Turtle Snorkeling in Ishigaki - Fluent English! Small Group!

Ishigaki , Japan

Turtle Snorkeling in Ishigaki - Fluent English! Small Group!

Active

(16 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Snorkeling with sea turtles by a fluent English-speaking guide. 97% turtle sightings! Free pickup, photos and videos.

-97% chance to see turtles!
Our guides have 10 years of experience in Ishigaki island as a scuba diving and snorkeling instructors and knows all the best spots in the area, which makes this sea turtle snorkeling tour possible!

-Guided tour in fluent English made for international guests.
No Japanglish! This tour will be held in only English. We don't mix Japanese or other languages in our tour.

-See more than turtles!
Up to 2 hours in the water with turtles, coral reefs, reef sharks, and tropical fish.

-We care!
Eco-friendly, marine-responsible tours. We never touch or disturb marine life.

-Half day tour (~4h)
Real snorkeling with up to 2 hours in the water. Every tour is different!

-Beach snorkeling (NOT BY BOAT)
Easy beach entry – great for beginners.

-Early bird gets the turtle
Morning tour (7:30am) = better chance for turtles and fewer crowds.

-Small groups

Available options

Turtle Snorkeling in Ishigaki - Fluent English! Small Group!

What's included

Pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in a comfortable A/C van

Safety equipment - Life-jacket (mandatory for all guests), safety float

Protective Swimwear - Rush guards in summer and wetsuits in winter

Snorkeling gear - Mask (optical option), snorkel, shoes and fins

Liability insurance

Drinking water and seasonal fruits

All photo and video data from our GoPro camera

Outdoor shower

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

16 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Not recommended for travelers with photosensitive epilepsy (PSE)

Please mention your shoe sizes so that we can fit equipment for you.

Please mention your accommodation even if you wish to arrive by yourself.

Meeting point

Depending on the Snorkeling site we will use (depending on the weather) we may change the meeting points. This will be announced on the day before the tour.

About Ishigaki

Ishigaki is the largest island in the Yaeyama Archipelago, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush landscapes. It offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences, making it a must-visit destination in Okinawa.

Top Attractions

Kabira Bay

Kabira Bay is famous for its crystal-clear waters and stunning coral reefs. It's a must-visit for snorkeling, diving, and glass-bottom boat tours.

Nature 2-3 hours Free to visit, tours cost ¥1,500-3,000

Iriomote Island

Iriomote Island is a neighboring island known for its dense jungle, waterfalls, and mangrove forests. It's a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers.

Nature Full day trip Ferry: ¥2,500-3,000, tours: ¥5,000-10,000

Shimajiri Beach

Shimajiri Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on Ishigaki, with white sand and turquoise waters. It's perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.

Beach Half day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Goya Champuru

A stir-fry dish made with bitter melon (goya), tofu, eggs, and various vegetables. It's a staple of Okinawan cuisine.

Main Dish Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Rafute

Slow-cooked pork belly in a sweet soy-based sauce. It's a popular Okinawan dish known for its rich flavor.

Main Dish Contains pork

Sata Andagi

Deep-fried dough balls, similar to donuts, often served with tea. They are sweet and fluffy.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Scuba diving Jungle trekking Kayaking Beach lounging Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation Visiting traditional villages

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season with pleasant temperatures and low humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach visits.

18-26°C 64-79°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (Japan Standard Time, GMT+9)

Electricity

100VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Ishigaki is a generally safe destination with low crime rates. However, travelers should take standard precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of overcharging
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis

Getting there

By air

New Ishigaki Airport • 10 km from city center

By bus

Ishigaki Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport. They are reliable and affordable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: None widely used

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ishigaki City Kabira Shimojishima

Day trips

Iriomote Island

40 km • Full day

Iriomote Island is a neighboring island known for its dense jungle, waterfalls, and mangrove forests. It's a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers.

Taketomi Island

10 km • Half day to full day

Taketomi Island is a small, traditional island with a unique cultural heritage. It's known for its stone streets, traditional thatched-roof houses, and horse-drawn carriage rides.

Kohama Island

20 km • Half day to full day

Kohama Island is a small, peaceful island known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters. It's a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.

Festivals

Shimajiri Pulling Festival • Late April to early May Ishigaki Island Festival • Early October

Pro tips

Rent a car or scooter for flexibility and to explore the island at your own pace
Visit Kabira Bay for stunning views and marine activities
Try local dishes like Goya Champuru and Rafute for an authentic Okinawan experience
Book accommodations and popular tours in advance, especially during peak season
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a waterproof bag for beach and water activities