Iriomote & Barasu Island: Snorkeling Tour with Photos & Pickup

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/24

Duration2h

GroupUp to 50

LanguagesEN · JA

PickupAt your hotel

Swim above coral gardens near Iriomote on a guided half-day

You’ll step onto coral-sand Barasu Island near Iriomote, learn snorkeling basics from a local guide, and float above colorful reefs with all gear provided. There’s free pickup from Uehara Port or your hotel, plus hot showers after and digital photos included—so you can just focus on the fish and that unreal blue water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Iriomote snorkeling tour at Barasu Island

Pick-up at Uehara Port or accommodation
Board boat and depart for Barasu Island
Arrive at Barasu Island and take photos
Begin snorkeling with guide support
End snorkeling and return to port
Drop-off at Uehara Port or accommodation

The Experience

The first thing I noticed was the crunch — not of sand, but actual coral under my feet as we stepped off the boat onto Barasu Island. It’s tiny, just this patch of white in the blue, and it almost feels like it shouldn’t exist. Our guide, Yuki, laughed when I tried to pronounce “Barasu” properly (I still don’t know if I got it right). The air smelled salty and clean, and there was this breeze that made my hair stick to my sunscreened face. It was all kind of awkward but good.

I’d never snorkeled before, so honestly, I was nervous. But Yuki handed me the mask and fins and just talked me through everything — how to breathe slow, what to do if water gets in your mask. He even double-checked my life jacket straps before we slid into the water. The reef here is wild — bright fish darting everywhere, and the coral looks like someone scattered old bones and flowers on the sea floor. At one point a parrotfish zipped by right under me; I nearly swallowed seawater from grinning.

We didn’t stay long on Barasu (the tide decides how much time you get), but Yuki took photos with his waterproof camera while we flailed around trying to look cool underwater. He promised he’d send them later — no extra charge or anything, which was nice because my phone would’ve been toast out there. The whole thing felt quick but kind of perfect for a half-day trip from Ishigaki or if you’re staying around Uehara Port. And yeah, there are showers back at their office so you don’t have to ride home salty.

I still think about floating there — sunlight flickering through the water, everyone silent except for our breathing tubes bubbling away. It’s not fancy or dramatic but something about being out on that little island makes you feel like you’re part of some secret routine between sea and sky. If you’re worried about not being an expert swimmer or messing up the gear (like me), honestly don’t be; they really do take care of you here.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Uehara Port or your accommodation in Uehara, all required safety equipment like life jacket and fins, liability insurance, wetsuit during winter season if needed, use of hot showers after returning to base, plus digital photos taken during your snorkeling adventure—all covered in your experience fee before drop-off back at your starting point.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by IRIOMOTE ADVENTURE PiPi