Snorkeling on Ishigaki Island: Jet ski to Illusion Island

Ride a jet ski to hidden islands and snorkel with sea turtles

Snorkel on Ishigaki Island by jet ski, riding to Illusion Island and Phantom Island with a guide who operates the water bike if you lack a license, or piloting your own if you hold a special small craft license. The outing runs three to four hours and includes the water bike rental, gas, life jacket and snorkel set. A guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or Japanese. Groups stay small, and you can request a completely private departure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jet ski tour and snorkeling

• Brief jet ski lecture
• Ride jet ski with guide
• Land on Illusion Island
• Snorkel with sea turtles and fish
• Enjoy sea and scenery

The experience

The jet ski is the transport and the point. You ride out into the sea off Ishigaki Island toward Illusion Island and Phantom Island, stopping to snorkel in the water between them. If you hold a Japanese special small craft license, you pilot the water bike yourself with a guide aboard. Without one, the guide operates it and you ride as a passenger. Either way, the guide stays with you, and up to three people can share one water bike when at least one holds a license. Groups without a licensed rider max out at two people per bike, with a guide always present.

The snorkeling happens in the open water and at the islands themselves. Sea turtles and various fish species inhabit the area, and the islands are shallow enough to wade and explore. You get a life jacket and snorkel set as part of the booking, so no separate rental is needed. The guide gives a brief safety talk before you head out, then you're free to move at your own pace in the water.

During peak periods, you may share the water with other guests on separate jet skis. If you want the experience completely private, contact the operator to arrange it. The outing wraps in three to four hours, leaving the rest of your day on Ishigaki open. Video and photo data from the guide is included as a digital gift.

What’s included

• Water bike rental and gas.
• life jacket.
• snorkel set.
• guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French or Japanese.
• video and photo data as a digital gift.

Before you book

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

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (6 to 16 years) · Child (2 to 5 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

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 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic 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?Three to four hours means you can snorkel and explore the islands without losing the rest of your day on Ishigaki. If you hold a Japanese special small craft license, you pilot the water bike yourself. Without one, the guide operates it and you ride as a passenger or with up to two others per bike.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 16 years); Child (2 to 5 years).

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 ride the jet ski myself, or does the guide operate it?

A guide operates the water bike if you don't hold a Japanese special small craft license. If you do hold one, you pilot it yourself with the guide aboard as a passenger and safety supervisor.

What happens at Illusion Island and Phantom Island?

Illusion Island and Phantom Island are shallow islands you can land on, wade through and explore. They're the main snorkeling stops where you'll see sea turtles and various fish species in the surrounding water.

How many people can ride on one jet ski?

Up to three people can share one water bike when at least one person holds a license. A guide always accompanies you. If nobody in your group has a license, the maximum is two people per bike with a guide operating it.

What's included in the booking?

The water bike rental, gas, life jacket and snorkel set are all included. You also receive video and photo data from the guide as a digital gift after the outing.

How long does the snorkeling outing take?

The full experience runs three to four hours, including the jet ski ride to the islands, snorkeling time and the return to Ishigaki.