Snorkeling in Iriomote Island

西表島のシュノーケリング

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What is snorkeling in Iriomote Island?

バラス島シュノーケリング

 

Snorkeling is a marine activity in which participants put on a breathing pipe called a snorkel and swim on the surface of the water or in relatively shallow water to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the sea.

Unlike scuba diving, no certification or special skills are required.

It is gaining popularity because it is easy to do, regardless of age or gender!

Snorkelers will find clownfish, sea turtles, and even manta rays in their natural habitat, as well as fish and other creatures found in aquariums!

Snorkeling in these amazing waters will be a wonderful memory.

 

 

Can anyone snorkel?

星砂シュノーケリング

 

In conclusion, anyone can snorkel!

The advantages of snorkeling are that it can be started with relatively simple equipment and does not require very advanced skills.

Scuba diving requires a lot of equipment and expertise, and skin diving requires holding your breath, so no unnecessary movement is allowed.

Snorkeling, by comparison, can be done with a life jacket because a wetsuit will ensure buoyancy,Even those who are not good swimmers and children can enjoy the fun without anxiety.

 

 

Iriomote Island Recommendation
Two snorkeling spots

 

Barras Island

バラス　シュノーケリング

 

Barras Island is an uninhabited island formed by the accumulation of coral fragments.

The sea is clear without being muddy because it is made entirely of white coral, not sand!

It is said that the island's coral resembles ballast (gravel used to stabilize the center of gravity of a ship), hence the name "Barasu Island.

When the tide is low, the island rises, and when the tide is high, the entire island sinks.Miracle IslandIt is!

The contrast between the crystal blue sea and the pure white beach attracts all who come to the island.

At dusk, you can see a beautiful sunset with a pale orange tint!

 

Snorkeling on Barras Island is exceptional! Colorful coral reefs spread out in the clear, transparent water,It's like the Dragon's Palace.It is.

If you are lucky, you may be able to swim with sea turtles!

 

 

beach of star sand

星砂の浜

 

Hoshi-suna beach is named after the star-shaped sand on the beach, which is calledbeach of star sandIt is called "the

 

 

Because there are large rocks a short distance offshore, the waves are small even when the wind is strong, and the water temperature is high on the shallow beach,It is highly recommended for families with small children!

 

Once you step into the ocean, there are more than 100 kinds of colorful fish, not only small fish hiding in the shadows and hidden eyes of rocks, but also fish that easily exceed 30 to 40 cm in length.

 

 

Snorkeling included.
Three popular set tours

 

Barras Island Snorkeling
×x Mangrove SUP/Canoe

SUP/カヌー×バラス

 

Explore the rich natural mangrove forests of Iriomote Island by SUP/canoe!

 

A fashionable spot representing Iriomote Island, "Barras IslandSnorkeling can be experienced in the vicinity of the "Bamboo Island"!

 

The "coral" appears only at certain times of the day.Miracle Islandand see the spectacular view with your own eyes!

 

For more information about Barasu Island Snorkeling x Mangrove SUP/Canoe, click here.

 

Barasu Island snorkeling x Yubu Island sightseeing

 

A buffalo cart ride across the ocean to the subtropical botanical garden, "Yubu Island (Hiroshima-Nagoya Island)Sightseeing in the "Mere Old Man"!

 

The only two in the world made of coralMiracle Islandcalled "Barras IslandSnorkeling and the popular "Yubu Island (Hiroshima-Nagoya Island)This tour allows you to enjoy the "Sightseeing Tour" all at once!

 

Yubu Island is one of the remote islands belonging to the Yaeyama Archipelago, a small island with a circumference of 2.15 km and a few dozen people.

 

Access is by buffalo cart.water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)The boat crosses the sea on a cart pulled by a


Feel it in the gentle tropical breeze of Okinawawater buffalo trainThe shaking of the "I" is the most pleasant!

