Snorkeling in Miyakojima: Sea Turtle Encounters

Swim alongside sea turtles in one of the world's highest encounter-rate waters

Snorkel in Miyakojima with a veteran guide in waters where sea turtle encounters happen in 99% of outings. The activity runs 2 hours, welcomes beginners and children from age 3, includes wetsuits, snorkeling gear, and all photo data at no extra cost. Guides speak English or Japanese. Rain does not cancel the outing, though unsafe conditions may.

The experience

The guides here have spent years reading Miyakojima's sea, so they know the hours and spots where sea turtles congregate. You often see more than one in a single session. The activity takes 2 hours in the water with a veteran guide who handles the logistics. You show up in clothes you don't mind getting wet, change into a wetsuit, and enter the sea. Beginners and children as young as 3 are welcome. The guide adjusts the pace and depth to match the group.

Photography is a priority here. The guide takes extensive photos throughout the session and hands you all the data free of charge. If you have specific requests (a shot with the turtle at a certain angle, a group photo), tell the guide and they'll work it in. Even on rainy days the ocean stays clear and the turtles show up as usual, so weather alone won't change what you see.

Wetsuits are provided in winter. Snorkeling equipment is included year-round. You'll need to use the restroom before arrival since there are none at the site. Parking costs 1,000 yen separately. A live guide speaks English or Japanese depending on your group. Meeting times shift with the season and sea conditions, so confirm your exact start time when you book.

What’s included

• Wetsuits (winter).
• snorkeling equipment.
• all photo data from the guide.
• experience fee and liability insurance.
• live guide in English or Japanese.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 10:30, 13:00 and 15:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (3 to 65 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 50

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 12 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by オースリーシュノーケル宮古島

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Japanese, so choose the language that matches your group. If you're a first-time snorkeler or traveling with children, the guide adjusts the depth and pace to keep everyone comfortable in the water.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide 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's the actual encounter rate with sea turtles in Miyakojima?

The guides report a 99% encounter rate, and you often see more than one turtle during a single 2-hour session because they know the times and locations where turtles gather.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join?

Beginners and children from age 3 are welcome. The guide adjusts depth and pace to the group's comfort level.

Are the photos included in the price?

Yes. The guide takes extensive photos throughout the session and gives you all the data free of charge, with no extra fees for digital files.

What do I need to bring or wear?

Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet. Wetsuits and snorkeling equipment are provided. Use the restroom before you arrive, as there are none at the site.