Meet sea turtles in Ishigaki Island! A Complete Guide to the Phantom Island & Blue Cave Snorkeling Spots

Ishigaki Island is a snorkeling paradise!

Ishigaki Island is,An island rich in nature located in the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa PrefectureIt is.

Because of its emerald green waters, colorful coral reefs, and tropical fishPopular as a snorkeling spotIt is!

It is known as one of the best snorkeling destinations in Japan, with many spots where tropical fish and sea turtles can be seen even from shallow waters.

Ishigaki Island Blue Cave
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You can meet sea turtles.
Ishigaki Island Snorkeling

Ishigaki Island is surrounded by crystal clear waters, pristine nature, and one of the largest coral reefs in Japan, Seokuseiko, which is home to many sea creatures.

The clarity of the sea is very high throughout the year, and there are chances to see manta rays and sea turtles.Therefore, many divers and snorkelers from Japan and abroad visit the area!

Why Ishigaki Island has a high encounter rate with sea turtles

The waters around Ishigaki Island are known as an area where sea turtles come to lay eggs and rest.

Especially in the Osaki area and Yonehara Beach, because of the abundance of seaweed, which provides a feeding ground for sea turtles,There is a relatively high probability of encountering sea turtles!

If you join a tour with a professional guide, you can even see sea turtles up close!

One of the best snorkeling spots in Japan

Ishigaki Island is one of the southernmost islands in Japan,Relatively high sea water temperature and high transparencyIt is known for its

Snorkeling can be enjoyed year-round, and there are many attractive snorkeling spots scattered around the island, making it popular with both beginners and repeat visitors.

Ishigaki Island Blue Cave
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Ishigaki Island Recommendation
7 snorkeling spots

Ishigaki Island has many attractive snorkeling spots.

A spot where you can see sea turtles and colorful tropical fish up close.If you want to experience snorkeling in Ishigaki Island, why not visit there?

Phantom Island (Hamashima)

Phantom Island is an uninhabited island with a pure white sandy beach that appears in the sea only at low tide. The location is truly worthy of the name "phantom.

Because the surrounding area is shallow, tropical fish and coral can be seen up close,Popular photo spot for beginners.Â

⬇︎Planning for the Phantom Island event is here: ⬇︎

Ishigaki Island / 1 Day] Go to the Phantom Island & Blue Cave! Ishigaki Island Perfect Snorkeling Pack Tour 《Free Photo & Pick-up & Drop-off》（No.460)開始時間8:00-16:30所要時間Approx. 8.5 hours29,000 yen →directional marker or indicator15,000suffix for names of swords, armour, musical instruments, etc.

Ishigaki Island / 1 Day] Landing on Phantom Island + Tropical Snorkeling + Blue Cave Exploration, Sea Turtle Beach Snorkeling 《Including equipment rental & lunch》There are goods to show off and children can also enjoy! (No.401)開始時間8:20-16:00所要時間Approx. 7 hours13,800 yen →directional marker or indicator12,500suffix for names of swords, armour, musical instruments, etc.

Blue Cave

The Blue Cave in Ishigaki Island is a fantastic place where the light shining into the cave makes the seawater glow blue.

Colorful fish and sea turtles can be seen around the caves,One of the most popular spots for snorkeling and divingIt is!

Ishigaki Island Blue Cave
Click here for tours that can be booked on the same day.

⬇︎Check out the plan to hold the Blue Cave here: ⬇︎

Ishigaki Island Complete Plan (Kabira Bay SUP/Canoe + Blue Cave Snorkeling + Mangrove SUP/Canoe) with Free Photo & Pick-up & Drop-off☆ (No.274)開始時間9:00-19:00
*Changes depending on the season.所要時間Approx. 10 hours39,600 yen →directional marker or indicator19,800suffix for names of swords, armour, musical instruments, etc.

Ishigaki Island / 1 Day] Conquer the ocean and river☆Longest in Ishigaki Island! Miyara River Mangrove SUP/Canoe & Blue Cave Snorkeling Tour ★ ＜Free Photo & Pick-up & Drop-off＞ (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 →directional marker or indicator13,500suffix for names of swords, armour, musical instruments, etc.

