Ishigaki Island Diving Tour: No License, Sea Turtles Possible

Dive without a license and see what the reef holds

A guided diving activity on Ishigaki Island for beginners and certified divers, with no license required and experienced instructors leading up to three dives a day. Equipment, tanks and insurance are included. The dive site and depth adjust to weather and your preference. Minimum age is 12. A shower and changing room are available at the shop afterward.

The experience

You meet at a designated point on Ishigaki Island: the exact location and time arrive by email before your dive, adjusted for tide and weather. The instructors walk you through the equipment piece by piece and teach you how to breathe underwater, so even if you're not a confident swimmer or have never dived before, you enter the water with a clear sense of what to expect. The shop provides a full set of gear, tanks and insurance in the price. You bring only a swimsuit and towel.

Once in the water, a guide leads you through the reef and open points according to the day's conditions and what you want to see. The underwater scenery reads like an aquarium: fish, coral, and if conditions align, sea turtles and manta rays. You can do up to three dives in a single day. Each additional dive beyond the first costs extra. The guide stays with you the whole time, pointing out the ecology and keeping you safe.

After the dives, you shower and change at the shop, then rest in the café space. The operator includes photos of your dive. You'll receive them after the activity. Tours don't run in heavy rain or unsafe weather, and there's no cancellation fee if that happens. Avoid diving on the day you fly out, and don't drink alcohol before or during the activity.

What’s included

• Full SCUBA equipment and snorkelling gear.
• air tanks and insurance.
• an experienced guide for the entire dive.
• up to three dives in one day.
• shower, changing room and locker access.
• café space to rest afterward.
• photos of your dive.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:00

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by 水上スキーで行くプライベートツアー

Is this one for you?Book this if you're new to diving or visiting Ishigaki for the first time and want to explore the reef without needing a certification card. The instructors are trained to guide beginners, and the bespoke plan means you can chase what you came to see, whether that's a particular reef, an island, or the animals that live there.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I dive on Ishigaki Island if I've never dived before?

Yes. No license is required, and beginners are welcome. The instructors give a detailed lecture on equipment and breathing technique before you enter the water, so you can participate safely even if you're not a strong swimmer.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my dive?

Tours don't start in heavy rain or unsafe conditions. If that occurs, there's no cancellation fee, and you can reschedule for another day.

What marine life might I see underwater?

The reef holds fish and coral year-round. If conditions are right, you'll see sea turtles and manta rays. The guide knows the best spots and will take you where the day's weather allows.

How many dives can I do in one day?

You can dive up to three times in a single day. The first dive is included in the base price. Each additional dive costs extra.

What's included in the price?

Full diving equipment, air tanks, insurance, a guide, photos of your dive, and use of the shower, changing room and café space at the shop are all included.

What do I need to bring?

Bring a swimsuit and towel. The operator provides all diving gear, so you don't need to rent or buy anything separately.