Comfortable diving in Ishigaki Island in December? The transparency is excellent! Manta Rays and Macro Paradise in Winter Sea
Table of Contents
- 1 Is it possible to dive in Ishigaki Island in December? Explanation of Winter Sea Conditions and Characteristics
- 2 What are the temperature and water temperature in Ishigaki Island in December?
- 3 Diving in December in Ishigaki Island Creatures you can meet
- 4 Recommended in December Diving Styles and Fun
- 5 Ishigaki Island in December Recommended Diving Areas
- 6 Recommended in Winter Ishigaki Island Diving Tours
- 7 Diving in Ishigaki Island in December Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 8 summary
Can I dive in Ishigaki Island in December?
Explanation of winter sea conditions and features
Although December in Ishigaki Island is "winter", it is one of the best seasons to enjoy diving throughout the year.
It is the season when the north wind blows,High transparency, ,Sea conditions are stable on many days.The summer crowds are calming down and the diving environment is relaxing. The summer crowds have calmed down, creating a relaxing diving environment. Because there are fewer tourists, you can spend a comfortable time on the boat and at the dive sites.
With the quiet sea that only winter can bring,Expect to see manta rays and macro life.This is the main attraction of Ishigaki Island diving in December.
◆If you want to dive in Ishigaki Island in December
◆For those who want to know about recommended diving spots in Ishigaki Island.
◆If you want to know what kind of creatures you can meet in Ishigaki Island diving in December.
Click here to see the ranking of popular Ishigaki Island tours.
↓Manta rays and sea turtles can be seen.
Diving spots are here↓.
What are the temperature and water temperature in Ishigaki Island in December?
In December, Ishigaki Island is still warm in Japan, with temperatures around 20-25°C and water temperatures of 23-25°C. Many people worry about the cold weather, though,Comfortable if combined with a full suit (5mm) and hood vestYou can dive into the
On land, a long-sleeved T-shirt and a light hoodie will suffice, but on days with strong north winds, a windproof jacket is recommended. On the boat, you will be exposed to the wind, so it is recommended to bring warm clothes and towel ponchos.
Sea conditions in December and how to choose a dive site
In December, Ishigaki Island has northeast monsoon, so the waves tend to be higher at the northern points. Therefore,Relatively calm area in the south and around Taketomi Island and KuroshimaI often dive in the
especiallySandy points with excellent transparency and winter light are popular.The following is a list of the most common problems with the
Diving tours select safe dive sites according to the wind direction of the day, so even beginners can enjoy diving with peace of mind.
Why you can dive comfortably even in winter
Ishigaki Island in winterTransparency."andTranquility."is the biggest attraction. There is less floating debris in the water than in the summer, so the visibility is clearer. Compared to summer, which is the best season, there are fewer tourists and boats are less crowded.
Winter is also a great time to enjoy observing manta rays and macro life. As long as you are prepared for the cold, you can enjoy comfortable and calm diving.
Ishigaki Island in December Diving
Creatures you can meet
On Ishigaki Island in December,manta rays and sea turtlesIn addition to big names such as,Abundant macro lifeBy lowering the water temperature,Active nudibranchs and small crustaceansIt is the perfect season for photo divers.
The high transparency and soft light of the winter sea provide the best conditions for both observing and photographing creatures.
Experience Diving in Ishigaki Island
Here are the creatures you can meet
Can you see manta rays in winter? Encounter Points and Time of Year
The manta ray season on Ishigaki Island is generally considered to last until autumn, but there is a chance to encounter manta rays even in December.
especiallyAround Kuroshima and Aragusuku Island (Panari), manta rays migrate in search of plankton even in winter.Sometimes, if you are lucky, you may be able to meet them.
Click here for recommended manta ray diving in Ishigaki Island.
manta point
Features of the "Kabira-Ishizaki Manta Scramble
Northwest Ishigaki IslandKabira-Ishizaki Manta Scramble.The Manta Rays are world-famous, and although there are some days in December when it is not possible to dive due to the northerly winds, there is a high probability of seeing them when conditions are right.
