What is the best time to see sea turtles in Ishigaki Island? Complete guide to snorkeling spots with high encounter rate & tour information
Table of Contents
- 1 Ishigaki Island is the best place to meet sea turtles!
- 2 Types of sea turtles that can be found on Ishigaki Island
- 3 Characteristics of sea turtles on Ishigaki Island
- 4 High sea turtle encounter rate 5 recommended snorkeling spots
- 5 Recommended Sea Turtle Tours on Ishigaki Island
- 6 Cautions and manners during sea turtle encounters
- 7 summary
Ishigaki Island is the best place to meet sea turtles!
The emerald blue sea of Ishigaki Island is home to a variety of creatures including coral and tropical fish. Among them,Especially popular are sea turtlesIt is!
Ishigaki Island thanks to its subtropical climate,Sea turtles can be seen at a high rate throughout the year.The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
This article introduces snorkeling spots where you have a high probability of encountering sea turtles, as well as recommended sea turtle encounter tours!
◆Those who want to experience snorkeling in Ishigaki Island
◆If you are looking for activities to see sea turtles on Ishigaki Island
◆If you want to know the snorkeling spots where you can encounter sea turtles in Ishigaki Island.
Ishigaki Island Blue Cave
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Types of sea turtles that can be found on Ishigaki Island
In the sea around Ishigaki Island,You can encounter multiple species of sea turtles!
If you join a snorkeling or diving plan that offers a high probability of encountering sea turtles, you can see them up close and personal.
Here we introduce three typical species that can be encountered on Ishigaki Island.
green turtle (Chelonia mydas)
The green sea turtle is the most frequently encountered species.
They are mild-mannered and swim leisurely, feeding on coral reefs and seaweed in the shallows.Around 1 meter in length, the largest sea turtle in the world.It is!
It is characterized by a slightly rounded shell. They are especially common around Phantom Island and while snorkeling at Yonehara Beach.
loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)
Loggerhead turtles are slightly smaller than green turtles and have a reddish-brown, rugged shell.
In the North Pacific, it can only be seen in Japan, mainly on Iriomote Island, south of Ishigaki Island.
The encounter rate is lower than that of green turtles,Swimming in shallow water during spawning seasonI've been doing it for a while!
hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
The hawksbill turtle, with its sharply pointed beak-like mouth, feeds mainly on sponges found in coral crevices.
The length of the body is 60-70 cm.Smallest size among the three types of fields.It is the second easiest sea turtle to encounter after the green turtle! It is known as the second easiest sea turtle to encounter after the green turtle!
You might be able to meet them if you join a snorkeling or diving plan.
Characteristics of sea turtles on Ishigaki Island
The "time of year" and "place" are very important in whether or not you can meet sea turtles.
There is a high possibility that sea turtles can be seen throughout the year on Ishigaki Island,It is recommended to go during the season when the encounter rate is higher.It is!
Sea Turtle Ecology
Sea turtles are marine reptiles, represented by green turtles and hawksbill turtles. They feed mainly on seaweed and jellyfish and migrate long distances. During the breeding season, females come ashore at night to lay eggs.
The hatchlings go to the sea to grow up, but the survival rate is very low and conservation efforts are important.
What month is the highest rate of sea turtle encounters?
Sea turtles live around Ishigaki Island all year round, but are especially active from spring to summer when the sea water temperature rises.
From April to October, the water temperature is stable and sea turtles are more active. In particularSpawning season from May to Septemberincreases the likelihood of encountering sea turtles swimming in the shallows to lay eggs!
Ishigaki Island Blue Cave
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High rate of sea turtle encounters
Five recommended snorkeling spots
There are numerous snorkeling and diving spots on Ishigaki Island.
Here are five of the most popular spots to encounter sea turtles.
Yonehara Beach
Yonehara Beach on Ishigaki Island is,Snorkeling spots with high encounter rates with sea turtlesIt is known as theThe coral reefs and "W Reef" that stretch right off the beach are home to green turtles and hawksbill turtles, which can be observed in the shallows.
Especially if you take a snorkeling tour,The encounter rate with sea turtles is over 90%.It is considered to be a
However, offshore areas are subject to strong currents,Safe to take guided toursIt is.Yonehara Beach is a great place for both beginners and advanced divers to experience the charm of the natural sea.
