What is a diving tour on Ishigaki Island?
The crystal clear ocean of Ishigaki Island is so popular with divers worldwide that it has been considered the No. 1 diving spot in Japan for more than 20 years.
In the ocean of Ishigaki Island, you can see many coral reefs and tropical fish that can only be found in the clean waters of subtropical regions.
Types of diving tours held on Ishigaki Island.
Introductory Diving (Taiken-Diving)
Introductory Diving is a type of Diving that is open to non-licensed divers.
Before Diving, there is a lecture on how to use the equipment.
For safety reasons, introductory Diving is limited to a depth of 10 meters.
For Introductory Diving, one instructor is assigned per two participants, so don’t worry.
More than 80% of the participants of Introductory Diving in Ishigaki Island are first-time divers, so even beginners are welcome to try it!
Scuba Diving (Fun-Diving)
Scuba Diving (Fun-Diving) is open to licensed divers.
There are several diving licenses, including “Open Water” and “Advanced,” but you can participate if you have one of these licenses.
There are no lectures, and you bring your equipment (rental equipment is available for a fee), so the tour fee is lower.
Clothing, personal belongings, and rental equipment for Ishigaki Island diving tours
What to wear on Ishigaki Island diving tours
| Clothing | Swimsuit, sandals, rash guard, light jacket, etc. |
What to bring for Ishigaki Island Diving Tour
| Things to bring | towel, drink, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera (waterproof recommended), seasickness medicine, etc. |
Rental Equipment for Ishigaki Island Diving Tour
| Rental equipment | Mask, fins, wetsuit, regulator, weights, and all other equipment necessary for Diving (Introductory Diving only) |
Creatures that can be seen on Ishigaki Island diving tours
Sea turtle
Endangered sea turtles live around Ishigaki Island.
Their relaxed swimming and cute faces are attractive.
There are diving tours where you can swim where such turtles appear.
Manta ray
Manta rays are one of the most famous creatures among divers.
In the beautiful ocean of Ishigaki Island, there are some points where manta rays can be seen.
There are several points on Ishigaki Island where you can see manta rays, such as “Manta Scramble.” Still, it is recommended for those who stay in Ishigaki Island for the mid to long term because it is easily affected by the north wind.
Please see the manta rays with your eyes as they swim with their large, flat bodies.
Clownfish
Clownfish, made famous in the movie “Finding Nemo,” are often found near coral reefs.
If you are driving, you can see them swimming up close.
Their orange-striped pattern is perfect for tropical waters, and they look charming hiding in anemones.
You can also see sea slugs, blue damselfish, surgeonfish, grouper, and sometimes sharks, all unique to Ishigaki Island.