 

Click here for details of Barasu Island Snorkeling x Yubu Island Sightseeing

 

Barras Snorkeling
×x Sangala Falls SUP/Canoe

サンガラ×バラス

 

A one-day plan that includes an adventurous Sangala Falls SUP/Canoe cruising and snorkeling at Barasu Island, which can be taken as a day trip!

 

The mangrove SUP/canoe cruising and jungle trekking that you can choose to proceed toward the Sangala Falls will give you an adventure experience in the wilderness that you would not normally experience.

 

At Sangala Falls, you can go behind the falls and play in the waterfall basin!

 

バラス島

 

In addition, snorkeling around Barasu Island and landing on Barasu Island will allow you to enjoy the "Miracle Island"!

 

Snorkeling can also be a great way to see sea turtles if you are lucky!

 

Click here for more information about Barras Snorkeling x Sangala Falls SUP/Canoeing.

 

Snorkeling in Iriomote Island.
Creatures you can encounter

 

sea turtle

西表島バラス島シュノーケルにて、ウミガメ（タイマイ）の写真

 

It is somewhat cool to see sea turtles swimming with big hands.

 

Sea turtles are also famous for shedding tears, and this is because they are expelling excess salt in order to regulate the salt concentration in their bodies.

 

In the sea turtle snorkeling tour in Iriomote Island, there is about a 70% chance of swimming with sea turtles!

 

 

Clownfish (Nemo)

カクレクマノミ

 

The clownfish, an idol of the sea, is the model for the cute orange and white striped Nemo.

 

They protect themselves from outside enemies by making the poisonous anemone their home!

Clownfish can do this because they can produce the same type of mucus as anemone venom!

 

 

coral

海　サンゴ　熱帯魚　写真

 

Corals belong to the same phylum of "animals" called cnidaria as jellyfish and sea anemones.

It looks like just a thing, but it is actually a living thing!

 

Most corals are made up of many small individuals called polyps, which form groups.

The remains of these corals and foraminifera form coral reefs!

 

 

The best for snorkeling.
Clothing and personal belongings

 

attire

バラス島シュノーケリングツアー船

 

Snorkeling is an activity that involves floating on the surface of the ocean and looking underwater.

Since coral reefs are abundantly distributed in the relatively shallow waters of Iriomote Island, it is highly recommended to wear a rash guard and a set of leggings to avoid injury from the coral reefs.

Ultraviolet rays are also extremely high, 1.5 times higher than in the mainland, so we recommend a good UV protection to prevent sunburn.

 

 

personal effects

 

バラス島上陸シュノーケリング

 

(hand) towel

Since the activity will be in the ocean, we recommend that you bring several towels.

Many people regret that they should have brought not only body wipes but also sweat wipes, so it is a good idea to bring a few extra.

 

flip-flops

This is an essential item when walking on the beach or snorkeling.
Shoes or sneakers are not recommended, as they can get sand in them when walking in the ocean.

 

plastic bag

It helps to put wet or soiled items in it.

It is better to have some plastic bags because if you put them in the bag wet, even other things will get wet.

 

 

Notes on Iriomote Island Snorkeling

 

Personal snorkeling is dangerous.

 

バラス島シュノーケリング

 

Unlike diving, snorkeling is easy and enjoyable and does not require line sense, so many people go snorkeling on their own.
However, the ease of snorkeling has led to a lack of safety awareness, and sad accidents occur every year due to snorkeling.

 

Even in clean waters, there are many dangers, such as accidents and injuries caused by improper use of equipment, and being swept out to sea by the currents that are unique to reef currents and other currents.

 

Although this is an activity that can be easily enjoyed, it requires sufficient precautions, so we recommend that you join a tour that is well supported by a professional guide.

 

 

I don't touch living things.

ウミヘビ

There are many beautiful creatures in the sea, but it is very dangerous to touch them easily.

 

It is easy to be preoccupied with the beauty of the beaches, but in fact, there are many dangerous creatures, and danger is always present.

 

Do not touch them without care, as poisonous aquatic creatures can be found in shallow water and touching them can, in the worst case scenario, cause breathing and heart arrest.

