The Mecca of snorkeling! 7 snorkeling tours ranking in Ishigaki Island
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Ishigaki Island is a great place for snorkeling alone!
Ishigaki Island is located south of the main island of Okinawa and is the second largest island after Iriomote Island. The area around the island is one of the best diving spots in Japan, and although diving is becoming popular, snorkeling is also an easy way to enjoy the ocean. Snorkeling is a marine leisure activity to enjoy the underwater world while swimming on the surface or in shallow water, and can be enjoyed more easily than diving.
It is safe and enjoyable even if you cannot swim, so it is recommended for those who are not accustomed to the sea. Located between Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands, Ishinishi lagoon has Japan's representative coral reef ecosystem, which is not only in demand for diving and snorkeling, but is also a valuable environmental resource.
Ranking of 7 snorkeling spots in Ishigaki Island
Here we introduce 7 snorkeling spots that are especially popular in Ishigaki Island. Please check each spot for basic information such as prices, hours, meeting place, and reservations, as well as reference schedule and characteristics of each spot.
Landing on Phantom Island & Snorkeling
This plan allows you to land on Hamashima, a "phantom island" on Ishigaki Island, and enjoy photographing the scenery and snorkeling. This course starts at 8:00 am and ends at noon. Hamashima Island is attractive not only for its exterior scenery but also for its underwater scenery. You can see beautiful corals and tropical fishes passing among them up close. The scenery of Hamashima is so beautiful that it has been used for filming for television and other media, and is sure to be a hit on social networking sites.
The coral area around Hama Island is ideal for snorkeling, with clear waters and fish swimming in them. The trip to Hama Island takes about 30 minutes by boat. You will explore the island and will be given a thorough explanation of the precautions for beginners when snorkeling. You will be dropped off at your desired location on both the way to and from the island.
The price is usually 7,900 yen. Rental equipment and other items necessary for snorkeling are included in the price, so all you need to bring is your swimsuit and towel (please wear your swimsuit on the day of the tour)! This plan is held year-round and lasts about 4 hours in the morning/afternoon, so feel free to join.
Blue Cave Snorkeling
This plan allows you to enjoy snorkeling in and around the Blue Cave, which is considered one of the most unexplored areas in Ishigaki Island. The beach is shallow, so even children and people who are not good at swimming can enjoy it safely. Exploring the wide cave will be an experience that will make you feel the mystery of nature. In addition to snorkeling, diving and video recording with a special camera are also recommended. There are many tropical fish around the coral reef, and you can experience the beauty of nature by snorkeling on the shallow beach.
The waters in and around the Blue Cave are very clear and you will be able to capture the underwater scene clearly. This is a 2-hour plan, and there are plans to arrive at the Blue Cave at 10:00, 14:00, and 17:00 respectively. The fee is 5,900 yen for both adults and children, and includes life jackets and other essential snorkeling items as well as insurance. The only things you need to prepare by yourself are a swimsuit, towel, and drink, so feel free to join the tour.
Snorkeling at the "Miracle Island" Barasu Island
This is a snorkeling plan at the popular Barasu Island in Iriomote Island. You can join from Ishigaki Island, and there are courses in the morning and until the evening. You will encounter sea turtles and bear fleas quite often during snorkeling, and you will be able to swim with them. Barasu Island is also known as "Miracle Island" because it is sometimes hidden by the tide.
Even if you do not encounter sea turtles, the sight of beautiful coral reefs is well worth the snorkeling. The fee is 7,500 yen for adults and 6,500 yen for children up to elementary school age, and includes equipment such as life jackets and insurance. No special preparation is required other than a camera, cell phone, and sun protection items. This plan is especially recommended for those who want to see sea turtles up close.
Panari Island Snorkeling
This plan includes snorkeling and walking around the unexplored Panari Island, which can be reached from Ishigaki Island. Panari Island is officially called Aragusukujima (新城島) and has the sea that became a mermaid legend. You can spend a whole day enjoying the unspoiled nature of the island and its beaches. There are still many colorful corals in the sea around Panari Island, and you can also snorkel to see tropical fish of a size that you would normally have to dive to see.
The villages on the island are unspoiled, old-fashioned scenes that fit the image of Okinawa. The fee is 10,500 yen for adults, 8,500 yen for elementary school-aged children, and 500 yen for infants (insurance fee only). Please bring your own swimsuit, change of clothes, sun protection, and anti-sickness medication. This is a full-day plan from 9:20 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., so you can enjoy Panari Island to the fullest.
Kohama Island Snorkeling
This plan allows you to enjoy snorkeling at two locations in the ocean around Kohama Island. The area around Kohama Island has Japan's world-class coral reef areas, which are well developed even at shallow depths. It is rare to find a spot where you can casually touch coral reefs and schools of tropical fish by snorkeling. The target age is 3 years old and up, so even toddlers between 3 and 5 years old can float safely with a life jacket. Even non-swimmers can safely enjoy the experience as they are carefully taught how to use a mask and how to catch their breath.
Fees are 8,000 yen for adults, 6,000 yen for children (6-12 years old), and 2,000 yen for infants (3-5 years old). Fees include guide fees and equipment rental. Please bring your own swimsuits and towels. Morning and afternoon courses are available, each lasting approximately 3 hours.
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Churaumi Snorkeling - Half Day Course
Star Sand Beach Snorkeling
This plan allows you to fully enjoy Hoshisuna Beach, one of the best snorkeling spots in Iriomote Island. More than 100 kinds of fish inhabit the beach of Hoshisuna Beach, and you can easily admire them by snorkeling. It is possible to participate from Ishigaki Island. Sand from Star Sand Beach is considered lucky, so you can put it in a small bottle and use it as a good luck charm.
You will be amazed at how many fish you will find in knee-deep water at the beach. This is a 2.5 hour course and you can choose your desired start time from early morning to late evening. The fee is 5,900 yen for both adults and children. The fee includes everything from insurance to rental of necessary equipment, so all you need to prepare on your own is a swimsuit, change of clothes, and sunscreen items.
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Snorkeling at Hoshisuna Beach to see 100 kinds of colorful fish
Ear-cutting beach snorkeling
This plan offers snorkeling at a secret beach that is not well known to tourists. It is said that sea turtles come ashore at this beach, but there is little detailed information available on the Internet. The course is for a small group of less than 6 participants, and since there are few pedestrians, you can feel as if you have the whole place to yourself.
Recommended for those who want to enjoy snorkeling in a relaxed atmosphere. The fee for both adults and children is 6,900 yen, which includes everything from guide fees and insurance to snorkeling equipment rental. Please bring your own change of clothes, sunscreen, and swimsuit. This is a 2-hour course and you can choose the start time from early morning to late afternoon. Please consult with us about your preferred time when you make your reservation.
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A secret beach where sea turtles come ashore! Snorkeling in a private and exclusive atmosphere!
summary
In this article, we have carefully selected 7 snorkeling spots around Ishigaki Island. All of them are recommended for beginners who want to enjoy snorkeling casually. If you are afraid of diving, it may be a good place to try it out. There are not many places where you can enjoy precious environmental resources such as coral reefs and schools of tropical fish. If you visit Ishigaki Island, please try snorkeling, it is recommended for photo lovers as the scenery looks great on SNS.
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Ishigaki Island Tours
