A complete guide to snorkeling in Ishigaki Island! Introducing 7 recommended spots & popular tours♪ What to bring and recommended time of year.
Table of Contents
- 1 Let's start snorkeling in Ishigaki Island! Why is it safe even if it's your first time?
- 2 When is the best season? When is the best time to go snorkeling in Ishigaki Island?
- 3 Can't miss it in Ishigaki Island!
7 recommended snorkeling spots
- 3.1 1) Around Kabira Bay Spectacular spot where you can swim if you join the tour
- 3.2 (2) Blue Cave Mysterious space created by nature
- 3.3 Yonehara Beach Beach where you can see a lot of fish even in shallow water
- 3.4 4) Maesato Beach Clean beach managed by the hotel
- 3.5 5) Husaki Beach You can also enjoy the sunset.
- 3.6 (6) Sukuji Beach A hole-in-the-wall beach with a large parking lot and good access! Good access with a large parking lot
- 3.7 (7) Phantom Island (Hamashima) A spectacular view that you should visit at least once!
- 4 Recommended by Features Popular Snorkeling Tours in Ishigaki Island
- 5 Before Snorkeling What to bring and equipment to know
- 6 summary
Start snorkeling in Ishigaki Island!
Why is it safe for the first time?
Ishigaki Island is famous for snorkeling in the marine blue ocean! Even the shallow beach is safe for beginners.Natural aquariumYou can see many tropical fish like
This time, we will introduce not only the phantom island but also snorkeling in Ishigaki Island! From basic information such as recommended spots and what to bring to recommended tours, we will provide you with plenty of information.
◆In Ishigaki Island3rd note in the tonic solfa representation of the diatonic scalesea turtles and turtlesIf you would like to meet with
◆Ishigaki Island snorkeling hole want to know
◆SnorkelingRecommended ToursIf you want to know how to
◆If you want to know the recommended snorkeling spots
Ishigaki Island Snorkeling Tour
Click here to see the popularity ranking
Click here for the Phantom Island snorkeling ranking.
Many beaches for beginners & children
Ishigaki Island has many shallow beaches with calm waves,Observe coral and tropical fish up close, even within feet of each otherThis is a great place for beginners and children to have fun.
If you wear a life jacket, you don't have to worry about sinking, and you can lose track of time just floating around and looking at the ocean.
All seasons OK, you can swim even in winter!
Ishigaki Island has a subtropical climate, except for January and February.Temperatures rarely fall below 20°C (68°F)The following is a list of the most common problems with the
The sea water temperature is relatively high throughout the year, and if you wear a wetsuitSnorkeling is possible even in winterIt is.
Especially in winter, when there are fewer tourists, the plankton is reduced and the water is clearer on many days, making it a good choice for those who want to enjoy the quiet and clean ocean.
When is the best season?
Ishigaki Island Snorkeling Recommended Time of Year
The ocean of Ishigaki Island can be enjoyed all year round, but many people would like to swim during the recommended season if they have the chance.
Here are some of the features of each season.
Ishigaki Island Snorkeling Tour
Click here to see the popularity ranking
What are the characteristics of Ishigaki Island's ocean by season?
The sea of Ishigaki Island is best seen from April to May before the rainy season, and from November to January when the plankton decreases.Increased transparencyTendency.
Sea turtles lay eggs from May to August.and the encounter rate is high.
Manta ray appearance rate increases from July to October.It is.
Fat May-August: Sea turtle spawning season, high encounter rate
Fat: July-October: high manta ray appearance rate
◆July-September: Typhoon season
◆May-October: Period of increased damage from habu jellyfish
Snorkeling can be fun even in the rain.
Be careful during typhoon season.
Not much is known about it,Snorkeling can be enjoyed even in the rain!
In the sea, creatures are spending their time in comfort regardless of the rain...however, the clarity of the water may deteriorate depending on the weather conditions.
July - Octoberis also the best season for the sea, butTyphoon seasonBut since it is also a tour, the tour may be canceled due to sudden deterioration of weather conditions.
When planning a trip during typhoon season, consider activities that can be enjoyed even if cancelled due to inclement weather.
Not to be missed in Ishigaki Island
7 recommended snorkeling spots
This is the best place for snorkeling in Ishigaki Island! Here are 7 carefully selected and recommended spots.
Ishigaki Island Snorkeling Tour
Click here to see the popularity ranking
(1) Around Kabira Bay
Spectacular spot for swimming if you join the tour.
Kabira Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in the world, has relatively calm tides,High probability of seeing sea turtlesIt is!
In generalNo SwimmingSo, it is certifiedTake the tour.Enjoy snorkeling amidst spectacular scenery.
Travel time: 25 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, 30 minutes from Ishigaki Port Terminal
Facilities: restrooms, parking lot, restaurants, souvenir shop, glass boat
Click here for Kabira Bay Snorkeling Tour
(2) Blue Cave
Mysterious space created by nature
The Blue Cave on Ishigaki Island is,Reflecting the light that shines in, it shines in blue.A popular spot for its mysterious scenery.
The fantastic space created by nature is a must-see. It is best to join a tour and enjoy it safely and securely.
Travel time: 20 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, 30 minutes from Ishigaki Port Terminal
Facilities: None
Click here for recommended tours including Blue Cave


