A must-see for sea turtle lovers! Tips on how to choose a sea spot with a high probability of encountering sea turtles in Ishigaki Island.
Table of Contents
- 1 Meeting Sea Turtles on Ishigaki Island! A Complete Guide to an Exciting Experience
- 2 A must-see for beginners! What is the charm of Ishigaki Island snorkeling?
- 3 High rate of sea turtle encounters! 5 recommended spots in Ishigaki Island
- 4 Can you meet sea turtles? Ishigaki Island Recommended Popular Tour
- 5 You can meet them on Ishigaki Island! Kinds of sea turtles and their ecology
- 6 Increase your chances of seeing sea turtles! How to choose a tour and what to look out for
- 7 To meet sea turtles What to bring, manners, and safety measures
- 8 Q&A on Ishigaki Island Sea Turtles
- 9 summary
Meeting sea turtles on Ishigaki Island!
The Complete Guide to an Inspiring Experience
What is the experience of meeting sea turtles on Ishigaki Island?An unforgettable memory for many.The first two are the following.
However, since sea turtles are wild animals, it is not always possible to encounter them. Therefore, it is important to choose the right spot, the right time of day, and the right tour!
Here, we will explain in detail the spots with the highest encounter rates, recommended tours, and even cautions!
Those who want to swim with sea turtles on Ishigaki Island
◆If you want to know about sea turtle spots on Ishigaki Island
◆If you want to know about snorkeling tours for beginners in Ishigaki Island
A must for beginners!
What is the appeal of snorkeling on Ishigaki Island?
Ishigaki Island is loved by many divers and tourists, from beginners to experts, for its clear waters, which are among the clearest in Japan, and for the variety of marine life that can be encountered.
Especially the snorkeling experience where you can swim with sea turtles,An emotional moment you want to experience at least once in your lifeIt's ☆.
In the clear waters of Ishigaki Island, you can clearly see sea turtles even through an underwater mask, and if you are lucky, you may encounter more than one sea turtle.
There are plenty of guided tours that even beginners can participate in without worry, and even those who are not confident swimmers can enjoy themselves!
Sea turtle encounter rate is high!
Five recommended spots on Ishigaki Island
There are several beaches and spots on Ishigaki Island where you are most likely to see sea turtles. Below are five representative locations.
Kabira Bay
Kabira Bay is a famous tourist attraction,SUP and canoeing experiences are also available in the beautiful scenery.
There is a route for sea turtles to migrate in the bay, and on days when the tide is calm, there is a high probability of encountering them.
Snorkeling in the bay is restricted, so it is recommended to take a tour around the area☆.
Access: Approximately 40 minutes by car from the city center
Operating period: Year-round
Facilities: Showers and toilets are provided by the tour company.
Blue Cave
Ishigaki Island's "Blue Cave" has a mysterious atmosphere♪
It is a pathway for sea turtles,Encountered while snorkeling near the caveThe following is a list of the most important factors that can be considered when selecting a new product.
The clarity of the water is especially high during the early morning tours, and you can see sea turtles up close with beautiful curtains of light.
Access: 30 minutes by car from Ishigakijima Island Terminal
phantom island
Phantom Island is a small white sand island that appears only at low tide. The island is surrounded by coral reefs and is a resting spot for sea turtles.
Included with snorkeling tourThe attraction is that you can enjoy the experience of coming ashore and encountering sea turtles at the same time!
Access: only available for tours from Ishigaki Island
Yonehara Beach
Yonehara Beach is one of the best spots to encounter sea turtles in Ishigaki Island!
The waves are relatively calm and sea turtles gather to feed on algae in the coral reef area.
Snorkeling area also maintained.It is also popular among beginners.
Early morning and mid-morning are the best times to encounter sea turtles.
Access: Approximately 40 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport
Open: Mid-March to September
Facilities: restrooms, changing rooms, showers, stores, beach goods rental
Osaki Beach
Osaki Beach is also famous for its diving,Resting point for sea turtlesIt is known as the
Due to the slight depth of the water, it is more suitable for diving than snorkeling, but can be seen snorkeling on clear days!
