Join a small-group beach-entry tour and swim with sea turtles in Ishigaki — one of the best places in Japan to find them in their natural reef habitat, observed respectfully and at a comfortable distance.
If your goal is to swim with sea turtles in Ishigaki, this tour is designed for you. Our experienced guides take you to one of the island’s best locations, where turtles are seen regularly. This small group experience includes beach entry, plenty of time in the water, and full support from an English-speaking guide.
The snorkeling areas we use are known as some of the best places to see turtles in Ishigaki. Our guides visit these locations daily and choose the best conditions to maximize your chances for a close and personal encounter.
While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, turtles are seen on 97% of our tours throughout the year.
No Japanglish. No translation apps. Every tour is led entirely in natural, fluent English — from pickup to drop-off — so you can ask questions, understand safety briefings, and enjoy the experience without any language confusion.
This makes our tour one of the most reliable options for Ishigaki turtle snorkeling.
4 Hours
1.5 ~ 2 Hours Snorkeling Time
Included:
¥9,500 / Person
*All prices are tax included. **All prices in Japanese Yen
***We accept CASH ONLY.
Join a small-group beach-entry tour and swim with sea turtles in Ishigaki — one of the best places in Japan to find them in their natural reef habitat, observed respectfully and at a comfortable distance.
We are committed to delivering a calm, safe, and genuinely memorable ocean experience, where your comfort and enjoyment remain the priority at every stage.
Pick-up from accommodation
Snorkeling safety briefing
Snorkeling (1.5 ~ 2 hours)
Rinse and clothes change
Drop-off at accommodation
Lifetime of happy memories
Free transportation from and to your hotel is included in all of our tours.
Pick-up time will be sent to you on the day before your tour.
We can pickup from the ferry terminal with no additional cost.
Free pickup service is included for these areas:
Ishigaki City
Ohama
Shiraho
Fusaki
Kabira
Yonehara
Nosoko
Please consult with us if you stay at the northern area of Ishigaki Island or in other islands.
If you have a rental car and prefer to arrive by yourself – No problem!
we will inform you of the meeting place and time on the day before the tour.
Pick-up and Drop-off in any area other than Ishigaki City may result in a shorter/ longer tour times.
The daily itinerary is not carved in stone and can be changed depending on your wishes, weather conditions and safety concerns.
Tour departures are subject to weather conditions and minimum numbers.
This tour is suitable for guests between the ages of 12 to 70 years old.
This tour involves a moderate level of physical activity including walking on uneven ground and soft sand to access snorkel sites. we require our customers to share with us any and all Physical or Mental limitations they are having so that we may provide them with the safest experience possible. None of these details will be kept in our records or published in any way. please view our privacy policy for more details.
Unfortunately, our tours are not recommended for:
Due to the nature of snorkeling activities, some guests with limited mobility may require additional assistance or may find participation challenging. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.
For more info about our cancellation policy please see our Terms and conditions page.
Swim with sea turtles and continue exploring Ishigaki’s most beautiful locations, hidden beaches, and scenic viewpoints on our full day tour.
Ishigaki’s coastal reefs provide a year-round habitat for green sea turtles, particularly in shallow hard coral areas where they rest and visit cleaning stations near the top of the reef. Unlike feeding-focused locations in other regions, turtles here are often seen calmly resting, being cleaned by reef fish, or surfacing slowly to breathe.
With more than 10 years of snorkeling and diving experience around the island, we have developed long-term familiarity with multiple turtle points across Ishigaki. Rather than relying on a single location, we select sites daily based on sea conditions, visibility, and recent turtle activity patterns.
During peak season, we depart early to avoid crowded snorkeling times. This allows for calmer conditions in the water and more natural turtle behavior, without pressure from heavy traffic.
Our approach is patient and respectful. We never chase or touch turtles. Instead, we observe their movement and wait for them to surface naturally for air, which often allows for closer yet responsible viewing. Maintaining appropriate distance ensures turtles remain undisturbed while guests experience meaningful encounters.
Beyond turtles, Ishigaki’s reefs—part of the greater Sekisei Lagoon ecosystem—are home to diverse marine life including tropical reef fish, rays, seasonal cuttlefish, squid, mackerels, tuna, sea snakes, and occasionally passing reef sharks. The coral environment here is primarily hard coral, forming stable reef structures that support this biodiversity.
Sea turtles are seen on 97% of our tours. Ishigaki is home to large populations of green sea turtles that rest and feed along the island's shallow reef systems, making consistent sightings possible throughout the year.
While no wildlife encounter can be guaranteed, our guides have over 10 years of experience locating turtle habitats across Ishigaki and select locations daily based on conditions to maximise your chances of a close, natural encounter.
All turtle snorkeling is done from the beach. We drive to the selected beach by van, then enter the water gently from the shore.
This means no boats, no seasickness, and a more relaxed start to the water session.
Beach entry also allows us to access shallow reef areas where turtles rest and feed, which are often unreachable by boat.
Yes. This tour is designed to be accessible for all skill levels, including first-time snorkelers and non-swimmers.
Before entering the water, your guide provides a full safety briefing and snorkeling technique lesson. Life jackets are mandatory for all guests and provide both safety and confidence in the water. The guide stays in the water with the group throughout the session and can provide individual support to anyone who needs it.
We keep groups small — a maximum of 7 guests per guide, and often fewer.
Small groups are essential for turtle snorkeling because large numbers of people in the water disturb the animals and reduce encounter quality. By limiting group size, we can approach turtles calmly, spend more time observing them naturally, and give each guest personal attention throughout the session.
Yes, children are welcome as long as they're comfortable in the water with a life jacket. Keep in mind large groups can reduce the chance of a calm turtle encounter, so for younger children (under 12 years old) or a more relaxed pace, our Family Tour may be a better fit — it's private and adjusted to your kids' ages.
Yes. Every tour is led entirely in fluent English. We do not mix languages or use translation apps.
Our guides are experienced in explaining sea turtle behavior, snorkeling safety, and marine conservation in clear, natural English — making the experience comfortable and informative for international guests of all language backgrounds.
The total tour time is approximately 4 hours from pickup to drop-off, with 1.5 to 2 hours in the water.
Pickup times vary by hotel location and are confirmed the evening before your tour.
If you would like to combine turtle snorkeling with island sightseeing and a longer day out, our full-day Snorkeling and Island Tour runs 6 to 7 hours and includes lunch.
Swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a change of clothes, cash to pay for the tour, and a sense of adventure.
All snorkeling equipment is provided — mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit or rash guard, reef shoes, life jacket, and safety float.
If you wear glasses, optical masks are available in diopter ranges from -2 to -6 — please request at booking.
No, we accept cash only, and all prices are in Japanese Yen.
Please have the correct amount ready on the day of your tour.
For ATM locations and currency exchange options near your hotel, see our ATM and Currency Exchange guide.
Ready to experience one of the most memorable wildlife encounters in Ishigaki? Check availability and join our turtle snorkeling tour today.
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