Click here to see the popularity ranking of tours held in the Blue Cave
Yonehara Beach
Beaches where you can see a lot of fish even in shallow water
The Yonehara Coast has beautiful coral reefs, and the shallow waters and gentle waves make it ideal for snorkeling beginners.
Entry from the beach.You can observe a lot of fish right away.The children and adults are sure to be enthralled by the game! Recommended for families.
Please be careful not to go in barefoot as there are many rocky areas.
Travel time: Approximately 40 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport
Facilities: showers, toilets, parking (fee required), marringoods rental
4) Maesato Beach
Clean beaches managed by the hotel
It is a beach attached to ANA Intercontinental Ishigaki Resort.
Easy access from the city centerThe beach is also equipped with showers and toilets, so even small children can enjoy playing in the ocean with peace of mind.
Travel time: 10 minutes by car from Ishigaki Port Terminal
Facilities: showers, toilets, parking, marringoods rental
(5) Husaki Beach
You can also enjoy the sunset.
Beach attached to the resort hotel "Fusaki Beach Resort".Free of charge for non-hotel guestsSnorkel set rental is available.
In the evening, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset and a romantic atmosphere.
Travel time: 15 minutes from Ishigaki Port Terminal
Facilities: showers, toilets, parking (general charge), marringoods rental
(6) Sukuji Beach
Hole in the ground! Good access with large parking lot.
Sokoji Beach, with its spacious parking lot and easy accessibility, is an attractive place to visit,A hole in the ground loved by localsbeaches.
The waves are calm, making it ideal for families and beginners. There are relatively few people, so you can enjoy snorkeling in a relaxed atmosphere.
Travel time: 40 minutes by car from the remote island terminal
Facilities: showers, toilets, parking, marringoods rental (depending on time of year)
(7) Phantom Island (Hamashima)
A spectacular view that you should visit at least once.
A "phantom island" that only appears at low tide. The contrast between the white sand island and the emerald blue sea is beautiful and truly spectacular.
The sea around the phantom island is."Lake Shihshihshan"The largest coral reef in the country, called the "coral reef," is spread out and is an excellent snorkeling spot!
Travel time: about 30 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Island
Recommended snorkeling tours including Phantom Island ↓.





Click here for the Phantom Island snorkeling ranking.
Click here to read the article in conjunction with this one.

Recommendation by characteristics
Popular Snorkeling Tours in Ishigaki Island
The snorkeling tours in Ishigaki Island offer a variety of plans that can be selected according to your purpose and schedule.
Here is a list of the different features... ♪
Ishigaki Island Snorkeling Tour
Click here to see the popularity ranking
Recommended for beginners
Short tours that can be enjoyed in half a day
For those who have limited time but want to enjoy the ocean to the fullest, we recommend the half-day tour.A short but fulfilling experiencecan be done.
With the pick-up/drop-off plan, you can enjoy it even on days when you plan not to rent a car, for example, on the arrival day of your trip!
Click here for recommended half-day tours



Other activities can also be enjoyed
Value-priced tours that include a set of
Tours that include other activities are excellent in cost performance! We recommend this tour for active people who want to enjoy a day efficiently with popular marine sports and one of the most popular activities in Ishigaki Island, mangrove SUP or canoeing.
Snorkeling and
Recommended tours with activities



For those who want to swim with manta rays and sea turtles of their dreams
Recommended tours with high encounter rates
If your goal is to observe living creatures, a tour around the Manta Scramble and the Kabira-Shizaki area is recommended.
Manta rays are especially common during the summer season, and can be seen up close and personal!
Recommendation tour with high encounter rate of manta ray and sea turtles



Before snorkeling
What to bring and equipment to know
Preparation is important for safe and comfortable enjoyment! Here we introduce basic equipment and useful goods.
Click here for the Phantom Island snorkeling ranking.
Basic Equipment Checklist
Masks, fins, life jackets, etc.
The basic equipment required for snorkeling is goggles, a snorkel, fins, and a life jacket. In particular, a life jacket is an essential item to ensure buoyancy and prevent fatigue.
Habu jellyfish increase from May to October.is recommended to wear a rash guard and avoid exposing skin as much as possible.
◆Snorkel
◆Fin (leg fin)
◆Life jacket
◆ Rush guards and wetsuits (winter)
Convenient & Comfortable
Recommended belongings for snorkeling in Ishigaki Island
We have compiled a list of items that are safe and convenient to take with you when enjoying snorkeling!
Check and organize what you can rent and what you need to bring with you when you join the tour.
◆Waterproof bag
◆Towel and change of clothes
◆sandals/marin shoes
◆Sunscreen (with ocean-friendly ingredients)
◆rash guard, hat, sunglasses
◆anti-drunkenness for those who are easily intoxicated
summary
Ishigaki Island has many snorkeling spots that everyone from beginners to experts can enjoy!
An extraordinary experience awaits you with its crystal clear waters, colorful fish, mysterious "Blue Cave" and "Phantom Island.
Click here to read the article in conjunction with this one.


