Introducing popular Ishigaki Island diving tours with recommended times, points, and beginners OK!
Table of Contents
- 1 Swim with manta rays in Ishigaki Island! What is the charm of diving?
- 2 Recommended Manta Encounter Points on Ishigaki Island
- 3 How to increase your chances of seeing manta rays? How to choose the best season and time of day
- 4 How to choose a popular diving tour in Ishigaki Island
- 5 Swim with Manta Rays! Ishigaki Island One-Day and Half-Day Diving Tours
- 6 You can also meet sea turtles! Introducing the sea creatures of Ishigaki Island!
- 7 summary
Swim with manta rays in Ishigaki Island!
What is the attraction of diving?
Ishigaki Island, located 400 km southwest of the main island of Okinawa, is a popular diving spot visited by many divers from Japan and abroad.
Among them, the "manta ray encounter experience" symbolizes Ishigaki Island.
In Ishigaki Island, there are many experience diving plans for beginners and snorkeling plans that do not require a license, so even if you have no diving experience, you can enjoy diving without a license.Relatively easy to experience encounters with manta raysThe point is a major attraction.
◆Ishigaki Island for those who want to enjoy diving
◆If you want to know about manta spots in Ishigaki Island
Those who want to experience diving for the first time in Ishigaki Island.
◆Considering a manta ray diving tour that even beginners can enjoy
This time we will introduce manta ray diving in Ishigaki Island!
Recommended Manta Encounter Points on Ishigaki Island
Each of the manta ray encounter spots on Ishigaki Island has different characteristics.
It is especially popular here,Three dive sites with high encounter ratesto introduce you to the following!
Kabira-Ishizaki Manta Scramble
Known as the "Manta Scramble," this point is,The most famous manta encounter spot in Ishigaki Island!
Located off the coast of Kabira Bay, there is a cleaning station where manta rays frequently gather. The depth of the water is about 20 meters, and you may be able to observe several manta rays migrating up close while diving.
Because of the strong tidal currents and the need for good buoyancy control skills, it can be difficult for beginners to dive alone at this point. However, if you join a guided tour offered by a reputable dive store, even beginners can try it without any worries.
Average depth: 10-15 m
Flow: Gentle to moderate
Point: Recommended for beginners.
Manta City Point (MCP)
Manta City Point is located in the same Kabira area as Manta Scramble.
This one is located in a relatively shallow area and the current is gentle,Ideal point for experience and beginner diversÂ
The depth is shallow, around 10 meters, and the attraction is that you can closely observe manta rays swimming across in front of you underwater.
The beautiful terrain with its coral reefs and abundance of tropical fish are also reasons for its popularity.
Average depth: 10-15 m
Current: Moderate, can be difficult for beginners on days with strong current
Point: Coral reefs dot the sandy expanse
Yonara Channel
Yonara Channel, which stretches between Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands, is an advanced diving spot where manta rays can be seen up close!
Because the current is very fast, drift diving (diving while being swept along) is the basic method, requiring a certain level of experience and skill.
Yonara Channel has a high occurrence of large manta rays, and during the breeding season, you may witness a behavior called "manta train," in which the male chases the female.
It is for people with intermediate to advanced diving licenses, but the experiences you will encounter are exceptional.
Average depth: 15-25m
Currents: Strong currents are likely to occur
Point: Timing of the dive is important to increase the encounter rate!
How can I increase my chances of seeing manta rays?
How to choose the best season and time of year
If you wish to see manta rays, "when to go" is a very important factor.
The manta season on Ishigaki Island is said to be year-round,Manta ray activity is especially active from September to November.and is considered to be the time when the encounter rate is highest.
During this season, it is said that manta rays can be seen at a high probability at major spots such as the Kabira-Shizaki Manta Scramble, which is popular among repeat visitors.
Mantas also have a habit of appearing at cleaning stations at specific times during the day. The best times to target them are from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and from 14:00 to 16:00 p.m!
Although it varies slightly depending on sea conditions and tides, consciously choosing the right time of day for your tour can greatly increase your chances of encountering the fish.
Dive stores and guides will guide you to the best time of day based on weather, tide level, and other information if you want to maximize your chances of seeing manta rays,Choosing an experienced store is recommended.'It's good to be here'
How to choose a popular diving tour in Ishigaki Island
To enjoy diving in Ishigaki Island, it is very important to choose the right tour and store!
The following points are to be considered,More satisfying experiencewill be ◎
→No license required, instructor can provide detailed support.
◆Small Group
→Smaller groups are safer in terms of safety and individual attention in the sea.
◆Shop Locations
→Quick access to Manta Point and efficient use of tour time
Swim with manta rays!
Full-day and half-day diving tours in Ishigaki Island
Here are some of the most highly rated dive tours!
Impressive Manta Ray Experience Diving in Kabira
Even those who do not have a license can participate, and you will be carefully taught how to use the equipment and breathing techniques.
The program is designed to encounter manta rays, and the excitement of encountering them is beyond words!
Guided tour to coral reef & manta point!
Small Group Experience Diving Tours
This tour allows you to enjoy not only manta rays but also beautiful coral reefs and a variety of fish!
Small group size and generous guide support,Popular with beginners, families, and couples.There are
After the tour, I was highly satisfied with the service, including the provision of photo data.â
Encounter rate of 901 TP3T or higher! Snorkeling
Landing on Phantom Island & Experience Diving Tour
A luxury tour that also includes a landing experience on a phantom island (Hamashima)!
It is designed to provide a high probability of encountering manta rays or sea turtles, and can be enjoyed both at sea and in the water.
For those who want to enjoy a combination of popular activitiesIt is especially recommended for
You can also meet sea turtles!
Introducing the marine life of Ishigaki Island
The sea of Ishigaki Island is a paradise not only for manta rays but also for a variety of sea creatures☆.
For example,Sea turtles can be encountered all year round.Possibly, chin corals are also seen showing their faces in the shallow sandy areas!
Chinook eel (Anas sibiricus)
... bear flea
yellow striped goatfish (Parupeneus chrysopleuron)
clown triggerfish (Balistoides conspicillum)
rocket (Eruca sativa)
naked octopus
summary
Ishigaki Island is a world-class diving spot where you can encounter manta rays.
There are a variety of points that are suitable for different purposes and skills, such as the Kabira-Ishizaki Manta Scramble, Manta City, and Yonara Channel, and tours that are easy for even beginners to participate in are well maintained.
To increase the encounter rate, the trick is to aim for the best season from September to November and join the morning dives!
In addition, choosing a reliable dive store will ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
The moment you see the graceful shape of a manta ray right in front of your eyes will be a memory you will cherish forever.
Why don't you come and experience a moving encounter in the beautiful sea of Ishigaki Island?