The sight of manta rays migrating at their cleaning stations is breathtaking. The high transparency of the winter waters, with the light shining through, makes for a great photo opportunity.
A must-see for the macro group!
Macro organisms and encounter points seen in December
Ishigaki Island in December,For macro divers, this is the "treasure hunting" season!It is.
The slightly lower water temperature increases the number of nudibranchs, and the high transparency is ideal for observing and photographing small creatures. At sandy and rocky points, you can expect to encounter rare creatures unique to winter.
| Creature Name | Features and points of view |
|---|---|
| Nudibranchs (Zogeiro, Green Lugu, Hydrozoa, etc.) | Winter is nudibranch season! Abundant in both variety and number. |
| Goby species (Yasha gobies, sunfish, etc.) | Can be observed actively at sandy points in winter when transparency is high. |
| Shrimps and crabs (red striped shrimp, basara crayfish, etc.) | It is fun to look for individuals hiding behind rocks and in soft corals. |
| spotstripe snapper (species of fish, Lutjanus ophuysenii) | Sometimes appearing in pairs, these winter-only creatures are popular among photographers. |
| pygmy seahorse | Observed in the Osaki area. It is impressive to find them because they are good at mimicry. |
Sea turtles, bears, etc.
A wide variety of classic and popular creatures
Even in December, many classic species such as sea turtles and bear clams can be found.
especiallyIn the shallows of Kuroshima and Taketomi Island, green turtles resting can be observed with high probability.The clear waters of the Pacific Ocean are a unique experience in winter. Encountering them in the clear waters is an emotional experience that only winter can provide.
Recommended for December
Diving Styles and Fun
Ishigaki Island in December is a luxurious season when there are fewer tourists, so you can take your time diving. From beginners to advanced divers, there are many points where you can enjoy your own style of diving.
Beginners are also welcome!
Experience Diving in the Winter Sea
Ishigaki Island offers a wide variety of experience diving tours for beginners.
Enjoy calm waters at a depth of 5 to 10 meters with an instructor.Therefore, even first-timers can feel at ease. In the winter sea with high transparency,You can see schools of fish and coral reefs up close.The following is a list of the most common problems with the
↓For beginners ↓For beginners
Click here for recommended diving tours.
Advanced Fun Diving.
Experience the clarity and serenity
Fun diving is recommended for experienced divers.In winter, plankton is low and visibility is almost 30 meters.Also.
Because there are few people,The luxury of diving at exclusive pointsThere are also In the tranquility, you can enjoy encounters with coral reefs and manta rays surrounded by light.
↓Advanced ↓Advanced ↓Advanced ↓Advanced
Click here for recommended fun diving tours
Drift diving for big fish!
A powerful winter-only experience
On Ishigaki Island in winter, the tidal currents on Kuroshima and Aragusuku Island (Panari) are used todrift divingis popular.
In this style of moving with the flow,High chances to see big fish such as manta rays, isomargin tuna, and barracudaand transparency.Experience the power of the winter seaCan be done.
The exhilaration of moving through the vast ocean while letting the current carry you along is exceptional, and many repeat customers come back.Winter-only experience for active diversIt is.
Ishigaki Island in December
Recommended Diving Areas
Ishigaki Island in December is characterized by seasonal changes in the points that can be dived due to the north wind.
Winter is the time of year when areas on the south and west sides of the island are calmer and more transparent. A variety of encounters with manta rays, migratory fish, and macro life can be expected.
Kabira/Ishizaki Area
(Mantas scramble)
There is a chance even in winter! If the tide conditions are right, the manta ray encounter rate is high, and it is a royal spot for diving in Ishigaki Island. The transparency is excellent and you can enjoy manta rays in the quietness of winter.
Flow: Gentle to moderate
↓Manta Scramble held
Click here for recommended diving plans
Held at Kabira Bay Manta Point
Click here for recommended diving tours
Kuroshima and Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)
Popular drift diving area in winter. The current allows you to target big fish such as manta rays, isomargin tuna, and barracudas. Recommended for active divers.
