Snorkeling on Ishigaki Island: Private boat, no license needed

Dive up to twice in a half-day, with a guide who knows where the sea turtles are

Snorkeling and diving on a chartered boat around Ishigaki Island for small groups or individuals, with no license required and instruction built in for beginners. The boat is fully reserved for your group alone, so you set the pace and choose the dive sites based on the day's conditions and what you want to see. Equipment, lunch and shower facilities are included. A guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian or Korean.

The experience

The boat leaves from a meeting point on Ishigaki Island at 9am (or later depending on tide and weather). Before entering the water, the guide walks you through the equipment and breathing technique in detail, so even if you're not a strong swimmer or have never dived before, you can go in with confidence. No license is required: beginners are welcome, and the instructors adjust to your level.

You'll make up to two dives at spots the guide picks based on that day's conditions and what you're hoping to see. The reef around Ishigaki holds sea turtles and manta rays when conditions align. A guide leads you through the fish and coral, pointing out what lives there. Because the boat is chartered only for your group, you're not navigating around other divers or waiting for a crowd to clear.

After the dives, you shower and change at the shop, then rest in the cafe space. Lunch is included, served as a picnic on the sea. If your group wants to mix activities (one person snorkeling while another dives, or adding jet ski or SUP time), the operator can build that into the plan. Contact them in advance about any add-ons, as some carry extra fees. The half-day runs about six hours total.

What’s included

• All diving and snorkeling equipment, including tanks and life jackets.
• lunch served on the boat.
• use of showers, changing rooms and lockers at the shop.
• a guide who leads up to two dives and points out the marine life.

Before you book

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

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and Korean

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 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back 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?A half-day on the water leaves your morning or afternoon free to explore Ishigaki town or rest at your hotel, so this works well if you're splitting your day between water and land. The chartered boat means no crowded group dynamics, and the guide adjusts the dive sites and depth to what your group wants to see that day.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, Italian, Korean, Japanese and Chinese.

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.

Do I need diving certification to snorkel and dive on this boat?

No certification is required. Beginners are welcome, and the guide gives a full safety briefing on equipment and breathing before you enter the water. If you hold a license, you can dive. If you don't, the guide will lead you through the experience at your level.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day I'm booked?

Tours don't start if conditions are unsafe: heavy rain or rough seas will postpone or cancel the trip. There's no cancellation fee if weather forces a change. The operator will contact you to reschedule.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The boat charter includes all diving and snorkeling equipment, tanks, life jackets, fuel, insurance, lunch, and use of the shower and changing rooms. Bring a swimsuit, rash guard, sunscreen and drinking water. The operator will email you the full packing list and meeting location before the trip.

Can my group do different activities at the same time?

Yes. If some people in your group want to dive while others snorkel, or if you want to add jet ski or SUP time, the operator can customize the plan. Contact them in advance about what you're interested in, as some activities may add to the cost.