Ranking of 10 snorkeling spots in Miyako Island! Tour for sea turtle encounters and holes where you can go by yourself!
Table of Contents
Ranking of 10 snorkeling spots in Miyako Island!
Miyako Island is a place where you can see colorful coral reefs in the clear Miyako blue sea, and if you are lucky, you can even meet sea turtles.Nature's Aquarium".
There are many snorkeling spots on Miyako Island, ranging from "do-it-yourself" spots to the more traditional spots that can only be reached by boat!
In this article, we will introduce 10 snorkeling spots on Miyako Island in ranking, access, highlights, recommended tours to see sea turtles, and notes for beginners in an easy-to-understand manner♪
◆To see the ranking of recommended snorkeling spots in Miyako Island
◆Those who are looking for a snorkeling spot where they can see sea turtles.
Those who want to plan and visit Miyako Island snorkeling spots freely.
◆Beginners who are anxious and would like to join a guided snorkeling tour
Click here for Miyako Island Popularity Ranking Tour
No.1] Yaebise (Yabiji)
Yabiji, one of the largest tabletop coral reef groups in Japan.
More than 100 reefs are scattered in the northern waters of Ikema Island,National scenic and natural monument in 2013It is a sacred place for coral snorkeling and is designated as one of the best coral snorkeling destinations in Japan.
Access is by boat only, and tours can be taken to a number of different spots depending on the sea conditions, allowing you to fully enjoy the colorful schools of fish and the expansive coral landscape.
Access: 40 minutes by boat from Hirara Port, 20 minutes by boat from Ikema Island
◆Parking: O
◆Toilet and shower: O
◆Shop: O
◆Rental items: O
*There are no parking lots, restrooms, stores, etc. at the Yaebise itself. Necessary facilities may be available at the departure port, at each store, or on the tour boats.
↓Click here for more information.
↓Click here for snorkeling x Yabijitse (Yabiji) tour
Click here to see the Yaebiji tour popularity ranking.
↓Click here to read the article.
No.2] Shigira Beach
A popular beach attached to the Sigirra Seven Miles Resort!
When you swim directly from the beach into the calm sea,You can meet green turtles.The chances are also high. â
With full facilities including rentals and showers, it is easy for beginners and those with children to enjoy themselves.
Access: 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
◆Parking: Fat
Toilet and shower: ◯
◆Shop: Fat
◆Rental items: Fat
↓Click here for more information.
Click here to see the ranking of popular snorkeling tours.
↓Click here to read the article.
No.3] Blue Cave
The light shining into the cave makes the seaShining sapphire blue"Blue Cave.
Since it is not accessible by land, it is safe and reliable to go there from the sea by kayak, glass boat, or boat snorkeling tours.
The blue of the sea is especially beautiful in the morning when the weather is clear.
Access: 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport, 10 minutes by boat from Sarahama Port
◆Parking: O
◆Toilet and shower: O
◆Shop: O
◆Rental items: O
There are no parking lots, restrooms, or stores in the Blue Cave itself. Necessary facilities may be provided at the departure port, at each store, or on the tour ship.
↓Click here for more information.
↓Snorkeling x Blue Cave Tour
Click here to see the tour popularity ranking of Snorkel x Blue Cave
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No. 4] Aragusuku Coast
Coral and colorful fish can be observed from the shallows, and it is a classicBeach snorkeling heaven♪
This is an ideal spot for first-time divers, as sea conditions are calm on most days and facilities for seasonal operations, such as rentals, stores, and restrooms, are available!
◆Access: 25 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
◆Parking: Fat
Toilet and shower: ◯
◆Shop: Fat
◆Rental items: Fat
↓Click here for more information.
No.5] Yoshino Coast
A large lagoon spreads out,Coral density and abundance of fishis one of the best in Miyako Island!
Since it is easily affected by the tides, it is recommended to check before visiting. Parking, toilets, and showers are available.
Access: 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
◆Parking: Fat
Toilet and shower: ◯
◆Shop: Fat
◆Rental items: Fat
↓Click here for more information.
No.6] Imgarma Marine Garden
The natural cove has calm waves,Stable water surfaceThe company is also used for training courses as it has
Beginners can practice calmly in the inner bay where the currents are weak, but outside, the currents are stronger at different times of the day, so care should be taken.
