Miyakojima Island 3 beaches with sea turtle encounter rate over 90%! Secret tips for people who can't swim and different times of the year!
Table of Contents
- 1 Let's go see the sea turtles of Miyako Island!
- 2 You can meet sea turtles! Charm of Miyako Island Snorkeling
- 3 You can see sea turtles on Miyako Island! Here is the beach with the No.1 probability to see sea turtles in Miyakojima!
- 4 Miyako Island Popular Sea Turtle Snorkel Tour
- 5 Types of sea turtles living on Miyako Island
- 6 Best season for sea turtle encounters and points to note
- 7 Best time to encounter sea turtles
- 8 Impact on sea turtles due to weather and sea conditions and countermeasures
- 9 How to choose a sea turtle tour without making mistakes
- 10 Can I swim with sea turtles even if I can't swim?
- 11 About Sea Turtle Snorkeling Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 12 summary
Let's go see the sea turtles of Miyako Island!
Miyako Island is blessed with beautiful coral reefs and clear waters,Great spot to swim with sea turtles.It is known as the
It should be noted that theHigh encounter rateIt is. If you choose the right point,90% or higher chance to see sea turtlesIt is said.
This article details the best season to encounter sea turtles and the spots with the highest encounter rates!
◆Turtle snorkeling tours
◆To know when and when not to see sea turtles
◆To know the spots and beaches where you can see sea turtles.
Click here for Miyako Island Popularity Ranking Tour
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.
Here we introduce the charms of snorkeling on Miyako Island!
Popular sea turtle snorkeling tours
High probability of encountering sea turtles
The sea of Miyakojima is rich in seaweed that serves as food for sea turtles, and the main attraction is that they can be encountered even in relatively shallow waters.
If you go with a guide who knows the points well, the encounter rate will be even higher.
An exciting experience to see sea turtles swimming peacefully up close.will be a special memory unique to Miyako Island snorkeling.
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Colorful, photo-worthy sea creatures
The sea of Miyako Island is filled with bright tropical fish and colorful coral reefs, like aA world like a natural aquariumis spreading.
The sun's rays make the undersea glow even more beautifully, and photos and videos can be taken with amazing clarity.
Spectacular view that makes you want to post on SNSis waiting for you.
- 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
Beginners can also feel at ease!
Miyako blue sea with excellent transparency
The sea of Miyako Island isHigh transparency and calm waves most days.Therefore, even beginners can enjoy snorkeling without anxiety.
Even those who are not confident swimmers can easily experience the marine world, as coral and fish can be seen from the shallows within easy reach.
Ideal environment for first time marine activities.It is.
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Meet sea turtles on Miyako Island.
The No. 1 beach in probability is here!
Here are some recommended sea turtle spots on Miyako Island!
Popular sea turtle snorkeling tours
Shigira Beach
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.
Access: 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Shinshiro Coast
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.
Shallow, about 1-3 m deep,beach entryIt is also nice to be able to easily enter the ocean with
Access: 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
eight-holed arrow whistle
Yaebise (Yabiji) stretches about 15 km north of Miyako Island.One of the largest coral reefs in JapanThe name of the
In addition to sea turtles, the crystal clear waters are home to many other abundant sea creatures!
Access: 15-30 minutes by boat from Ikema Fishing Port
Miyako Island Popular Sea Turtle Snorkel Tour
Here are some recommended tours that offer a high probability of encountering sea turtles!
↓Click here for tours with a high probability of encountering sea turtles.
Types of sea turtles living on Miyako Island
The rich sea of Miyako Island is home to several species of sea turtles.
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.
The three main species that can be observed are
green turtle (Chelonia mydas)
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.
They live in shallow coastal waters and are frequently observed in the rich seaweed beds of Miyako Island.
- Carapace greenish brown
- 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
- Bright amber carapace
- Inhabits coral reef areas, feeding mainly on anemones and jellyfish
- Active in relatively deep waters around coral reefs
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
Best season for sea turtle encounters and points to note
| 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.
Spring (March - May)
- Encounter rate: ★★★★*
- 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)
- Encounter rate: ★★★★★
- 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)
- Encounter rate: ★★★★*
- 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)
- Encounter rate: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆
- Slight decrease in activity due to lower water temperatures
- Turtles can be observed at greater depths.
- High transparencyGood visibility
Best time to encounter sea turtles
Choosing the right time of day is important to maximize your chances of seeing sea turtles.
Here are the characteristics of each time period.
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.
Popular sea turtle snorkeling tours
Early morning (6:00-9:00)
This is the time when sea turtles are most likely to be encountered!
- Morning sun gives good underwater visibility.
- calm tidesMany hours of the day are spent in
Daytime (10:00-14:00)
This is the time of day when the sun is high in the sky and visibility underwater is at its best!
- Water temperature rises,Sea turtles are active
- Time of day when snorkeling excursions are most productive.
Evening (15:00-17:00)
This is the time when the daytime heat eases and sea turtles become active again!
- Water temperature is maintained at a reasonable level.
- Sea turtles can be seen swimming with the setting sun.
Impact on sea turtles due to 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
Changes in weather and sea conditions on Miyako Island have the following effects on sea turtle observations.
- 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.
- 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.
Preparation and measures to meet sea turtles
Advance preparation is important to have a high probability of encountering sea turtles! Also, be sure to thoroughly prepare your equipment in case of irregularities.
- 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.
- 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.
How to choose a sea turtle tour without making mistakes
In selecting a tour, check three points: "sea turtle encounter rate," "small group size," and "beginner support.
The tour has a high word-of-mouth rating, and the guide chooses the points of interest based on sea conditions, which makes the tour feel safe.
Also, beginners can enjoy snorkeling safely by wearing life jackets and choosing a tour that provides detailed explanations.
Here is how to choose the right one without fail in terms of price, service, and word of mouth.
(1) From fees and services
When choosing a sea turtle tour, first compare prices and services!
Cheap tours are tempting, but as the saying goes, "cheap is bad,Be careful not to jump on price alone.Please do so.
(2) 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.
Can I swim with sea turtles even if I can't swim?
Sea turtle snorkeling is an activity in which you do not have to be a good swimmer to participate.
Life jackets are required for many tours, and visitors can enjoy the undersea scenery simply by floating in the water.
Instructors provide support nearby, so beginners and those who have trouble swimming can experience encounters with sea turtles with ease.
Life jackets required!
Why you can meet people just by floating?
Snorkeling tours require the use of life jackets, which allow the body to float naturally without the need to swim.
Sea turtles often come up near the surface to breathe in shallow water, and participants may encounter them simply by floating and looking underwater.
Since observation is not physically demanding, even beginners can enjoy it easily.
A "tour" is more reliable than going on your own.
3 Advantages
If you want to increase your chances of seeing sea turtles, we recommend joining a tour.
The guides know the points where sea turtles are most likely to appear, and safety management is thorough.
In addition, snorkel equipment rental and lectures for beginners are available, so even first-timers can feel at ease. The greatest attraction of the tour is that you can meet sea turtles in an efficient manner.
Click here for Miyako Island Popularity Ranking Tour
Sea Turtle Snorkeling
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
(3) Refrain from taking flash photographs.
4) To protect the marine environment, do not get excessively close to sea turtles that use environmentally friendly sunscreens, and try not to burden them.
summary
Miyako Island is popular as a spot where you can encounter sea turtles with high probability.
If you want to see sea turtles, familiarize yourself with the best season and the spots with the highest encounter rates before visiting!
The experience of meeting sea turtles in the sea of Miyako Island will surely be a memory of a lifetime.
