Welcome to paradise — where the coral reefs are vibrant, the water is so clear it looks Photoshopped, and yes, you just might bump into a sea turtle on your morning swim.
Snorkeling in Ishigaki, Japan, is one of the island’s absolute highlights. Whether you’re a seasoned reef explorer or someone who’s never worn a snorkel mask without fogging it up, this guide is for you.
We’ll cover everything:
Let’s dive in — fins first.
Whether you’re looking for a private snorkeling tour in Ishigaki, a quick beach dip, or a full-day reef-hopping experience, there’s something here for every swimmer — even non-swimmers.
In 2024, Ishigaki suffered a major coral bleaching event. Not by a direct effect of global warming but because no major typhoons hit the island until early October. Due to that, the ocean temperature rose to an extreme 32°C, far above the healthy range for coral reefs. As a result, around 80% of Ishigaki’s shallow coral reefs were lost, especially in lagoon areas with little water movement.
While some outer reef and deeper sites remain healthy — and marine life is still abundant — it’s important to understand how climate change and the absence of storms can hurt the underwater ecosystem. Typhoons, while disruptive, help cool the ocean and bring much-needed balance.
If you’re a diver, snorkeler or even a beach lover who cares about marine life, please follow eco-friendly practices and support dive centers and tour operators that protect the reef.
No, you don’t snorkel in the cave — but the waters nearby are a snorkeler’s dream.
Located on Ishigaki’s northern coast, the Blue Cave is a small, naturally formed sea cave carved into the limestone cliffs. The name comes from the beautiful blue light that reflects inside the cave, especially on sunny mornings. While you can walk into the cave at low tide and admire the glowing water for a few minutes, snorkeling happens just offshore — not inside.
But the real action is outside the cave. The nearby reef is packed with:
Tours typically start with a walk to the cave entrance for photos and sightseeing, followed by a snorkeling session in the sheltered bay area nearby. You might spot clownfish, butterflyfish, and even sea turtles if you’re lucky. The reef here is close to the surface, making it perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone who just wants an easy-going marine experience.
If you’re looking for a relaxing, beginner-friendly snorkeling spot in Ishigaki, paired with a bit of coastal adventure, this is one of the top picks.
Yonehara is the best beach snorkeling spot in Ishigaki for DIY snorkelers.
Just a few steps from shore, the reef begins. You’ll find coral gardens, parrotfish, clownfish, and more. It’s perfect for beginners, kids, or anyone who wants to go snorkeling without a tour.
Bonus: There are rental shops right near the beach if you didn’t bring your gear.
Yonehara beach have also a more exciting areas for snorkeling where sea turtles and reef sharks are often spotted.
Access to those spots is a bit more complicated and for your safety, it will require you to join a snorkeling tour.
Phantom Island — also called Hamajima — is one of the most famous snorkeling spots in Ishigaki on Google and travel sites. It’s easy to understand why. This tiny white sand island appears at low tide in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by bright blue water. It looks like a dream, and it’s great for photos, walking on soft sand, or just relaxing in the water.
However, when it comes to snorkeling, Phantom Island may not live up to the hype and left many people disappointed.
The area around Phantom Island has very few fish, almost no live coral, and the water is very shallow. On top of that, the spot is often crowded with big group tours, which can make the experience feel rushed or noisy.
Most tours that visit Phantom Island include a short snorkeling session nearby — but this reef isn’t the best. It’s okay for beginners or people who just want to float and look around, but it’s not a great place for real snorkeling.
What we suggest:
We’re not saying Phantom Island is bad — just that it’s better for relaxing and taking photos than for snorkeling. And that’s okay! Knowing what to expect helps you enjoy your time more and choose the right place for your trip.
Looking for sea turtles with less crowds? Osaki Beach might be your perfect match.
Tucked away on the island’s quieter northwest coast, Osaki Beach is one of the lesser-known but deeply loved Ishigaki snorkeling spots. It’s not a tourist hotspot like Phantom Island or Blue Cave — and that’s a big part of its charm.
The reef here sits a short swim from shore, and it’s known for being a reliable place to see sea turtles. These gentle giants often feed in the shallows or gracefully swim past snorkelers like they’ve got somewhere better to be (they don’t).
Osaki offers:
There aren’t many facilities right at the beach, so it’s best to visit Osaki with a guided snorkeling tour that includes gear, guidance, and possibly a visit to nearby coral points. Some tours even specialize in sea turtle snorkeling and head here specifically because the turtles keep showing up like clockwork.
Known for its rare blue coral, Shiraho is where marine biologists go to geek out. The reef here is more fragile and protected, so all snorkeling is done with a certified guide.
It’s educational, beautiful, and great for travelers who want a quieter, more eco-conscious experience.
Yes — Ishigaki sea turtle snorkeling is very real. Many tours advertise “turtle encounter chances,” especially at Blue cave and Osaki beach.
The turtles here are chill. They’ll let you swim nearby, take a photo, and just vibe. You don’t need to dive deep — just wait for the right moment when thy come up for air and if you are lucky and don’t make sudden movements you can get very close to them (DO NOT TOUCH!).
Most people choose to snorkel Ishigaki with a guided tour, and for good reason: they’re easy, safe, and take you to the best spots with no guesswork involved.
Here’s what a typical Ishigaki snorkeling tour includes:
There are a few types of tour options available:
Half-Day Snorkeling Tours
Perfect for travelers short on time. Most Ishigaki half-day snorkeling tours last 3-4 hours and include 1 or 2 stops. Popular for:
👉 Check out our Half-Day Snorkeling tours ›
Full-Day Snorkeling Tours
If you want to see it all — sea turtles, deep coral, cave swims — go for a full-day. These often include lunch, 1-2 snorkeling locations, and more guide interaction.
Most Full-Day tours include a combo of activities, such as:
👉 Check out our Full-Day Snorkeling and Island tours ›
Private Snorkeling Tours
Want the reef all to yourself? Book a private snorkeling tour in Ishigaki for couples, families, or small groups. It’s pricier but totally worth it for special trips (like honeymoons or if your group needs extra assistance).
Yes! You can absolutely go snorkeling in Ishigaki without a tour, especially at:
What you’ll need:
Absolutely. Whether you’re dreaming of swimming with sea turtles, floating above coral gardens, or exploring caves that glow blue — Ishigaki snorkeling is one of the best things you can do on the island.
It’s accessible, beginner-friendly, and full of unforgettable moments. Take a tour, go DIY, bring the kids, or make it a date — just don’t miss the chance to peek beneath the surface of this stunning island.
Disclaimer
All the information on this page is written by Discover Ishigaki staff with the help of an AI – Please take all information with a grain of salt and always fact check / use common sense before making any investment. Discover Ishigaki isn’t responsible for anything that you may do/ did/ doing/ didn’t do after reading the information on our website. If you found any mistake, offence, misinformation or just have questions about the information on this page please shove all the details into… this mail > , and we will get back to you shortly.
