Snorkeling with sea turtles in Miyakojima: Free photos included

Turquoise water, coral reefs, sea turtles, and your guide's camera capturing it all

Snorkeling in Miyakojima pairs you with a certified guide for a 90-minute encounter with wild sea turtles and vibrant coral reefs in Japan's clearest waters. You meet at the coastal field, receive full rental gear and a safety briefing, and leave with all digital photos free. Ages 3–59. First-timers and nervous swimmers are welcome, and the guide provides full support throughout.

The experience

Miyakojima's snorkeling happens in shallow, clear water where sea turtles feed regularly: the operator reports one of the world's highest encounter rates. You meet directly at the coastal field (no long boat ride), get fitted with a mask, snorkel, fins and life jacket, and receive a safety briefing from a certified guide who is also a water rescuer. The gear is high-quality rental equipment, and the guide stays with you the entire time, not watching from a distance.

The water entry is gradual. You'll explore vibrant coral reefs packed with tropical fish, then swim alongside the sea turtles themselves: the moment most people come for. The guide carries a waterproof camera and captures your best moments without you asking. All digital photo data goes to you free right after the activity ends. The whole experience runs 90 minutes from meet to dismissal, and you finish back at the same field where you started.

Four departure times run daily (08:30, 10:30, 13:30, 15:30), so you can fit this around the rest of your day. The operator confirms your exact meeting details by email the day before. Wear clothes that can get wet. There are no restrooms at the field, so use one before you arrive. Public transportation options are nearby if you don't have a car. A separate parking fee of 1,000–2,000 yen applies if you drive.

What’s included

• Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins), life jacket and marine shoes.
• safety briefing and guide service in English or Japanese.
• all digital photos captured by the guide.
• liability insurance and activity fee.
• participant-exclusive coupon page for local restaurants and shops.
• wetsuit in winter season.

Before you book

Lasts 1h 30m, runs every day, 4 start times, from JP¥ 6,900 per person, with a live guide in English and Japanese and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 10:30, 13:30 and 15:30

Book up to2h before

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

GroupUp to 100

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 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 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by MIYAKO ADVENTURE PiPi

Is this one for you?The meeting point is the coastal field itself with no boat transfer, so you don't need a car or a ride to get there: public transport reaches the area, and the operator sends exact directions by email the day before. This setup works for anyone staying elsewhere on the island or without their own transport.

Traveler reviews

4.93★★★★★★★★★★

400 verified traveler reviews

5 ★383

4 ★11

3 ★1

2 ★3

1 ★2

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 snorkel in Miyakojima if I've never done it before?

Yes. First-timers are welcome, and nervous swimmers get full support. The guide provides a safety briefing, high-quality rental gear including a life jacket, and stays with you throughout the 90 minutes. The water is shallow and clear, and the guide is a certified water rescuer.

Will I actually see sea turtles in Miyakojima?

Miyakojima has one of the world's highest sea turtle encounter rates. You'll swim in the shallow coral reefs where they feed, and the guide knows the spots and timing. Encounters are not guaranteed on any single day, but the operator's track record across 500,000+ guests is strong.

What's included in the snorkeling activity?

Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins), life jacket, marine shoes, safety briefing, guide service, liability insurance, and all digital photos the guide captures: no extra charge for the photos. A wetsuit is included in winter. You also receive a participant-exclusive coupon page for local restaurants.

How do I get to the meeting point if I don't have a car?

Public transportation options are available near the coastal field. The operator will send you the exact meeting location and details by email the day before, so you can plan your route. If you drive, a separate parking fee of 1,000–2,000 yen applies depending on the field.

What time of day should I book?

Four departures run daily at 08:30, 10:30, 13:30, and 15:30. Each session lasts 90 minutes from meet to dismissal. Morning slots tend to have calmer water, but all times work year-round. The operator will confirm your exact time by email the day before.

Are there any reasons I shouldn't snorkel in Miyakojima?

The activity is open to ages 3–59. It's not available for pregnant women, infants under 3, or people with certain medical conditions (heart disease, respiratory diseases, diabetes, spinal injuries, or poor cardiovascular health). If you have other health concerns, contact the operator in advance to discuss.