What is Barasu Island?
Ishigaki Island has various scenic beaches and snorkel points.
Among them, Barasu Island, an uninhabited island made of pure white coral pieces, is a popular spot along with Hamajima.
Barasu Island is accessible from Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island.
It is located within Sekisei Shoko, the largest coral area in Japan, and it is thought that Barasu Island was formed due to the cutting away of its coral reefs.
The island is only a few dozen meters long and is also called “Miracle Island” because it sinks into the sea and hides when the tide rises.
How to get to Barasu Island
Because Barasu Island is uninhabited, there is no regular boat traffic, and it can only be reached by snorkel boats of tour operators.
Therefore, Barasu Island can be reached by tours departing from Ishigaki Island or Iriomote Island.
Since it takes about 40 to 50 minutes to get to Barasu Island directly from Ishigaki Island, many tours are offered after snorkeling at Hamajima or other places and then landing at Barasu Island.
If you depart from Iriomote Island, you can reach Barasu Island, about 5 to 10 minutes from Uehara Port, and enjoy the spectacular view easily.
The plan from Iriomote Island also includes mangrove canoeing and walking around Yubu Island.
Clothing, personal belongings, and rental equipment for Barasu Island tours
What to wear on Barasu Island tours
| Summer (April-October) | swimsuit, sandals (sturdy ones), rash guard, leggings, light jacket, etc. |
| Winter (November-March) | swimsuit (worn inside a wetsuit), sandals (sturdy), thick clothes that can get wet (clothes that can be worn during the trip) |
What to bring on your Barasu Island tour
| She recommended items | sunscreen, sunglasses, drinks, a towel, a hat, a camera (waterproof recommended), seasickness medicine, etc. |
Rental Equipment for Barasu Island Tour Reservations
| Rental equipment | snorkel mask, fins, life jacket, wetsuit (winter only) |
Barasu Island continues to change its shape day by day.
One of the reasons for the changing shape of Barasu Island is the changing tides.
At low tide, white land appears.
On the other hand, at high tide, the land gradually narrows and eventually hides under the sea.
The island can only be visited at low tide, as it is only visible above the sea for a few hours daily.
The second reason is that coral reef fragments are constantly being washed away by the waves, which causes them to change shape continually.
In particular, when typhoons hit, coral fragments gather, and the islands grow larger or are washed away and more minor.
There are many creatures around Barasu Island.
Okinawa is the only subtropical area in Japan where tropical fish can be seen.
The sea around Barasu Island, which can be visited from Ishigaki Island, is home to abundant coral reefs.
All tropical fish swimming around the coral reefs is colorful.
For example, the clownfish shown in “Finding Nemo” is especially popular and enjoys many people.