 

 

Be careful of strong sunlight

サンセット風景、夕日

 

Ultraviolet rays in Iriomote Island are said to be 1.5 times higher than those in Honshu.

 

The sunlight in Iriomotejima is so intense that when snorkeling, you are so immersed in the water and so absorbed in the beauty of the sea that you sometimes find yourself in a state of bright red burns.

 

Therefore, a sunscreen rash guard is an essential item.
Also, places that do not normally get sunburned, such as lips and hair, will also get sunburned, so we recommend that you take as much UV protection as possible.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

(i)Can I participate in snorkeling even if I have no experience?

Of course, even inexperienced snorkelers can join the tour with no worries!

The guide will give a detailed lecture, so even first-timers can participate without anxiety.

two (used in legal documents)Can I snorkel even if I am not confident in my physical strength?

Of course, even those who are not confident in their physical strength can participate in the snorkeling tour without worry!

The guide will check on each guest as the tour progresses, so even those who are not physically fit can participate without worry.

(iii)Can I swim if I can't?

Snorkeling tours are also available for those who are not confident swimmers!

Life jackets are worn on the tour, so even those who cannot swim can enjoy the tour without worrying about drowning.

If you still feel uneasy, you can swim with them, caught in a tube held by the guide.

4)What do I need for a snorkeling tour?

Please wear a swimsuit or clothes that can get wet before the snorkeling tour!

All other equipment required for the snorkeling tour will be provided.

5)What do you rent for snorkeling tours?

We will prepare the following items for you

Snorkel, mask, fins, etc.

Life Jacket

Marine Shoes

Wetsuit (if necessary)

In addition, the guide will take your pictures during the tour, so you can enjoy the snorkeling tour empty-handed!

 

summary

 

バラス島

 

If you come to Iriomote Island, you would like to see the beautiful sea! With snorkeling, you can appreciate the creatures while swimming in the beautiful sea. You can see fish and sea turtles swimming within touching distance, which is different from an aquarium, and you can feel the nature firsthand. You can also combine it with activities such as canoeing and SUP to enjoy the best part of Iriomote Island!

 

Why don't you enjoy the proud sea of Iriomote Island, which is called "the last unexplored region in Japan"?

Snorkeling in Iriomote IslandClick here for activities including

Snorkeling in Iriomote IslandTour Reviews and Testimonials

(at sentence end) should I?
5
"It's a good memory because they took a lot of beautiful pictures.
Thanks for the happy memories!
It was fun!
5
I enjoyed the morning!
I was planning to return to Ishigaki Island on an afternoon flight, so I was looking for a plan that I could enjoy in the morning, and this was the right choice.
Thank you very much!
torch
5
I really enjoyed being able to go snorkeling on the boat!
I was worried about seasickness, but it was not a problem!
bearing the shape of a cloth (e.g. cloth made from twisted paper)
5
I enjoyed it very much!
Thank you very much!
aaa
5
I enjoyed a totally different view from the daytime. I was impressed by the starry sky and the power of nature!
K-1 (Japanese kick-boxing promotion)
5
The quietness of the night and the starry sky were very nice! The guide's explanations were easy to understand.
eito
5
It was a dream come true to be surrounded by so many fish in the clear waters of the Barasu Islands. The guide's instructions were precise and we were able to enjoy the trip safely.
Kami
5
Sunrise SUP gave me the luxury of spending time in the quiet morning sea.
The guide took our pictures and left us with the best memories.
Thank you for your help both in Ishigaki and Iriomote.
I experienced four different tours and all the guides were good and I thought they must be well trained.
You can participate with peace of mind.
We will definitely ask Pipi for help when we come back to the island.
beautiful castle
5
The sunset SUP was a great souvenir as we had our pictures taken with a spectacular view. The communication in advance was polite and made me feel at ease.
takaaki
5
We enjoyed snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of Barras Island! Thanks to the guide who showed us the best spots, we were able to see many fish. The sunset canoeing was also a great experience with beautiful weather and beautiful scenery. I don't know when I will be able to come again, but I would like to come again sometime! Thank you again!