Another highlight is the view from the elevated promenade!
Access: 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
◆Parking: Fat
Toilet and shower: ◯
◆Shop: Fat
◆Rental items: Fat
↓Click here for more information.
No.7] Nakanoshima Beach
This area is called a "natural aquarium" because of its coral reefs and abundance of fish!
However, in areas close to the open ocean, there is a risk of being swept back by the tide, so self-diving is not recommended.For intermediate and advanced studentsIt is considered to be a
Access: 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
◆Parking: Fat
◆Toilet and shower: O
◆Shop: O
◆Rental items: Fat
↓Click here for more information.
No.8] Yonaha Maehama Beach
."The whitest sandy beach in the EastThe 7-kilometer-long white sand beach is known as the "most beautiful beach in the world". Although there is little coral and the fish are sparse, the shallow waters offer excellent scenery.
On days when sea conditions are good, it is ideal for those who want to relax and enjoy playing in the shallow sea. Facilities such as toilets, showers, and a store are also available.
Access: 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
◆Parking: Fat
Toilet and shower: ◯
◆Shop: Fat
◆Rental items: Fat
↓Click here for more information.
No. 9] Sunayama Beach
arch rockA spectacular beach known for its
When the westerly winds blow, waves rise and the waters offshore become steep and deep, so snorkeling and swimming require special care.
It is safe to enjoy mainly playing and photographing in shallow water♪
Access: 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
◆Parking: Fat
Toilet and shower: ◯
◆Shop: Fat
◆Rental items: Fat
↓Click here for more information.
No. 10] Phantom Island (Uni no Hama)
Off the west coast of the Irabu Bridge,A white sandbar that appears only at low tideThere are
It is difficult to go ashore on your own, and is usually visited by boat or SUP/kayak tours.
If you go at low tide, you can enjoy the 360-degree view of Miyako blue and snorkeling in the shallows.
Access: 5 minutes by boat from Two River Marina
◆Parking: O
◆Toilet and shower: O
◆Shop: O
◆Rental items: O
There are no parking lots, restrooms, or stores on the beach of *Uni itself. Necessary facilities may be available at the port of departure, at each store, or on the tour boats.
↓Click here for more information.
I can go by myself!
Miyako Island Snorkeling Hole Spot
Here are some spots where you can get around by yourself with a rental car and enter directly from the beach without taking a local tour.
If you want to avoid crowdsfirst thing in the morningand ... andeveningis the best time to fish. Check the wind direction, swell, and tide level before entering the water, and enjoy yourself to the extent that you can.
↓Click here to rent a car in Miyakojima
Click here to see the ranking of popular car rentals on Miyako Island.
Shinshiro Coast
Coral fields continue from the shallows at the beach entry,anemone fishand ... andpearl-spot chromis (Chromis notata, species notata var. italica)You can encounter colorful fish such as
It can be enjoyed by beginners and those with children, and is comfortable for long periods of time when sea conditions are good.
Yoshino Coast
Straight from the surfcoral reef zoneAccessible toFish Shadow Densityis attractive!
Watch the tide level and plan accordingly, as the water may be too shallow to swim at low tide.
Paid parking, restrooms, and showers are available.
Im Gyor Marine Garden
Inside the cove, the current is calm and the firstFinn Practiceand children.
If you go up the boardwalk...Miyako Blue ProspectThe open ocean side has stronger currents at certain times of the day, so it is safe to use the inner bays. The currents on the open ocean side are stronger at certain times of the day, so it is safer to use the inner bay as a base.
Nakanoshima Beach
Close to Shimojishima AirportA popular dive site. Beach entry, short distance to coral and good visibility.
On the other hand, the current can be faster on the open ocean side,Enjoy inside only, don't go out to sea.It is safe to use the following
You can see sea turtles!
Miyako Island Snorkeling Tour
Miyako Island is also known for its high rate of sea turtle encounters, especially around Shigira Beach and in the Irabu and Shimoji areas."High probability of meeting"There are a number of tours... ♪
With a guide, you can rest easy even if it is your first time, as he or she will provide you with a safety briefing, equipment preparation, and even photographic services.
Click here to see the ranking of popular sea turtle snorkeling tours.
