Meet sea turtles on a phantom island! Recommendations for popular snorkeling spots and experience tours
Table of Contents
- 1 Snorkeling with Sea Turtles on a Phantom Island! An experience that will create memories to last a lifetime!
- 2 Spectacular snorkeling spots What is the "Phantom Island" that can be reached by day trip from Ishigaki Island?
- 3 Why can we meet sea turtles on a phantom island?
- 4 Green and loggerhead turtle behavior and When to see them
- 5 Safe snorkeling with sea turtles Precautions for Enjoying Snorkeling with Sea Turtles
- 6 Swim with sea turtles! Snorkeling Tour to the Island of Illusions
- 7 Sea Turtle Observation on a Phantom Island Tips on how to get the most out of snorkeling
- 8 summary
Snorkeling with sea turtles on a phantom island!
To an experience that will create memories to last a lifetime.
Off the coast of Ishigaki IslandAppears only at low tide.The white sand island, commonly known asphantom island".
To swim alongside green and loggerhead turtles in the shallow lagoon,Low hurdles even for beginners, ,A scene I will never forget.You can taste the
Ishigaki Island Sightseeingmust-see placeTour of Phantom Island from basic informationThe following are some tips on how to choose the right place to see sea turtles, tips on how to increase the chances of encountering sea turtles, and environmentally friendly observation etiquette♪.
◆ Those who want to take pictures alongside sea turtles.
◆Tours with a high rate of sea turtle encounters
◆If you want to know how to get to Phantom Island and the best season to visit the island.
Snorkeling spots with spectacular views
A day trip from Ishigaki Island, "What is "Phantom Island"?
Phantom Island (Hamashima) is a high-speed boat ride from Ishigaki Port Terminal.Approx. 30 min.The following is a list of the most common problems with the
Tide level is less than 80 cmThe sandbar appears only at low tide when the tide is low and is submerged in the sea at high tide."illusion".
The contrast between the turquoise blue of the shallow water and the pure white sand is a contrast for SLRs and smartphones alike.photogenicCertainty!
It is a popular spot that always ranks high on travel websites,Departure during peak seasonFully booked even 2-3 weeks in advancemay become a
Location and access to Phantom Island
Boats departed from Ishigaki Port and sailed toward Iriomote Island,Approx. 25 min.to arrive at the Phantom Island area.
It is safe and reliable to go through a travel agency!
Plan fees range from 7,000 to 10,000 yen for a half day and 12,000 to 16,000 yen for a full day,Equipment, insurance, photo dataincludingpackages have become the norm.
Click here to see the ranking of popular plans for Phantom Island.
Why is it called a "phantom island"?
islandAltitude is almost 0 mThe water is completely submerged at high tide and at low tide it is approximately 100 meters in diameter. At high tide, it completely sinks into the sea, and at low tide, it is approximately 100 m in diameter.A pure white sandbarappears.
This dramatic change in scenery is the reason why it is called "phantom," and you can only stay for a limited amount of time.rarityThis is what is driving its popularity.
The expression changes depending on the angle of the sun's rays.sand artThe landscape can be like a
What you can experience on Phantom Island
Depth 1 to 3 mThe environment is like a natural swimming pool with colorful bears and sparrows.tropical fishYou can meet with
In addition, grass-algae strips are scattered throughout the meal.green turtle (Chelonia mydas)can come into the shallows.
At low tide in the evening, the setting sun turns the white sand peach-colored, and the photographerphoto opportunityThe first two are the following.
snorkeling
Snorkeling with a beach entry is the king of activities on Phantom Island.
Snorkeling is done in shallow water using a mask, snorkel, and fins.near the waterThis is an activity to observe the marine world while swimming through the
No license is required, making it easy for beginners to get started, especiallyfamily classPopular for!
Because of its high transparency and calm waves, even beginners can enjoypeace of mindand enjoy the underwater world.
⬇︎ snorkelingClick here for popular tours in⬇︎
diving
Diving is,Use of specialized equipmentThis is an activity in which participants dive underwater to observe coral reefs and fish up close.
First-time participants can also participate.Experience DivingExplore the deep sea with a license fromfun divingThere are a variety of ways to enjoy the area, ranging from
⬇︎ divingClick here for popular tours in⬇︎
SUP
In this activity, participants stand on a board larger than a surfboard and use a single paddle to paddle through the water.
On clear days, beginners can look down on coral and sea turtles over the surface of the water.sit and rowYou can start with a SUP cruise...
While viewing the island shadows of sugar cane fields and Iriomote Island in the distance,Relaxed island timeIt is a great way to fully enjoy the
⬇︎ Ishigakijima SUPClick here for popular tours in⬇︎
Around Phantom Island
Popular snorkeling spots
The underwater scenery of Phantom Island isVaries by directionI will do so.
Lagoon on the south sideis an area of dense table corals at a depth of around 2 meters, and is most colorful in the morning light.
North side drop-offThe "Dive Dock" is a place where sea turtles can easily migrate along the cliffs that drop down to around 5 meters, and beginners can try it if they are accompanied by a guide!
Seagrass belt on the east sideThe area is a great place to observe green turtles coming into the shallows to forage up close.
Why can we meet sea turtles on a phantom island?
The Phantom Island is a shallow lagoon with a vast seagrass belt,young green turtle (Chelonia mydas agassizii)The restaurant is a "natural restaurant" where people can enjoy a safe meal.
Because the waves are calm and visibility is good, even beginners can see sea turtles.easy to findis a major attraction!
The secret of the high rate of sea turtle encounters
The reef surrounding the area makes it difficult to attract predators such as large sharks, and sea turtlesrelaxThe environment is conducive to foraging and resting.