Ishigaki Island] Same-day reservation OK! Enjoy from the afternoon♪ Blue Cave Snorkeling & Sunset SUP/Kayak Tour☆Free photo & pick-up & drop-off included (No.319)開始時間Summer: 13:30-20:30
Winter] 13:30-19:30所要時間Approx. 6 hours28,000 yen →directional marker or indicator13,500suffix for names of swords, armour, musical instruments, etc.

Yonehara Beach

Yonehara Beach is conveniently accessible by car.

The coral reef extends right from the beach, making it ideal for self-snorkeling. There is also a rest area along the beach, which is popular with families with children!

Around Kabira Bay

Kabira Bay is theA spot selected as one of the "100 most beautiful sceneries in Japan" due to the beauty of its scenery.It is!

Snorkeling in the bay is limited, but it is possible to experience it if you join a tour and enjoy the clear waters and beautiful coral reefs!

⬇︎Planning for the Kabira Bay event is here: ⬇︎

Ishigaki Island/1 Day] Glass Boat Experience & Blue Cave Snorkeling Tour at "Kabira Bay"★Free Photo (No.392)開始時間9:00-15:30所要時間Approximately 6.5 hours13,800 yen →directional marker or indicator9,800suffix for names of swords, armour, musical instruments, etc.

Ishigaki Island / 1 Day】To the 2 most spectacular spots you must visit at least once! Kabira Bay Glass Boat & SUP Experience and Blue Cave Snorkeling Tour (No.397)開始時間8:00-16:00所要時間The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A":15,500 yen

Lake Shihshihshan

Ishisei Jagako, which stretches between Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island, is a largeApproximately 15 km from north to south and 20 km from east to westIn,It is one of the largest coral reef groups in Japan!

Numerous snorkeling spots are scattered throughout the vast area, offering the experience of being surrounded by colorful fish.

⬇︎Planning for the Ishiqi Jiaohu event can be found here: ⬇︎

Ishigaki Island / 1 Day] Landing on Phantom Island + Tropical Snorkeling + Blue Cave Exploration, Sea Turtle Beach Snorkeling 《Including equipment rental & lunch》There are goods to show off and children can also enjoy! (No.401)開始時間8:20-16:00所要時間Approx. 7 hours13,800 yen →directional marker or indicator12,500suffix for names of swords, armour, musical instruments, etc.

Osaki Beach

The area around the Osaki area is popular for its high rate of encounters with sea turtles!

Since it is somewhat deep, tour participation is recommended. Enjoy a safe encounter with sea turtles under the guidance of a veteran guide!

Ishigaki Island Blue Cave
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100% sea turtle encounter rate?
Recommended Snorkeling Tours

If you want to increase your chances of meeting sea turtles,Participating in a snorkeling tour with a professional guide is recommended.It's ☆.

Popular tours, such as the Phantom Island & Sea Turtle Observation Plan and the Blue Cave & Coral Viewing Tour in particular, allow visitors to experience multiple attractions in an efficient manner.

Early reservations are recommended as reservations tend to fill up during peak season!

⬇︎Here is a plan to meet sea turtles with high probability ⬇︎

Ishigaki Island/Half Day] Reservation OK on the day! You may see sea turtles☆Snorkeling & cave exploration tour in the unexplored "Blue Cave"★Free photo and 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 →directional marker or indicator6,900suffix for names of swords, armour, musical instruments, etc.

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 ★ ＜Free Photo & Pick-up Service＞ (No.349)開始時間9:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 7 hours29,000 yen →directional marker or indicator13,500suffix for names of swords, armour, musical instruments, etc.

Ishigaki Island / 1 Day] Landing on Phantom Island + Tropical Snorkeling + Blue Cave Exploration, Sea Turtle Beach Snorkeling 《Including equipment rental & lunch》There are goods to show off and children can also enjoy! (No.401)開始時間8:20-16:00所要時間Approx. 7 hours13,800 yen →directional marker or indicator12,500suffix for names of swords, armour, musical instruments, etc.

