost kebab shop, located inside Shima-eki Kabira Garden.
This is the only place on Ishigaki Island where you can eat Ishigaki beef kebabs.
"Kebab" (Turkish) is a general term for dishes in which meat, vegetables, fish, and other ingredients are roasted. Ishigaki Beef KebabTake-out is also available.I recommend it because it is a great way to get the most out of your time in Japan.
Business hours: 12:00-15:00
Closed Sunday
Parking available (charged)
Kabira Garden
The restaurant is located at the entrance of Kabira Park.
You can enjoy dishes unique to Ishigaki Island, such as Yaeyama soba and beef bowls made with Ishigaki beef. Inside the restaurant,Many seatsThe "K" series is also available for groups of people.
Business hours: 9:30-17:00 (restaurant open 11:00-14:00)
Closed: No regular holidays
Parking available (charged)
Shopping at souvenir shops in Kabira Bay
After enjoying lunch at Kabira Village, stop by the souvenir shop.
The Yaeyama Islands are home to many local specialties—from seafood and mountain produce to folk art, handicrafts, and accessories—so be sure to take home some fun souvenirs to remember your trip by.
Luminous shell Y's studio
Located about a 2-minute drive from Kabira Bay, Y's Studio—home to the luminescent clams—is,Ishigaki Island Yakogai (Yako-gai)The store sells accessories processed from
Everything is handmade, and the most popular items are accessories featuring sea turtles from Ishigaki Island.
We also carry rare seals made from luminescent shells. We recommend wearing handmade accessories made from these shells—often called “the jade of the sea”—as good-luck charms.
Business hours: 10:00-18:00
Closed: No regular holidays
Parking available (free of charge)
Kabira Farm
Kabira Farm is located on a hill overlooking the innermost part of Kabira Bay.Passion fruit specialty storeIt is.
They handle everything from cultivation to processing and sales, and you can sample drinks and jams right in the store. Why not try the authentic taste of tropical fruits?
Business hours: 10:00-18:00
Closed: No regular holidays
Parking available (free of charge)
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Ishigaki Island.
About the Glass-Bottom Boat Tour in Kabira Bay
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
summary
In this article, we introduced the appeal of glass-bottom boat tours in Kabira Bay and how to enjoy them.
The Kabira Bay Glass-Bottom Boat isEstimated time: 20–30 minutes; generally no reservation requiredIt’s a classic activity that everyone—from children to seniors—can easily enjoy.
Since fares are pretty much the same across all airlines,Services and Reviews (Which Ones Are Good?)That's the key to choosing.
The ocean looks beautifulFrom 10:00 a.m. to around 2:00 p.m.If you aim for these, you'll be able to enjoy the coral and sea turtles in even greater detail.
Kabira Bay is located inOne of the world's most beautiful spots. In addition to the glass-bottom boat, there are plenty of other attractions, including activities, dining, and shopping, so please enjoy a truly special and luxurious experience.
↓Click here for details on rates, discounts, and reservations↓
Click here↓ to read the article.
![[Ishigaki Island / Approx. 2.5 hours] Same-day reservations accepted! SUP tour to the mystical “Blue Cave”★ A new experience in crystal-clear waters♪ Free photos](https://ishigaki-tours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/DB89F99F-C338-4E76-BC19-CEC4FDDE95AC-1-825x510.jpeg)
