Find and Book Ishigaki Island Sea Turtle Tours by Type and Features
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What is a Sea Turtle Tour?
Sea turtles are large marine reptiles that inhabit oceans worldwide, except in polar regions. There are seven species of sea turtles, with the smallest having a shell length of 60–70 cm, while the largest can grow up to 130–160 cm. Most sea turtles live along coastlines, feeding on seaweed, fish, and crustaceans.
Since sea turtles are reptiles, they breathe through their lungs and must regularly surface to take in air. This means that when snorkeling or diving, you often get the chance to observe them up close as they come up to the water’s surface!
Sea turtles, with their large eyes and determined paddling motions, are beloved by divers and snorkelers worldwide. In Hawaii, they are known as “Honu”, revered as guardians of the sea, and often featured in Hawaiian jewelry designs.
Sea turtles spend their entire lives in the ocean, only coming ashore for two reasons: to lay eggs and immediately after hatching. When nesting, females dig holes in the sand and lay about 100 eggs at a time. The hatchlings emerge after about two months and instinctively head toward the ocean, but many fall prey to birds and other predators along the way.
Unfortunately, due to environmental degradation and overhunting, sea turtle populations have declined significantly. Today, all species except the Flatback Turtle are classified as endangered.
Types of Sea Turtles in Ishigaki Island
Three species of sea turtles nest in Ishigaki Island:
- Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
- Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)
- Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Green Sea Turtle (Most Common Encounter)
The Green Sea Turtle is the most frequently spotted species while snorkeling or diving. They have a smooth, greenish-colored shell about 70–100 cm long, and their heads are round and relatively small.
Thanks to conservation efforts, the Green Sea Turtle population in Ishigaki Island has been increasing in recent years.
Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Rarest in Ishigaki)
In contrast to the Green Sea Turtle, Loggerhead Sea Turtle numbers are declining in Ishigaki. They tend to swim in deeper waters, making encounters rarer.
Loggerhead Turtles have a flatter shell, a larger head, and a reddish-brown body color.
Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Critically Endangered)
The Hawksbill Sea Turtle is classified as “Critically Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It has a 70–90 cm shell with serrated edges and a beak-like mouth.
Due to past overhunting for their shells (used in tortoiseshell crafts) and habitat destruction, their numbers have significantly declined. However, in Ishigaki, they are the second most commonly encountered sea turtle after the Green Sea Turtle.
Activities to See Sea Turtles in Ishigaki
Snorkeling (Easiest & Most Accessible)
Snorkeling is an excellent activity for all ages, from young children to seniors. All you need is a mask, snorkel, and fins, making it an easy and enjoyable way to see sea turtles.
Even if you can’t swim, wearing a life jacket or using a floatation device allows you to comfortably observe sea turtles as they swim near the surface.
Ishigaki has many beaches where sea turtles nest, so there’s a good chance of encountering them! If you join a guided tour, experienced guides will take you to the best spots for high-probability sightings.
👉 Click here for Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tours
Diving (Best for Close-Up Encounters)
Diving allows for up-close interactions with sea turtles, especially as they feed on seaweed-covered rocks on the ocean floor.
Even if you’ve never dived before, Ishigaki offers “Introductory Diving” (no license required). After a land-based lesson, a professional guide will assist you underwater, making it a safe and easy experience.
| Osaki/a> | Sekisei Lagoon |
| Barasu Island | Kuroshima |
Osaki Area
Osaki is known for its serene and picturesque scenery, with clear blue waters that blend into the sky. Located at the southern tip of the Yarabudake Peninsula, it’s accessible by rental car or through a boat tour to turtle hotspots.
Sekisei Lagoon (Japan’s Largest Coral Reef System)
Stretching 20 km east-west and 15 km north-south, Sekisei Lagoon is one of Japan’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems, home to over 400 species of coral.
It’s a major diving destination where encounters with sea turtles are highly likely.
Barasu Island (Great for Snorkeling & Photography)
Surrounded by vivid coral reefs and tropical fish, Barasu Island offers a picture-perfect snorkeling experience.
It’s common to see a sea turtle swim right past you while you’re admiring the scenery! The island is also famous for its breathtaking sunsets.
Kuroshima (Hidden Gem for Divers)
Kuroshima, a remote island near Ishigaki, is known for its tranquil landscapes and open pastures where cows roam freely.
Both snorkeling and diving are popular here, but diving is especially recommended for exploring mystical underwater caves.
- Some tours accept children as young as 3 years old.
- Life jackets are provided for safety.
- The local guide will assess the weather conditions right before the tour.
- If the tour is canceled, you can choose to reschedule or cancel with no cancellation fee.