The deep area just offshore also makes it easy for loggerhead turtles to come ashore to lay eggs, which is a plus,Average annual encounter rate is over 80%.and maintaining a high level!
⬇︎ where you can meet sea turtles.Click here for popular tours⬇︎
Green and loggerhead turtle behavior and
When to see it
green turtle (Chelonia mydas)Morning and evening from April to OctoberLoggerhead turtles, which are in their spawning season, tend to rest offshore to the north from May to August.
allThe time of day when the tide switches from high to lowis the timing of the approach to the shallows!
Spawning/Hatching Season and Observation Manners
Loggerhead turtle spawning begins in late May,Peak in AugustThe first time the company will be welcoming
Hatching is mainly at night from August to October.
Light exposure is strictly prohibited as it causes visual deprivation, and do not trample around the den area.due carePlease do so.
Safe snorkeling with sea turtles
Things to do for your enjoyment
Sea turtles on the surface of the water.just aboveblocking the breathing.
Keep a distance of at least 3 m and be quiet so as not to startlerunning side-by-sideObserve with the image of a
Be aware of the need to kick with knees extended to prevent sand from being rolled up by fins, and to avoid using UV-absorbing materials.Leaf Safe Sunscreenand use,It is also important to limit the impact on corals!
Observation Manners and Conservation Updates
Touching, chasing, and feeding increase stress and risk of infection.absoluteAvoid to
The Ishigaki City Marine Life Research Association will install satellite tags and collect debris that has drifted ashore with funds included in the tour fee, and will provide sea turtles withPassing on to the Next GenerationWe are working on initiatives to
In some cases, photos of carapace patterns taken by travelers are used to identify individuals, and your one shot can beacademic researchThis may be useful for
You can swim with sea turtles!
Snorkeling tour of Phantom Island
The Phantom Island Tour is a half-day course andBlue CaveThe popular one-day course is a combination of the following
In both cases, a professional guide will be on hand to guide you through the sea conditions and the location of the sea turtles,Beginners don't need to worryYou can participate in the event as a member.
Enjoy in a short time! Half Day Tour
Sailing one hour before low tideThe main focus is on the grass-weed zone, with a short time to win.
Low risk of seasickness、滞在時間の短い旅行者に人気です♪
At the time of booking, I specialized in "meeting sea turtles on a phantom island".Availability of professional guidesThe level of security is greatly increased if you check the
⬇︎Half day on Phantom IslandClick here for popular tours in⬇︎
Blue Cave & Phantom Island Set Tour
You can enjoy terrain snorkeling at the Blue Cave and white sand beach and sea turtles at the Phantom Island.Luxury PlanOh my god!!!
Some packages include drone photography and GoPro rental, so you can enjoy all of "land, sea, and air" in one day.Conquer the most spectacular sceneryIt can be done.
⬇︎ blue caveClick here for popular tours in⬇︎
Sea turtle observation on a phantom island
Tips on how to get the most out of snorkeling
The key to enjoying the island to the fullest is totimingand "equipmentTwo of the "two" are.
timing
First, check the time of low tide on the tide table, and sea turtlesTime of day when people tend to gather in shallow waterBook your tour according to the
◆Recommended times of day by time of year ◆Simultaneous checking of tides and weather
Check the tide table for the time of low tide that indicates a tide level of 80 cm or less, and1 hour before and afterIt is best to match the
April to June and September to October8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.is comfortable. In midsummer (July-August), the sun is less3-5 p.m.is easy to swim, and you can also aim for sunset photos.
Register Ishigaki Island with the free apps "Tide Tide Navi" and "TideGraph Pro",Tide level less than 80 cmandWind speed less than 5 m/sinterpoint (interword separation)Wave height less than 1 mBeginners are also welcome to choose the day of the event.
◆Medium tides are less likely to sway than high tides
Large tides with a large difference in ebb and flow tend to rock the boats.People concerned about seasicknessschool (e.g. of ikebana)Tide level less than 80 cm at mid-tideIt is comfortable to aim for the day of
◆Final confirmation the day before departure
Strong south or northeast windsBecause transparency may be reduced inEvening of the day beforeIt is recommended that you inquire with your guide about the sea conditions in order to avoid making a mistake.
equipment
Sunlight and water temperatureand dress accordingly in the water.Ensure safetyYou can combine comfort and eco-friendliness by preparing gear that is both comfortable and eco-friendly.
Renting a full suit from December to February, when the water temperature drops, will prevent you from getting cold, but from spring to fallUPF 50+ rash guardandleggingsis sufficient.
Solid bottom to prevent coral from hurting your feet.leaf shoesWearing a pair of shoes is a safe bet.
Luggage.Waterproof bagto protect cameras, smartphones, and other electronic devices from wave spray!
◆ quick-drying rash guards and leggings
◆ Waterproof phone case or underwater camera
◆anti-sickness medicine and regular medicine
◆hat, sunglasses, bath towel
500 ml or more of drinking water
summary
The best experience on a phantom islandobtaintrickschool (e.g. of ikebana)
- Read the tide table and time your tour for low tide.Book EarlyDoing.
- Encounter rate over 90Choosing a professional guide for
- Observations in line with international standardsGood Manners.after an inflectable word, creates a noun phrase indicating something the speaker does not feel close to
If you equip yourself with environmentally friendly equipment and combine multiple beaches,Charm of the Phantom Island SeaYou can enjoy the full range of
Phantom islands are created by nature.Miracle StageOh my god!!!
With the right knowledge and responsible behavior, sea turtles andInspiring Encountersto the future.
↓Click here to read the article.
