Iriomote & Barasu Island: Snorkeling Tour with Photos & Pickup

Summary

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.

What’s the experience like?

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.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

Can beginners join this snorkeling tour in Iriomote?

Yes, beginners are welcome—guides provide careful instruction and support throughout.

Is pickup included for this Barasu Island snorkeling tour?

Yes, free pickup is available from Uehara Port or hotels in the Uehara area on Iriomote.

How long does the snorkeling tour last?

The tour is a half-day plan—about 2.5 hours total including transport and snorkeling time.

Are photos included in the Iriomote snorkeling day trip?

Yes, guides take photos during the tour with a waterproof camera; digital photo data is provided free afterward.

What should I bring for this snorkeling trip?

Wear clothes suitable for getting wet; bring a towel and change of clothes for after (showers are available at the office).

Is lunch included in this snorkeling tour?

No meals are included; it’s a short half-day activity without lunch provided.

Can children join the Barasu Island snorkeling tour?

Children ages 6–59 can participate; infants under 6 cannot join for safety reasons.

What language is spoken by guides on this tour?

Tours are conducted in Japanese or English depending on guide availability.

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.