Miyakojima Sea Turtle Snorkel, Kayak & Pumpkin Cave

Snorkel with wild sea turtles, then paddle into an underground cavern shaped by stone.

This 6-hour activity in Miyakojima combines snorkeling with sea turtles and coral reefs, sea kayaking, and caving in Pumpkin Hall, a cave system with rare pumpkin-shaped stalagmites. The guide provides all snorkeling and caving gear, a canoe for the paddle to the cave entrance, and professional waterproof photos at no extra cost. Ages 7–59; beginners welcome with full guide support.

The Experience

The day starts with snorkeling in Miyakojima's shallow reefs. You enter the water with a wetsuit, mask and fins, and swim above coral and tropical fish with a high probability of encountering wild sea turtles. The guide stays with you throughout, and the water is clear enough to see the seafloor. After about an hour and a half, you return to shore for a lunch break.

In the afternoon, you paddle a sea canoe to Pumpkin Hall, a limestone cave system unique to this island. The cave gets its name from rare stalagmites shaped like pumpkins—formations the locals call "Ryugu Palace." You climb into the cavern, explore the chambers with a flashlight, and swim in a natural pool inside. The paddle back takes you through the same route, so the kayaking is part of the access, not a separate skill to learn. The guide handles the navigation and timing around the tide.

Your guide takes professional photos throughout the day with a waterproof camera and gives you all the image files free. Wetsuits are provided (essential in winter), along with life jackets, water shoes, snorkeling masks and fins, a flashlight for the cave, and all canoe equipment. The tour runs in rain but may be canceled if conditions become unsafe. A parking fee of 1,000–2,000 yen applies at the field location. The shop contacts you the day before with exact meeting details and any timing changes based on tide and weather.

What’s included

• Snorkeling and caving gear (wetsuit, mask, fins, life jacket, water shoes, flashlight).
• canoe and all paddling equipment.
• professional waterproof photos with free image files.
• guide in English or Japanese.
• activity fee, liability insurance and consumption tax.
• participant coupon page for local restaurants and shops.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by MIYAKO ADVENTURE PiPi

Is this one for you?Book this if you want snorkeling and caving in one day—you'll swim with sea turtles in the morning, then explore Pumpkin Cave's unique formations and underground pool in the afternoon, all guided as a single itinerary.

Traveler reviews

4.84★★★★★★★★★★

107 verified traveler reviews

5 ★94

4 ★11

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can I snorkel with sea turtles if I've never done it before?

Yes—the tour is designed for beginners. Your guide provides full instruction and stays with you in the water the entire time, so first-timers can enjoy the snorkeling safely and comfortably.

What is Pumpkin Hall and what do you actually do inside it?

Pumpkin Hall is a limestone cave system in Miyakojima known for rare stalagmites shaped like pumpkins. You paddle a canoe to the entrance, climb into the cavern with a flashlight, explore the chambers, and swim in a natural pool inside the cave before paddling back out.

What gear is included and what do I need to bring?

The tour includes wetsuits, life jackets, water shoes, snorkeling masks and fins, flashlights, canoe equipment, and all safety gear. Bring a change of clothes that can get wet, use the restroom before arrival (there are no facilities on-site), and wear leggings under your wetsuit if you prefer extra coverage.

How long is the tour and what's the schedule?

The tour runs about 6 hours total. A typical day starts at 9:30 a.m. with snorkeling until 11:30 a.m., a lunch break, then kayaking and caving from 1:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Times and activity order vary depending on tide and weather conditions.

Are there any age or health restrictions?

Participants must be between 7 and 59 years old and weigh under 100 kg. The tour is not suitable for pregnant travelers, those with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, respiratory diseases, or certain other medical conditions. Contact the operator in advance if you have any health concerns.

Do I get photos from the tour?

Yes—your guide takes professional photos with a waterproof camera throughout the day and provides all the image files to you free of charge. Cave photography is restricted to the entrance area only.