Access: 23 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport
Kabira Bay
Kabira Bay is Ishigaki Island's representative scenic spot, with beautiful emerald green waters.Swimming is prohibited due to the fast currents, though,Activities such as SUP, canoeing and glass boats are popular.It is!
SUP and canoeing are recommended to experience looking for sea turtles while moving on the surface of the water!swimwith regard to (used after a person's name, a personal pronoun, etc.)Even those who are not comfortable withThe park is a place where visitors can enjoy a close encounter with nature.
Access: 30 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport
⬇︎Planning for the Kabira Bay event is here: ⬇︎
Phantom Island (Hamashima)
The "Phantom Island (Hamashima)" of Ishigaki Island is,A popular spot on an uninhabited white sand island where the encounter rate with sea turtles is said to be over 90%.It is!
The surrounding Shihsi lagoon is rich in coral and tropical fish, and sea turtles can be seen swimming near the surface.
Snorkeling tours are safe for beginners and children, and offer an exciting encounter with sea turtles.It is a place of beautiful scenery and abundant marine life.
Access: 30 minutes by boat from Ishigaki Island
⬇︎Planning for the Phantom Island event is here: ⬇︎
Osaki Beach
Osaki area in the northwestern part of Ishigaki Island is a popular spot where the encounter rate with sea turtles is over 90%!
Coral reefs spread out in the shallow sea, and snorkeling and diving are available.Up-close observation of sea turtles and tropical fishIt can be done.
especiallyOsaki Beach is less crowded and a good place for beginners to have fun.It is.Because of the fast currents in some areas, guided tours are recommended for safety.
The "Blue Cave" on Ishigaki Island is a popular snorkeling spot with mysterious blue light! In the caves and surrounding coral reefs, you may encounter tropical fish and sea turtles, especiallyHigh rate of sea turtle encounters among tour participantsIt is considered to be a Access is on foot from Yonehara Beach, but as the road is narrow and not paved, a guided tour is recommended for safety. Ishigaki Island Blue Cave ⬇︎Check out the plan to hold the Blue Cave here: ⬇︎ Ishigaki Island offers various sea turtle tours for both beginners and experts. Here we introduce typical snorkeling and diving plans! Tours around the Phantom Island and snorkeling tours to and from Yonehara Beach are popular. An instructor will accompany you and help you swim with sea turtles safely,No worries for first-timers.It is! ⬇︎The Sea Turtle Encounter Plan for the Blue Cave event is here: ⬇︎ ⬇︎The Sea Turtle Encounter Plan for Kabira Bay is here: ⬇︎ ⬇︎The Sea Turtle Encounter Plan for the Phantom Island event is here: ⬇︎ There are certain manners and precautions that must be observed in order to enjoy a precious encounter with sea turtles. By keeping in mind turtle-friendly behavior, you will also help protect the natural environment. [No touching, no chasing. [Maintain a certain distance (2-3 meters)]. Do not get on top of it or block its path. Avoid flash photography. [Moving silently in the sea] [Stay away from sea turtles that are laying eggs or coming ashore. Protecting the living environment of sea turtles Ishigaki Island has many spots where you can meet sea turtles and popular activities. I definitely want to see sea turtles! If you want to see sea turtles, it is recommended to join a tour at a time when you are more likely to see them! When you visit Ishigaki Island, please join the sea turtle encounter tour☆. ⬇︎Read the article in conjunction with ⬇︎
Access: 36 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport
Blue Cave
Access: 40 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport
Click here for tours that can be booked on the same day.
Recommended Sea Turtle Tours on Ishigaki Island
Activity tour to meet sea turtles
Cautions and manners during sea turtle encounters
Never touch or chase sea turtles as it stresses them out.
Getting too close can startle them or cause them to run away.
Be careful not to disturb sea turtles as they rise to the surface to breathe.
When taking pictures, do not use flash as it harms the eyes of sea turtles.
The noise and bubbles will alert the sea turtles if you swim with a flapping motion. Observe quietly.
If you see them on the beach, do not shine a light on them or touch them, but watch them quietly.
Be considerate of nature conservation by not discarding trash and not damaging coral and seaweed.summary
