Snorkeling Ishigaki: Phantom Island & Sekisei Lagoon

Snorkel a sandbar that vanishes with the tide, surrounded by Japan's largest coral reef

Snorkel around Phantom Island in Ishigaki's Sekisei Lagoon, a sandbar that emerges only at low tide and shifts size with the water level. A live guide in English or Japanese leads the activity, provides all snorkeling gear and a life jacket, photographs you with a waterproof camera during the tour, and gives you the photo data free. The tour runs about two hours and includes a hot shower afterward.

The experience

What makes Phantom Island worth the trip is that it exists only when conditions align: the sandbar rises from the seafloor at low tide, surrounded by an unobstructed 360-degree view of open ocean. The island itself is small, but the water around it is part of Sekisei Lagoon, Japan's largest coral reef and a protected area within Iriomote Ishigaki National Park. You'll spend the time in the water with a mask and fins, moving through the reef rather than watching it from a boat.

The guide handles the logistics: they provide the snorkeling mask, fins, life jacket and wetsuit (in winter), and they take your pictures underwater with a dedicated waterproof camera so you don't have to worry about your own gear getting wet. You meet at Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal, and the guide will send meeting details the day before. The activity runs about two hours in the water. Afterward, you can use the hot shower near the port. Ask the guide where it is.

The tour operates in light rain but may cancel if conditions turn unsafe. Ages 3 to 59 only. Pregnant travelers and those with certain medical conditions should contact the operator beforehand. Wear swimwear, use the restroom before you arrive (there are no facilities on-site), and avoid alcohol. The guide speaks English or Japanese depending on the tour, so confirm the language when you book if that matters to you.

What’s included

• All snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, life jacket, wetsuit in winter).
• guide in English or Japanese.
• free underwater photography and photo data.
• hot shower access.
• experience fee, liability insurance and sales tax.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 13:30

AgesAdult (3 to 59 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 36 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by ISHIGAKI ADVENTURE PiPi

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're comfortable following a guide's instructions in English or Japanese: the language varies by departure, so confirm which one you're joining. The two-hour timeframe and the life jacket requirement make it accessible for swimmers of all levels, though anyone with concerns about ocean conditions or their own strength should contact the operator beforehand.

Traveler reviews

4.85★★★★★★★★★★

140 verified traveler reviews

5 ★130

4 ★6

3 ★0

2 ★1

1 ★3

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.

What is Phantom Island and why does it only appear sometimes?

Phantom Island is a sandbar in Sekisei Lagoon that rises from the seafloor at low tide and disappears when the water rises again. Its size changes depending on the tide level, which is why it only appears under certain conditions and why the tour timing depends on the tidal schedule.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No. The tour includes a snorkeling mask, fins, life jacket, and wetsuit (in winter), so you arrive in swimwear and the guide provides everything else.

Can I keep the photos the guide takes during the tour?

Yes. The guide photographs you underwater with a waterproof camera and gives you the photo data for free at the end of the tour, so you don't have to carry your own camera into the water.

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

The tour operates in light rain, but it may be cancelled if conditions become unsafe. The guide will contact you by the day before with final confirmation and any weather updates.

Is there a shower available after snorkeling?

Yes. A hot shower room is available near Ishigaki Port, and the guide can direct you to it after the tour ends.