Swim with sea turtles in Miyako Island! An impressive experience with an encounter rate of more than 90%!
Table of Contents
- 1 You can meet sea turtles! Charm of Miyako Island Snorkeling
- 2 Photo! Sea Turtles in Miyako Island
- 3 Miyako Island Popular Sea Turtle Snorkel Tour
- 4 Best season for sea turtle encounters
- 5 Effects of weather and sea conditions and countermeasures
- 6 Sea Turtle Spots on Miyako Island
- 7 Types of sea turtles living on Miyako Island
- 8 Ecology and behavior patterns of sea turtles
- 9 How to choose a sea turtle tour
- 10 Frequently Asked Questions and Countermeasures
Miyako Island is blessed with beautiful coral reefs and clear waters, and is known as a great spot to swim with sea turtles.
Noteworthy is the high encounter rate. It is said that if you choose the right point, you have a 90% or higher chance of encountering sea turtles.
◆To know when and when not to see sea turtles
◆Those who want to know about sea turtle spots and beaches in Miyako Island.
◆If you want to know about recommended sea turtle snorkeling tours
You can see sea turtles!
Miyako Island Snorkeling Attractions
The most attractive aspect of snorkeling in Miyakojima is, after all, the encounter with sea turtles.
In the beautiful sea called Miyako blue with high transparency,Up-close and personal observation of sea turtles swimming at their leisure.The experience is deeply moving to visitors.
Attraction points of sea turtle snorkeling
In the crystal clear waters of Miyako Island, you can enjoy sea turtles, colorful tropical fish, and coral reefs while viewing the vivid underwater scenery.
The warm year-round climate allows for a variety of dive sites that satisfy both beginners and advanced divers.
– Throughout the yearEnjoy the mild climate
- In addition to sea turtles, colorful tropical fish and coral reefs can be observed
- Enjoyable for beginners and advanced users alike.Diverse pointshave
Don't forget to take care of the environment.
- Observe from an appropriate distance.
- Refrain from taking flash pictures.
- To protect the marine environment, sunscreens are environmentally friendly
Snorkeling in Miyako Island is not only a great way to experience the beautiful marine world, but also an opportunity to think about living in harmony with nature♪
Do not approach sea turtles excessively and try not to strain them.
Photo! Sea Turtles in Miyako Island
The sea turtles of Miyako Island attract many people with their beauty and mysterious appearance.
The sight of sea turtles swimming in the crystal clear waters is truly spectacular!
Photography Tips
- Use natural light and avoid flash photography.
- Shooting from the sea turtle's line of sight
Photographing sea turtles is challenging due to the unfamiliarity of the water.
If you want to concentrate on snorkeling,Tour with photo dataParticipation inWe recommend that you do the following
Includes photo data!
Click here for Sea Turtle Tour Ranking
Miyako Island Popular Sea Turtle Snorkel Tour
Best season for sea turtle encounters
| month | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
| Average temperature (°C) | 18.3 | 18.6 | 20.1 | 22.5 | 25 | 27.7 | 28.9 | 28.6 | 27.6 | 25.5 | 23.1 | 20 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 20-23 | 23-25 | 26-29 | 25-27 | 23-25 | |||||||
| Precipitation (mm) | 138.8 | 119.8 | 138.7 | 148.7 | 222.3 | 194.7 | 151.6 | 257.4 | 259.3 | 157.9 | 139.8 | 147.2 |
Sea turtle snorkeling is available throughout the year, but here are some of the best times to go.
- Summer (June-August):Highest encounter ratetime
- Autumn (September to November): stable sea conditions, avoiding the peak of summer vacation crowds
- Winter (December to February): low water temperatureIncreased transparencyA good time to visit with few tourists.
Encounter rates and highlights by season
Although it is possible to see sea turtles on Miyako Island throughout the year, the encounter rate and the behaviors seen change depending on the time of year.
Spring (March - May)
- Water temperatures begin to rise,When sea turtles begin to become more active.
- Loggerhead turtles begin to be seen coming up the beach to lay eggs.
- Relatively calm sea conditions, good for snorkeling
Summer (June-August)
- Highest annual encounter rate
– Green turtles and hawksbill turtlesMany adults are observed in the
– Peak of spawning season
- High water temperature, suitable for underwater observation for long periods of time
Autumn (September to November)
- Maintain high encounter rates following the summer.
- High likelihood of seeing juvenile turtles.
– Susceptible to typhoonsImportant to check the weather because of the time of year.
Winter (December to February)
- Slight decrease in activity due to lower water temperatures
- Turtles can be observed at greater depths.
– High transparencyGood visibility
Recommended time of day
Choosing the right time of day is important to maximize your chances of seeing sea turtles.
Here are the characteristics of each time period.
Early morning (6:00-9:00)
– Fewer touristsQuiet environment, easy for sea turtles to be active.
- Morning sun gives good underwater visibility.
– calm tidesMany hours of the day are spent in
Daytime (10:00-14:00)
- Suitable for underwater photography
- Water temperature rises,Sea turtles are active
- Time of day when snorkeling excursions are most productive.
Evening (15:00-17:00)
- Tourist numbers begin to decline.
- Water temperature is maintained at a reasonable level.
- Sea turtles can be seen swimming with the setting sun.
Note that the rate of appearance of sea turtles fluctuates depending on the weather and sea conditions, so it is recommended that you consult the advice of local guides.
Effects of weather and sea conditions and countermeasures
Observing sea turtles on Miyako Island is greatly affected by weather and sea conditions. For a safe and fulfilling observation experience, it is important to keep the following points in mind!
