Meet manta rays and sea turtles! Complete guide to popular diving spots in Ishigaki Island recommended for beginners!
Table of Contents
- 1 Spectacular scenery everywhere! Why popular diving spots in Ishigaki Island are called Reason why popular diving spots in Ishigaki Island are called "Heaven
- 2 No worries even for beginners! Features of Diving Spots in Ishigaki Island
- 3 For Beginners 3 recommended diving spots in Ishigaki Island
- 4 High encounter rate with manta rays! 3 popular diving spots in Ishigaki Island you can't miss!
- 5 You can go to popular spots! Recommended 3 Experience Diving Tours
- 6 Enjoy Ishigaki Island spots safely! Diving Beginner's Cautions
- 7 What is the best season for diving spots in Ishigaki Island?
- 8 What to wear & bring for the diving experience
- 9 Ishigaki Island Diving Spots Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 10 summary
Spectacular scenery everywhere! Popular diving spots in Ishigaki Island are
Why it's called "Heaven
Ishigaki Island is dotted with some of the best diving spots in Japan, where you can encounter beautiful coral reefs and a wide variety of marine life.
The world-famousManta SpotThere are many calm spots where beginners can safely dive, and there are also many spots where you can dive in a "safe and comfortable" environment.Diving HeavenThere are many reasons why it is called "the
In this issue, we will introduce a selection of diving spots on Ishigaki Island recommended for beginners as well as recommended tours to visit famous spots!
◆A beginner looking for a safe spot to go.
◆Those who want to know where to see manta rays and sea turtles.
◆Those looking for an efficient diving tour to visit famous places
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Beginners can also feel at ease!
Characteristics of Diving Spots on Ishigaki Island
In Ishigaki Island, there are many spots where even first-time divers can enjoy diving to the fullest.
The serenity of the terrain, the accessibility from the harbor, and the inspiring encounters with living creatures,Ideal point for beginnersare all available.
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Plenty of calm and clear points
Spots around Ishigaki Island areReefMany areas are surrounded by the ocean, which prevents the swell of the open ocean and makes the waves very calm.
Tropical fish and corals can be observed even from spots where the water is shallow,The clarity of the sea is also excellent.The water is a safe and comfortable place to enjoy the spectacular view. It is an environment where you can enjoy the spectacular view with less fear and peace of mind, even if it is your first time underwater.
Many places to see manta rays and sea turtles
The biggest attraction of Ishigaki Island is, after allmanta rays and sea turtlesThe fact that there are scattered dive sites where you have a high probability of encountering
Even beginners can experience "special encounters" because they can go to the point where they can encounter big fish even for experience diving.
A variety of tours are offered to visit famous places
Head to popular spotsExperience diving for beginnersand half-day courses,Plan with snorkelingA wide variety of tours are available, including
Experienced guides will help you determine the best spots for the day and guide you there, so even if you are not a good swimmer, you don't have to worry.
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Dive all year round in a mild climate
Ishigaki Island has a mild climate throughout the year,The temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius in winter, and the water temperature is 23 to 29 degrees Celsius throughout the year.Yes, there is.
Diving can be enjoyed in any season, as wetsuits are allowed in popular spots even in the middle of winter. It is also ideal for those who want to explore the undersea at a leisurely pace during the off-season to avoid the crowds.
For beginners
3 recommended diving spots in Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island has many great spots for experience diving.
If the area is shallow, calm, and has healthy fish and coral, you will definitely get hooked on diving for the first time. Here are three popular spots that can be safely recommended for beginners.
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Yonehara W Leaf
Yonehara W Reef, especially famous in Ishigaki Island, is a safe and enjoyable diving spot for beginners.
The reef is shallow, and you can see beautiful coral reefs, colorful tropical fish, and lots of other marine life. If you are luckysea turtleYou may also encounter It will be an unforgettable experience.
Average depth: 25m
Flow: Almost none
Point: Enjoyable for beginners and experts alike.
