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Swim with Manta Rays in Ishigaki Island! Summary of recommended tours and spots with high encounter rate!

明るい太陽の下、海中で泳ぐ2匹のマンタレイ、周りには魚の群れ

An exciting experience of swimming with manta rays in Ishigaki Island!
Recommended tours and spots with high encounter rates

深い青い海の中、穏やかに泳ぐマンタレイ、周りには魚が泳ぐ自然なサンゴの環境

Ishigaki Island is highly popular among many divers and tourists as one of the few areas in Japan where you can "swim with manta rays.

Especially at dive sites such as Kabira-ishizaki and Yonara-suido,Manta ray encounter rate is high.So much so that it attracts manta fans from all over the world.

Mantas fascinate viewers with their graceful swimming and large bodies.

The sight of them swimming with their wingspan of up to 4 meters or more is breathtaking and will surely be a memory of a lifetime!

In Ishigaki Island, there are also plenty of "experience diving" and "manta ray snorkeling" available for those who do not have a license,Even beginners can enjoy it easily.It's ☆.

This article is for...
◆Love manta rays
Those who want to swim with manta rays in Ishigaki Island
◆If you want to know about manta spots in Ishigaki Island
◆If you want to know about snorkeling tours for beginners in Ishigaki Island

 

Is it true that you can swim with manta rays in Ishigaki Island?
In-depth explanation of the reasons for its popularity and appeal

石垣島の海で泳ぐマンタ

 

Ishigaki Island is famous as one of the few places in Japan where you can "swim with manta rays.

There are several spots where manta rays have a high probability of appearing, such as Kabira-ishiwazaki and Yonara-suido.Divers and tourists visit from all over the world.

The sight of manta rays, the largest of which are over 4 meters long, flapping their wings in the water is truly breathtaking.

Moreover, Ishigaki Island offers a wide variety of plans that even beginners can enjoy, such as experience diving and snorkeling that can be participated in without a license, which is the reason why many people love the island!

 

Why Ishigaki Island is called "Manta Paradise

石垣島の海底を舞うマンタ

Ishigaki Island is called "Manta Paradise" because first of all, there are abundant spots where manta rays appear and the encounter rate is very high!

Kabira-ishiwazaki and Yonara Channel are especially popular as a pathway and resting place for manta rays, and if you are lucky, you may see several mantas at once.

In addition, the sea is stable and clear,Comfortable and enjoyable for beginners and veterans alike.The environment is also a major attraction♪

The wide range of tours available for different skill levels, such as diving and snorkeling, is another factor that attracts many tourists.

 

Typical points and appearance patterns

水族館でのマンタの群れ

The first representative spot is Kabira-Shizaki!

The water here is crystal clear even in shallow water, so even those who are not confident swimmers can enjoy manta ray watching with ease.

On the other hand, Yonara Channel is located at a deeper depth and is popular among intermediate and advanced divers who enjoy serious diving.

 

Ishigaki Island Manta Tour Types and How to Choose

色とりどりの熱帯魚に囲まれ、水族館で泳ぐマンタレイのクローズアップ

There are several types of manta ray tours, including snorkeling, experience diving, and fun diving!

According to one's own experience and wishes,It is important to choose the best plan.'It's good to be here'

青の洞窟シュノーケリング

First, "snorkeling" is a casual style of snorkeling that can be enjoyed by those who are not confident swimmers wearing a life jacket!

Because I can observe manta rays from the surface of the water,Recommended for families and beginners.Â

ダイビング

Experience Diving" does not require a license and allows you to explore the underwater world with an instructor. It is ideal for those who want to see manta rays at a closer distance!

The deep dive allows for a high encounter rate, and there are many places to see them, such as Yonara Channel and Manta City.Authentic diving at famous sites is possible.will be ◎

When choosing, compare the following factors: encounter rate, point location, store reviews and track record, and one-day or half-day plans!

Manta Tour Comparison
High encounter rate
Point Location
The store's reviews, performance, and
1 Day or Half Day Plan

 

Ishigaki Island Manta Tour Types and How to Choose

珊瑚の間を泳ぐマンタ

Ishigaki Island has a variety of manta ray tours to choose from depending on your objectives and experience level!

It is important to understand the characteristics of each plan and choose the plan that best suits your needs.

 

Snorkeling Tour

バラス島 シュノーケリング

Snorkeling tours are a way to observe manta rays from the surface of the water while wearing a life jacket!

Families with small children and those who are not good swimmers and those who enter the sea for the first time can also feel at ease.and enjoy it♪

The use of equipment is also lectured in advance, and manta rays appear even in shallow water, making it an easy challenge.

Click here for ⬇︎ recommended snorkeling tours.

 

Experience Diving Tour

ダイビング

The Experience Diving Tour is a plan that allows those without a diving license to dive with an instructor!

Because you can stand at the same eye level as the manta rays underwater, you can get a stronger sense of their power and scale.

Even if it's your first time, you will be carefully supported, so if you take the plunge, it will be an unforgettable experience.

 

Fun Diving Tours

ダイビング

The Fun Diving Tour is a plan for licensed divers!

It is also possible to go to deeper water and points with currents, which makes it moreAuthentic manta ray watching is possible.'It's good to be here'

There are many opportunities for long, close observation, and it is also perfect for those who enjoy taking photographs.

 

You can see manta rays!
Recommended plan for beginners

大きな水族館で熱帯魚とサンゴに囲まれ、マンタレイが優雅に泳ぐ

The possibility of encountering manta rays even for beginners is a feature of Ishigaki Island! Especially popular is the "Manta Snorkeling Tour". It is often held in the calm waters around Kabira Bay and can be enjoyed even in shallow water.