Ishigakijima Island/one day] Blue Cave Exploration + Sea Turtle Beach Snorkeling + Over 10 kinds of marine sports! Recommended for group trip (No.399)開始時間8:20-16:30所要時間Approx. 7 hours18,500 yen →directional marker or indicator17,500suffix for names of swords, armour, musical instruments, etc.

Best season to swim with sea turtles

If you go to Ishigaki Island, you definitely want to see sea turtles! If you want to see sea turtles, we recommend you to visit Ishigaki Island during the period when you have a high probability of seeing sea turtles!

Check the time of year and time of day when sea turtles are more likely to be encountered before you visit Ishigaki Island♪.

The best time to encounter sea turtles

Although sea turtles can be seen throughout the year, especiallyEncounter rates are high during the spawning season from May to September.It is!

They come closer to the coast this time of year for spawning and breeding, so it's easier to spot them while snorkeling.

Highly Encountered Time of Day

There is no specific time of day when sea turtles are more likely to be encountered, though,Low tide around noon is the best time to encounter them.It is said!

I want to catch a glimpse of a sea turtle! If you want to see sea turtles, it is recommended to book a tour with the time of year and the time of day in mind♪.

Tips for enjoying snorkeling in Ishigaki Island

How to enjoy snorkeling in Ishigaki Island to the fullest,Advance preparation and timing are critical.It is.

By planning according to the weather and ocean conditions, checking the necessary belongings and equipment, and dressing comfortably, you can have a safer and more fulfilling snorkeling experience.

Recommended season, time of day, and weather conditions

If you want to enjoy snorkeling in Ishigaki Island,The best season is from spring to early summer and autumn when the sea is clear and the waves are calm!

It is especially recommended in the mornings when the winds are light and sea conditions are more stable.

During typhoon season and rainy weather, visibility can be poor and dangerous, so plan accordingly by checking the weather forecast.

What to Bring & What to Wear Guide

Rash guard, underwater mask, snorkel, and fins are basic equipment. We recommend plans that include snorkeling equipment rental fees for easy preparation!

If you have a waterproof case for your phone or an underwater camera, you will be able to record your memories.

Tour for beginners and with children

If you are a beginner or taking children snorkeling, it is important to choose a tour that has safety measures in place.

Small groups, guided tours, and plans equipped with life jackets provide peace of mind.

Choose a tour that offers spots for shallow-water swimming and courses that children can enjoy!

⬇︎For child-friendly plans, visit ⬇︎

Ishigaki Island / 1 Day] Landing on Phantom Island + Tropical Snorkeling + Blue Cave Exploration, Sea Turtle Beach Snorkeling 《Including equipment rental & lunch》There are goods to show off and children can also enjoy! (No.401)開始時間8:20-16:00所要時間Approx. 7 hours13,800 yen →directional marker or indicator12,500suffix for names of swords, armour, musical instruments, etc.

Snorkeling in Ishigaki Island
For more fun

To truly enjoy the beautiful ocean of Ishigaki Island,Consideration for the natural environment and good manners are also important.It is.

If you are lucky, you may even encounter big game such as sea turtles and manta rays. Please enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime encounter while observing good manners!

Environmental Consideration and Manners

In order to preserve the sea of Ishigaki Island for the future, it is essential to care for the environment while snorkeling.

The act of touching coral or feeding fish has a negative impact on the ecosystem.

Also, do not forget basic manners such as not bringing garbage into the ocean and not taking natural objects home with you!

If you are lucky, you will see manta rays?

In the waters around Ishigaki Island, if you are lucky, you may see manta rays (manta rays)!

Especially in some areas such as Kabira-Shizaki,World famous manta pointThe sea turtles and manta rays are a must-see. In addition to sea turtles, encounters with giant, graceful manta rays make for an unforgettable experience.

However, encounters are not guaranteed, so do not expect too much and enjoy the natural encounter!

summary

Ishigaki Island offers a wide variety of spots and natural attractions that can be enjoyed by snorkeling novices and experienced snorkelers alike.

In particular, the high rate of encounters with sea turtles and spectacular scenic spots such as Phantom Island and the Blue Cave are popular!

Please refer to this article and have an inspiring experience in the ocean of Ishigaki Island.

⬇︎Read the article in conjunction with ⬇︎

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