Current: Calm to slightly current
↓Beginners welcome! Held in Panari Island
Click here for recommended diving plans
Held on Panari Island
Click here for recommended diving tours
Shiraho Area
A beautiful area with coral reefs. In winter, there are fewer tourists, making it a great place for leisurely macro-observation and photography. Gobies and nudibranchs are abundant.
Average depth: 5-15m
Current: Almost no to weak current
Nagura Bay/Osaki Area
This is a classic spot that is resistant to north winds and can be dived stably even in winter. You can enjoy a wide range of macro and medium-sized fish, such as spawning kobushi and clownfish.
Average depth: 10-25m
Current: Calm to almost no current
Recommended areas based on wind direction and
How to plan a dive
On days with strong northerly winds, the southern side of Taketomi Island, Kuroshima Island, and Kohama Island are calm. The guide will choose the best point based on the wind direction and current of the day.
Time of year when weather conditions are more likely to be unpredictableTherefore, it is important to plan your dive with a generous schedule.
Recommended for winter
Ishigaki Island Diving Tour
December is the off-season,When tour prices are relatively economicalThe best way to experience the world of manta rays is to go on a tour with an experienced guide. If you choose a tour with an experienced guide, you will have an unforgettable experience with manta rays and macro life.
Tours that aim for manta rays, tours where you have a high chance of seeing sea turtles, etc.A wide variety of tours to choose from according to your needsSo please check it out!
Popular tours for manta ray hunters
Manta rays are the most popular winter attraction in Ishigaki Island! You can observe manta rays dancing gracefully at Kabira-ishizaki and Kuroshima up close.
Manta ray tours visit manta ray cleaning stations by boat diving and target them during the winter season when the encounter rate is high. Small-group guided tours are also popular with photographers, even beginners.
↓ Let's go see the manta rays...
Click here for recommended manta ray diving tours
Popular tours with a high rate of sea turtle encounters
This tour allows you to enjoy encounters with sea turtles swimming leisurely in the clear winter sea. Held mainly in the Nagura Bay and Osaki areas, the attraction is the high probability of encountering turtles even during experience diving and snorkeling.
It is easy for beginners to participate and recommended for family trips and couples.
↓ Let's go see the sea turtles!
Click here for diving tours with a high rate of sea turtle encounters.
Tour of Ishinishi Jagako, Japan's largest coral reef
Seokuseijoko, which stretches around the Shiraho area, is one of the largest coral reefs in Japan. It is highly transparent even in the winter, and is home to colonies of branching corals and colorful tropical fish.
The tour for beginners combines diving and snorkeling, allowing you to fully enjoy the charm of Ishigaki Island's ocean in one day.
↓I am impressed by the best coral in Japan♪
Click here for recommended diving tours held at Ishisei Jagoho.
Exclusive Ishigaki Island in winter for advanced travelers!
Luxury Diving Tour
In winter, Ishigaki Island has few tourists, and for experienced divers, it is a trueThe season when you can monopolize the seaThis tour is designed for those who are interested in fishing in the open sea. On this tour, you can enjoy dynamic topography and encounters with migratory fish, mainly at open ocean points around Kuroshima and Aragusuku Island.
This is a luxury plan with a small guided group, where you can enjoy authentic diving as only experienced divers can.
↓License holders must see...
Click here for recommended fun diving tours
Ishigaki Island Recommendation
Click here for Fun Diving Tours
Ishigaki Island Diving in December
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Even in winter, the water temperature is around 22 to 24 degrees Celsius, and you can dive comfortably in a 5mm wetsuit. If you choose a dive site that is not affected by north winds, you can enjoy the calm waters in a relaxed atmosphere.
You can expect to see manta rays and sea turtles in December as well. You have a high probability of seeing them in the Kuroshima and Osaki areas, and can observe them closely in the clear winter waters.
summary
Ishigaki Island in December is so warm that it is hard to believe it is winter, and the water temperature is high, making it ideal for diving. The summer crowds have calmed down and the transparency improves during this season, so you can enjoy fantastic sights in the quiet sea.
There is still a chance to encounter manta rays, and an abundance of macro life such as nudibranchs and gobies. We invite you to experience the tranquil underwater world surrounded by calm, clear waters♪
↓Click here to read the article.