In addition, "experience diving" isInstructor supportThe staff will be happy to help you even if it's your first time.

Kabira Ishizaki, in particular, is ideal for beginners because of its relatively shallow depth and high transparency!

 

Nanyo Manta Rays" seen on Ishigaki Island

サンゴ礁の上を優雅に泳ぐマンタレイ、青い海の中での美しいシーン

The nanyow manta ray is a large ray with a wing-spread shape and can reach up to about 7 meters in length and more than one ton in weight.

Despite their size, they are mild-mannered and friendly, and can get very close to divers!

In the waters of Okinawa, including Ishigaki Island, there is a relatively high probability of encountering Nymphalidae.

 

Characteristics and identification (size, pattern, migration)

石垣島の海中でのマンタのシルエット

The most commonly seen species on Ishigaki Island is the Nanyo Manta Ray. This species can be up to 7 meters long and weigh over 1 ton, and is characterized by its size and graceful swimming.

The back is black and the abdomen is white with a distinctive black pattern that can be used to identify individuals.

Because of their warm and friendly nature, it is not uncommon for them to come close to humans!

 

Action at the cleaning station

石垣島の海中で見上げるマンタ

Mantas congregate in specific areas, called cleaning stations, where small fish remove dirt and parasites from their bodies.

During this time, the encounter rate increases dramatically as they stay in the same location for longer periods of time!

These cleaning stations are located at the most popular sites in Ishigaki Island and provide the perfect environment for observing manta rays.

 

When is the best time of year to see manta rays?
Best season in Ishigaki Island

活気ある青い海水の中、サンゴ礁近くを泳ぐマンタレイ、周りには小さな魚たち

The best season to have a good chance of seeing manta rays is,Generally August to OctoberIt is said!

During this time of year, encounter rates are much higher due to the clear waters and increased manta ray activity.

However, there are chances to see manta rays throughout the year on Ishigaki Island. Spring to early summer (April to June) is also a relatively stable time to observe manta rays, and it is also a safe time to enjoy tours as there is less influence from typhoons.

On the other hand, during the winter season (December to February), the dive may not be held due to strong northerly winds and rough seas. However, the clarity of the water is at its best during this time of the year, so if conditions are good, the season is enjoyable enough to dive.

 

List of things to bring and do to meet manta rays

熱帯魚と共に優雅に泳ぐマンタレイ、クリアな水の水族館で

The basic items to bring when participating in a manta ray tour are as follows

list of one's personal belongings
Swimsuit (wear it in advance to make it easier)
(hand) towel
Sunscreen (environmentally friendly leaf-safe type recommended)
Anti-seasickness medicine (for those worried about seasickness)
Rash guards and marine shoes
Waterproof bag/camera (for recording)

Also,Many tours include rental equipment.So, you can reduce unnecessary baggage by checking in advance.

Be careful to take precautions against heat stroke due to the strong sunlight! In addition, check the weather forecast and cancellation policy as some points may be changed or cancelled depending on the sea conditions.

 

What are the manners and rules for swimming with manta rays?

深い海の水中で気泡に包まれながら泳ぐマンタレイ、青い空と海の中で

When swimming with manta rays, respect for the natural environment and marine life is a prerequisite. The following rules and etiquette must be observed.

Manners and Rules
I don't touch manta rays.
Not chasing or blocking the path.
No flash photography underwater
Do not stand on the bottom of the water (to avoid damaging coral)
Follow the instructor's instructions.

 

The main principle is not to chase, touch, or surround.

水族館で泳ぐマンタのペア

When swimming with manta rays, chasing them, touching them with your hands, or surrounding them with multiple people should be avoided at all costs!

These actions can cause great stress to manta rays and interfere with their natural behavior. It is also important to observe manta rays quietly, refraining from taking flash photographs and making loud noises.

 

Guide instructions and considerations on station

石垣島の海中で舞うマンタと光のシルエット

Be sure to follow the instructions of your instructor or guide during the tour and be safe and environmentally conscious!

It is especially important at cleaning stations to be careful not to stand on coral or the ocean floor to avoid damaging the ecosystem ◎.

By observing these manners, we can continue to live in harmony with manta rays and leave the same impression to the next generation of tourists.

 

What you need to know about Ishigaki Island Manta Tours FAQ

Q. What is the encounter rate of manta rays?
It depends on the tour company and the time of year, but in the best season (August to October), it is estimated to be 70-80%.
Q. Can I participate without a license?
Yes, a license is not required for experience diving or snorkeling tours.
Q. Will the tours be held on rainy days?
The event will be held if it rains lightly, but may be cancelled depending on wave and wind conditions.
Q. Can children participate?
The event will be held if it rains lightly, but may be cancelled depending on wave and wind conditions.

 

summary

大きな水族館で熱帯魚とサンゴに囲まれ、マンタレイが優雅に泳ぐ

The manta ray experience in Ishigaki Island is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With rich natural environment, beautiful ocean, and high manta encounter rate, we have a variety of tours for both beginners and experts.

From famous points such as Kabira-Shizaki and Yonara Channel, to how to choose the best season, to the necessary belongings and etiquette, advance preparation and understanding will ensure a deeper and more satisfying experience.

Please use this article as a guide to find the perfect manta ray tour for you and have an unforgettable time in the ocean of Ishigaki Island.

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  • 予約から参加の流れ ツアーを探す

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    Select the tour of your choice♪

  • 予約から参加の流れ プランを予約

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