Access: 30 minutes by car from Ishigakijima Island Terminal
Can you meet sea turtles?
Ishigaki Island Recommended Popular Tours
If you want to see sea turtles, the best way to be sure is to join a tour accompanied by a local guide.
Here are three particularly popular tours.
You may see sea turtles☆.
Blue Cave" snorkeling and cave exploration
While exploring the mysterious "Blue CaveA popular tour with the possibility of meeting sea turtles.
It is designed for beginners to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world and the excitement of cave exploration at the same time. Scheduling according to the time of low tide is key.
Let's look for sea turtles!
Kabira Bay SUP/Canoe & Blue Cave Snorkeling
Tour to enjoy a leisurely tour of Kabira Bay by SUP or canoe and snorkeling in the Blue Cave.
In Kabira Bay, sea turtles can be spotted from the surface of the sea.Tour two popular spots at once.It is also attractive☆.
Manta ray or sea turtle snorkeling
Landing on Phantom Island & Experience Diving Tour
This highly satisfying tour includes landing on a phantom island, snorkeling, and experience diving.
You can see both sea turtles and manta rays.There is a possibility to enjoy the charm of the ocean all day long. Even beginners can rest assured that careful support will be provided!
You can meet them on Ishigaki Island!
Sea turtle species and ecology
Seen on Ishigaki IslandThe main sea turtle is the "green turtle."It is.
Herbivorous and abundant around coral reefs, they can be observed feeding on algae and seaweed.
They are around 1 meter in length and have a very gentle disposition.
Loggerhead turtles and hawksbill turtles are also sometimes seen, but are observed less frequently.
Green turtles can be observed throughout the year, but they are especially active during the warmer water months of April through October!
Increase the probability of seeing sea turtles!
How to choose a tour and what to look out for
If you want to meet sea turtles,Tours with experienced guidesChoose the
The guides are well versed in the behavior patterns of sea turtles,Greatly increases the probability of meeting◎◎
In addition, tours held at low tide or during morning hours tend to have higher encounter rates.
We recommend that you check reviews and testimonials in advance and choose a plan that has a "sea turtle encounter rate of X%" or similar description!
To meet sea turtles
Personal belongings, manners and safety measures
The experience of meeting sea turtles in the beautiful sea of Ishigaki Island is a special and unforgettable moment for everyone.
However, in order to enjoy that excitement safely and without damaging the natural environment,Advance preparation and knowledge is essential.It is!
This section details what to bring for sea turtle observation, ocean etiquette, and safety measures.â
List of personal belongings required for sea turtle observation
When participating in snorkeling and beach activities on Ishigaki Island,It is important to be prepared with the right belongings for comfortable and safe enjoyment!'good work' (equiv. of silver star awarded to children at school)
Especially for sea turtle observation, visibility underwater, ease of movement, and UV protection are key points.
◆Waterproof bag
◆ Snorkeling mask and fins (available for rent on the tour)
◆anti-sickness medicine (if there is a boat trip)
◆Waterproof phone case (for photography)
Manners and rules to follow to protect nature
Sea turtles are listed as an endangered species, and consideration for the natural environment is required. Please observe the following rules!
◆ Do not feed
◆Swim with fins so as not to roll up sand
◆Take out garbage without fail.
To protect the safety of sea turtles and the sea!
What You Need to Know
While the nature of Ishigaki Island is rich and beautiful, there are always risks involved in ocean activities.
In order to enjoy encounters with sea turtles, it is necessary to understand how to deal with nature and safety measures in case of emergency!
◆Avoid going it alone and work in groups.
◆Be careful of heat stroke and dehydration, and hydrate frequently.
◆Do not force yourself into the sea on days when sea conditions are bad.
Q&A on Ishigaki Island Sea Turtles
summary
The experience of meeting sea turtles on Ishigaki Island will be a memory of a lifetime.
There are a variety of tours that even snorkeling beginners can participate in safely, and there are many spots with high encounter rates, such as Yonehara Beach and the Blue Cave♪.
The important thing is to have an awareness of coexisting with nature. With proper manners and preparation, please enjoy an impressive encounter with sea turtles. May the beautiful ocean of Ishigaki Island make your trip special!
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