When can I see sea turtles on Ishigaki Island?
Table of Contents
- 1 Ishigaki Island is the best place to meet sea turtles!
- 2 You can see sea turtles in Ishigaki Island. What is the best time?
- 3 High rate of sea turtle encounters!
5 recommended beaches and spots in Ishigaki Island
- 3.1 This is the place to go for a private snorkel! Yonehara Beach
- 3.2 Area with encounter rate of over 901 TP3T, headed by boat Phantom Island, Hamashima
- 3.3 Even those who are not good swimmers can enjoy underwater♪ Kabira Bay
- 3.4 Recommended for diving beginners☆. Osaki Beach
- 3.5 Easy to see sea turtles on guided tours! Blue Cave
- 4 Do you want to go on your own? Join a tour? How to choose Ishigaki Island Snorkeling
- 5 Types and characteristics of sea turtles that can be found on Ishigaki Island
- 6 Rules and precautions when swimming with sea turtles
- 7 Ishigaki Island Sea Turtle Snorkeling Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 8 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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Meet sea turtles on Ishigaki Island
When is the best time?
If I go all the way to Ishigaki Island, I want to see sea turtles!"
For those who think so, it is a point of great concern when you can meet them. In fact, sea turtles may be seen all year round, but encounter rates vary greatly depending on the time of year and conditions.
Here we will explain in simple terms the season when you are most likely to see sea turtles and the key points to increase your chances of meeting them.
Summer is the best season to see sea turtles.
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. Especially during the egg-laying season from May to September, the possibility of encountering sea turtles swimming in the shallows to lay their eggs increases.
Professional guides in the field also recommend this time of year for the highest encounter rates.
It is more than time that determines the encounter rate.
“Location and Timing.”
Once sea turtles find a favorite root, they tend to spend most of their time around it, and there is a relatively high probability of encountering them in a particular area.
On the other hand, there is no clear time rule, such as "it's morning, so it's easier to see," and the behavior depends on the sea conditions and timing of the day.
It is not uncommon to find turtles “not in their usual place” or “moving to a different point. Therefore, ”point selection and timing" are more important than "time of day" for encounters with sea turtles.
Ishigaki Island Blue Cave
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Sea turtle encounter rate is high!
5 recommended beaches & spots in Ishigaki Island
There are numerous snorkeling and diving spots on Ishigaki Island.
Here are five of the most popular spots to encounter sea turtles.
This is the place to go for a private snorkel!
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 Also,According to active guides, it is important to choose the summer season if you want to encounter sea turtles.
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
Encounter rate of over 901 TP3T area headed by boat
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!
Because the island is only accessible by boat, the surrounding Shihsi lagoon is rich in coral and tropical fish, offering beautiful scenery and abundant marine life.
Snorkeling tours are safe for beginners and children, and diving tours go deep enough that sea turtles can be seen sleeping in the water!
Access: 30 minutes by boat from Ishigaki Island
⬇︎Planning for the Phantom Island event is here: ⬇︎
Even those who are not good swimmers can enjoy underwater♪
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!swimEven those who are not good at gimmicks can participate in the event without anxiety.The 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: ⬇︎
Recommended for diving beginners☆.
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: ⬇︎ If you want to see sea turtles on Ishigaki Island, the quality of the experience will vary greatly depending on whether you "look for them on your own" or "join a tour. If freedom and cost are important to you, we recommend individual tours; if certainty and safety are important to you, we recommend tours! Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose the method best suited to your objectives and skills. The greatest advantage of searching privately is the freedom to act freely without being restricted by time or location, and the ability to keep costs down. On the other hand, there is a high possibility that you will not encounter sea turtles if you do not know where they appear, and you are responsible for all sea condition judgments and safety management. This method can be a hurdle, especially for beginners and those who do not know the land. Guided tours are led by professionals who are familiar with the sea turtle emergence points and the sea conditions of the day, so you can search for sea turtles efficiently. In many cases, information is shared among guides, and in some cases, points are selected based on real-time appearance information. The major attraction of this service is that it provides excellent safety support, and even beginners can meet people at a high rate of confidence☆. ⬇︎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: ⬇︎ In the sea around Ishigaki Island,You can encounter multiple species of sea turtles! Sea turtles are marine reptiles and hatchlings head out to sea to grow, but the survival rate is very low and conservation efforts are important. Here we introduce three typical species that can be encountered on Ishigaki Island. 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 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! 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. 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. [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 The best time to visit is in the morning, especially in the early hours of the day. The sea is calm, visibility is clear, and sea turtles are often resting in the shallows, which increases the chance of encountering them. In the afternoon, conditions tend to drop off due to wind and waves. Yes, even beginners have a good chance if they join a guided tour. The instructor will guide you to the point of the sea turtles while assisting you with tips on how to swim and breathe. Even if you are not a good swimmer, you can enjoy wearing a life jacket. If you want to be sure to see sea turtles, we recommend joining a tour. Because you can leave the selection of points and sea conditions to professionals, you can search for sea turtles efficiently and safely. If you prefer more freedom and cost is also an option, but be aware that the encounter rate varies greatly. 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
Easy to see sea turtles on guided tours!
Blue Cave
Access: 40 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport
Click here for tours that can be booked on the same day.
Go on your own? Take a tour?
How to choose a snorkel on Ishigaki Island
Advantages and disadvantages of searching for sea turtles on your own
Guided tours are available.
The reason for the overwhelmingly high encounter rate
Types and characteristics of sea turtles that can be found on Ishigaki Island
green turtle (Chelonia mydas)
loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)
hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Rules and precautions when swimming with sea turtles
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.Ishigaki Island Sea Turtle Snorkeling
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)summary