Miyako Island Snorkeling Sea Turtle Tour
Tours departing from Shigira Beach with calm waters.High chance of seeing green turtlesis the appeal of this product!
However, be sure to check the weather and wind direction immediately before the event, as availability depends on the season and sea conditions.
↓Click here for snorkeling x sea turtle tour
How to find sea turtles to increase the likelihood of encountering them
Encounter rates are high from April to October.Water temperature and sunlight are stable.
The best time to go from the beach is "about 2 hours before and after high tide". (However, the sea conditions should be prioritized, so do not push yourself too hard.)
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Note for beginners
What to bring, what to wear, preparation points
The most important point for safe enjoyment is toBe well prepared.".
Make sure you have your gear ready, check the basic use of masks and fins, and don't forget to check the weather and tide levels for the day!
The sea of Miyako Island is home to venomous creatures such as habu jellyfish, so it is safe to wear equipment that minimizes exposure of the skin.
personal effects
It is important to be prepared with these protective equipment and to follow the rules of environmental protection in order to enjoy snorkeling safely.
0 Life jacket (required) / Float for snorkeling
0 Rush guard top and bottom / Marine boots / Gloves (to prevent puncture wounds and abrasions)
0Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, waterproof sunscreen)
0 waterproof bag / drinking water / anti-sickness medicine (when boating)
0 Waterproof case for smartphone (be careful not to fall or lose it)
attire
In spring and fall, and on windy daysWearing a wetsuitis comfortable!
We recommend wearing long-sleeved rash guards and leggings to protect against jellyfish, even during the summer months!
Reducing skin exposure is also effective in preventing problems caused by pests.
A safe place to practice even if it's your first time
For beginners, the calm waves of "Im Gyor Marine Garden" and the shoals are shallow enough to get up close to the fish.Shinshiro Coast", well-equipped ".Yoshino CoastIt is recommended that you start with the "I".
Be sure to observe these three points: do not force yourself to go out to sea, avoid acting alone, and always hold on to your child's float.
Best season and time of year
The attraction of the sea is most heightened whenSummer (June-August)The water is clearer and more abundant. Clarity increases and creatures are abundant!
If you want to enjoy wearing only a bathing suit, May to September is comfortable. If you want to avoid crowds, visit in spring or fall.
In the morning, the winds are likely to decrease, the sea is calm, and sea turtles are best targeted around high tide!
Miyako Island Snorkeling Spot Q&A
- There are detached currents and swells,There have been many accidents.after an inflectable word, creates a noun phrase indicating something the speaker does not feel close to
- From summer to autumnMore habu jellyfish.after an inflectable word, creates a noun phrase indicating something the speaker does not feel close to
- High waves and swimming restrictions during typhoon season.
for beginnersShinshiro Coast and Yoshino Coast (shallow, clear waters with abundant coral and fish)
Calm bayImgamgah Marine Garden (Inland bay, low currents, safe and enjoyable)
well-equippedSigira Beach (toilets and showers are available, and sea turtles can often be seen)
The terrain is fun.Nakanoshima Beach (a spot for advanced divers to encounter a variety of fish in the rugged terrain)
Spectacular coral reefsYaebise (one of the largest coral colonies in Japan, reached by boat tour)
The sea is warmest in August, but the risk of typhoons increases. Winter and spring require warmer water temperatures, so warmer clothing is necessary.
They can be seen on the Aragusuku, Yoshino, and Nakanoshima beaches, but the encounter rate is even higher if you join a tour.
Be sure to wear a life jacket, choose shallow water or calm bays (e.g., Imgay Marine Garden), and join a guided tour.
However, please avoid going alone as it is very dangerous.
summary
Snorkeling in Miyako Island can be enjoyed in a wide range of locations according to your purpose, including the overwhelming scale of the "Yaehigase," the easygoing shallows at "Aragusuku" and "Yoshino," and the special experiences at the "Blue Cave" and "Uni no Hama.
When targeting sea turtles, choosing a day around high tide or in good sea conditions will increase the chance of encountering them.
However, collecting coral is prohibited, as is standing on the coral and touching the wildlife,It is important to follow the rules.It is!
Such consideration will help preserve the Miyako blue sea for future generations. Please be prepared, put safety first, and enjoy the best "natural aquarium" experience.
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