Osaki Hanagoi Reef
As the name implies,yellowfin goatfish, yellowfin snapper, and redline goatfishThe point is a spectacular place where schools of fish such as
The shallow reef and almost no current make it perfect for experience diving. This is a classic spot loved by a wide range of divers, from seasoned photo divers to beginners.
Average depth: 5m to 40m
Flow: Almost none
Point: It is a popular spot and can get crowded.
Sakieda maze
As the name suggests, the Sakieda Maze, with its complex maze-like topography, is a popular diving spot where visitors can enjoy the feeling of cave exploration even in shallow water.
Natural arches with light shining through them create a fantastic atmosphere.The reef is surrounded by a large, shallow reef with little or no current. Surrounded by reefs and with almost no current, even beginners can enjoy the interesting topography that only diving can offer.
Average depth: 12m to 30m
Flow: Almost none
Point: Popular with topography divers
Manta ray encounter rate is high!
3 Popular Diving Spots in Ishigaki Island that You Can't Miss
When talking about diving spots on Ishigaki Island, one thing that absolutely cannot be missed is "Encounter with Manta Rays". At the three most famous sites in particular, you have a high probability of observing manta ray cleaning stations (places where manta rays get their bodies cleaned).
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Kabira-Ishizaki Manta Scramble
The Manta Scramble in Kabira (Kabira) Ishizaki is,World famous manta ray spotIt is a representative of the
When there are many manta rays, you can see several hovering in the water, and their power is impressive. The depth is about 10 to 20 meters and the tide is a bit currenty, but even beginners can try this point if they are on a guided tour!
Average depth: 10 to 20 meters
Flow: Gentle to moderate
Point: Recommended for beginners to intermediate
Manta City Point
Manta City Point, another very popular manta spot, is located near the Manta Scramble.
Depth is shallow, around 10m, and the current is relatively calm.This makes it easy for even beginners to observe the powerful scene of manta rays crossing in front of them.
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 is a spot in the strait between Iriomote Island and Kohama Island,Manta rays that appear in the beautiful white sand (commonly known as sand manta rays) can be seen.It is famous for its
Because of the strong currents, drift diving (diving while being swept along) is the basic method, and is suitable for intermediate to advanced divers. In the fall, when manta ray encounters are more frequent, this is a hot site that attracts many repeat divers.
Average depth: 15-25m
Currents: Strong currents are likely to occur
Point: For intermediate to advanced level
You can go to popular spots!
Three recommended experience diving tours
Ishigaki Island offers a wide variety of diving tours where even beginners can enjoy the best spots. We carefully select and introduce tours where you can enjoy safe and secure tours with careful support from guides.
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Landing on "Phantom Island" & Experience Diving Tour
This is a special plan that includes landing on "Hamashima (Phantom Island)", a popular scenic spot in Ishigaki Island area, and experience diving at a beautiful coral point.
With solid pre-registration lectures and support, participants must be at least 10 years old.â
Two luxurious dives in half a day!
Kabira Bay Small Group Experience Diving Tour
This two-dive tour departs from Kabira Bay, a spectacular three-Michelin-starred bay, and offers the possibility of enjoying both coral reef spots and manta ray spots.
Small group tour, so no worries even if it's your first time. This plan allows you to fully enjoy the popular spots that Ishigaki Island boasts in a half day.
Manta ray or sea turtle snorkeling
& Experience Diving
This is a greedy plan that includes snorkeling at a spot where you can encounter big fish, landing on a "phantom island," and even experience diving!
This is a very satisfying tour where you can fully enjoy the charm of the sea of Ishigaki Island for a whole day.
Enjoy Ishigaki Island spots safely! Diving Beginner's Cautions
While looking forward to your first dive in a wonderful spot, you must also feel a lot of anxiety. To enjoy the marine world with peace of mind, it is important to prepare and be prepared in advance.
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Is diving equipment difficult?
Diving requires specialized equipment, but it does not have to be difficult!
How to use regulators (breathing apparatus), masks and finsInstructor explains in detailThey will do so, so let's work on it calmly.