It is also very difficult to read the weather on one's own when traveling, so it is best to join a tour and let a professional tour operator make the decisions.
Effects of weather
The weather on Miyako Island has the following effects on the observation of sea turtles.
– Basically rain or shineHowever, if accompanied by thunderstorms, observation is likely to be cancelled.
◆High winds
- Waves rise and snorkeling becomes dangerous.
- Increased turbidity in water
- Possibility of cancellation of observation by boat.
Effects of sea conditions
Changes in sea conditions also affect the behavior patterns of sea turtles.
- Recommend refraining from observation during wave heights of 1 m or higher
- Beginners should choose calm days with less than 0.5 m
2. tidal current
- At low tide, the water depth becomes shallow and access to observation spots is limited.
- Water gets deeper at high tide, so beginners need to be careful.
Measures and Preparation
- Check the weather forecast
- Check tide table
- Contact local guides and observation tour companies
2. equipment preparation
– life jacketWearing a
- Wetsuits are worn in winter
- Follow your guide's instructions.
Safety Management Points
- Adequate hydration
- get enough sleep
- Implementation of sun protection
- Avoid drinking or eating too much before snorkeling
2. emergency response
- Confirm local emergency contact information
- Confirmation of insurance coverage
- Understanding the criteria for discontinuation of observation
By following these key points, you can make your sea turtle tour on Miyako Island safer and more fulfilling.
Sea Turtle Spots on Miyako Island
Here are some recommended sea turtle spots on Miyako Island!
Shigira Beach: A popular spot for beginners
Shigira Beach is one of the most popular spots to meet sea turtles on Miyako Island♪
It is characterized by beautiful shallow beaches and clear waters,Beginners don't have to worry.Snorkeling is available.
2. shallow water, easy to see sea turtles
3. beach entry for easy entry into the sea
4. Calm tides and peace of mind
Access: 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Shinshiro Coast: A good spot for encountering people.
Aragusuku Beach (Aragusuku Beach) is located in the northwestern part of Miyako Island and is a famous spot where you are most likely to encounter sea turtles.
2. shallow, about 1-3m deep
3. beach entryEasy access to the sea with
Access: 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Yaebise: A superb view point with excellent transparency
Yaebise (Yabiji) stretches about 15 km north of Miyako Island.One of the largest coral reefs in JapanThe name of the
2. many abundant sea creatures besides sea turtles
3. boat entry to enjoy boarding the boat
Learn more about ↓Yaebiase
Access: 15-30 minutes by boat from Ikema Fishing Port
Types of sea turtles living on Miyako Island
Several species of sea turtles inhabit the rich waters of Miyako Island. The following three species are the main ones that can be observed.
green turtle (Chelonia mydas)
It is the most common species and spawns and feeds in the waters of Miyako Island. They grow to about 1 meter in length and 100-150 kilograms in weight.
- Phytoplankton and seaweed are staple foods
- Can be observed around Miyako Island throughout the year
hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
beautiful shellIt is a rare species known for having
- Approximately 80 cm in length
- Inhabits coral reef areas, feeding mainly on anemones and jellyfish
loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)
These large sea turtles visit the beaches of Miyako Island to lay eggs.
- Approximately 90 cm in length
- Prefers to eat crustaceans, mainly crabs and shrimp
Sea turtles play an important role in the ecosystem of Miyako Island.
Particularly,Green turtles are the most frequently sighted species in the waters of Miyako Islandand their presence is an important indicator of the health of the local marine environment.
Unfortunately, these sea turtle species areDesignated as globally endangeredThe company has been
On Miyako Island, sea turtle conservation activities continue to be an important local effort, and tourists can also encounter them through tours and other means.
Ecology and behavior patterns of sea turtles
Let's take a closer look at the ecology of sea turtles!
The two turtles most likely to be encountered around Miyako Island are the green turtle and the hawksbill turtle. These turtles play an important role in the rich coral reef ecosystem.
Dietary Characteristics and Living Environment
- Lives in shallow coastal waters
- Frequently observed in the rich seaweed beds of Miyako Island
- Active in relatively deep waters around coral reefs
- The beautiful carapace once made it an object of overhunting as an ornament.
Spawning behavior and life cycle
The sea turtles of Miyako Island are famous for their characteristic egg-laying behavior.
- Landing on the beach at night to lay eggs
- Lays about 100 eggs per spawn
- About 2 months to hatch.
migratory pattern
Sea turtles are known as migratory creatures that travel long distances.
- Select migration paths in response to changes in water temperature and currents
- GPS tracking has confirmed travel routes between Miyako Island and other areas.
Thus, the sea turtles of Miyako Island are creatures with complex ecology and behavior patterns.
How to choose a sea turtle tour
It is important to choose the right tour for you to enjoy sea turtle tours, even if you are a first-time participant.
Here is how to choose the right one without fail in terms of price, service, and word of mouth.
From fees and services
When choosing a sea turtle tour, first compare prices and services! Cheap tours are attractive, but as the saying goes, "cheap is bad,Be careful not to jump on price alone.Please do so.
Please rest assured that only tours that have passed our rigorous selection criteria are listed on this website, so you can choose the tour that best suits your needs.
From word of mouth
Word of mouth is a valuable source of first-hand information about the tours.
By focusing not only on the number of cases and evaluation scores, but also on specific comments about the guide's responsiveness and quality of support, you can determine if the program is a good fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions and Countermeasures