What to do if you have an earache?
Relax and practice ear-pulling.
The "keening" of the ears when diving is due to changes in water pressure. This is prevented by the "ear clearingThe technique is called "the
There are several methods, so find the one that suits you best and practice it on land beforehand so you can handle it without panicking at the real spot.
⚪︎ frequently remove the ears
⚪︎Find a way that works for you
⚪︎ If you feel pain, take it easy and surface once.
⚪︎ signal the instructor if you can't do it right.
Try to stay calm in the water!
Rules for spot protection
In the seaI'm not panicking.The most important thing is to Don't be in a hurry, listen to the instructor's instructions and move slowly.
Also, to protect beautiful dive sitesNever touch coral or any living creature.It is also an important rule.
*There is a risk of decompression sickness on the day of the diving experience.Unable to board the plane(Diving is possible on the day of arrival by plane).
What is the best season for diving spots in Ishigaki Island?
Diving spots on Ishigaki Island can be enjoyed throughout the year, but the best season differs depending on the point you want to visit and the creatures you want to see.
Spring (March to May) is recommended for beginners.
Mild Season
In spring, Ishigaki Island has many days with stable sea conditions and high transparency in many spots. It is the best season for beginners.
The water temperature is about 23 to 26 degrees Celsius. There are points where you can feel the mystery of life that only spring can bring, such as the spawning of the kobushi.
Summer (June to August) is the best season!
The transparency and fish shadow are attractive.
Summer is the best season for diving in Ishigaki Island! Both water temperature and air temperature are high, making it easier to visit various spots. The transparency is high and the encounter rate with schools of colorful tropical fish increases!
However, weather checks are essential from July to October, as typhoons can sometimes prevent boats from leaving the port.
Autumn and winter (September to February) are manta ray spots and
High transparency is the goal.
Autumn is the best season for manta ray spotting! Especially in September and October, there is a high probability of seeing multiple manta ray encounters.
In winter, the north winds limit the spots that can be accessed, but the clarity of the sea improves even more, and you can enjoy diving in dynamic terrain spots to the fullest.
What to wear & bring for the diving experience
Many dive sites are reached by boat. Here are some things to bring and suitable clothing for a comfortable stay on the boat.
⚪︎Wear comfortable swimsuit (recommended to wear in advance)
⚪︎ keep it together if you have long hair.
⚪︎ Footwear that can get wet
◆Things to bring
⚪︎ change of clothes, bath towel
⚪︎ Rush guard, something to wear on the boat
⚪︎ Sun protection (hat, sunglasses)
⚪︎Sunscreen with ocean-friendly ingredients (no harmful ingredients for corals)
⚪︎ waterproof bags, waterproof cases for cell phones
⚪︎ anti-sickness medicine (required for those prone to seasickness)
Ishigaki Island Diving Spots
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Although it depends on the spot you want to visit, the most popular time for beginners is from spring to summer when the sea conditions are relatively stable. Autumn is recommended if you want to target manta spots, and winter is also recommended if you want to enjoy highly transparent topographic points.
Yes, you can! Ishigaki Island has a wide variety of tours for beginners that take you to the points where you are most likely to encounter creatures depending on the sea conditions and the situation of the day. It is not 100% because you are dealing with nature, but there are many people who join the tour looking forward to encountering manta rays and sea turtles.
In addition to a basic change of clothes and a towel, you may feel chilly on the boat due to the wind, so a rash guard or windbreaker that can be woven over your head will be helpful. Also, if you are worried about seasickness, it is highly recommended that you take anti-sickness medicine 30 minutes before boarding the boat☆.
summary
Ishigaki Island is an area packed with specialty spots that are perfect for first-time divers.
Clear waters, beautiful coral reefs, encounters with manta rays and sea turtles, and other special experiences that can only be experienced at that point await you.
Please use this article to find the diving spots and tour plans that suit you best, and enjoy a memorable trip to Ishigaki Island.
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