Let’s go see the “Panari Blue” ocean!
About 400 km from the main island of Okinawa, there is a secret island called “Panari Island” in the Yaeyama Islands, where popular tourist destinations such as Ishigaki Island and Taketomi Island belong.
Panari Island, where mermaid myths have been handed down from ancient times, has long been revered and protected as “the island where the gods dwell.”
Among Okinawa’s many beautiful beaches, the clarity of the waters of Panari Island is exceptional and is often referred to as “Panari blue.”
What is Panari Island?
Panari Island consists of two islands, Kamjijima and Shimojijima.
The island’s official name is Aragusukujima, but because it consists of two islands about 400 meters apart, it is known by the dialect name “Panari,” which means “away.”
The total area of the two islands is about 3㎢, and the population is as small as less than ten people.
Although it is relatively close to Iriomote Island (about 7 km) and Ishigaki Island (about 23 km), there are no regular boats between Panari and other islands. You can only land, thereby joining a tour.
To get there from Kohama Island, take a snorkel boat from Kohama Port.
Tours are also available to enjoy snorkeling at the best spots while touring Panari Island and other outlying islands such as Hamajima and Kuroshima.
Clothing, Personal Belongings, and Rental Equipment for the Panari Island Tour from Kohama Island
Clothing for Panari Island Tour from Kohama Island
| Summer | swimsuit, sandals, rash guard, leggings, etc. |
| Winter | Swimsuit (worn inside a wetsuit), sandals, thick clothes that can get wet (clothes that can be worn during the trip) |
What to bring on the Panari Island tour from Kohama Island
| Personal belongings | Sunscreen, sunglasses, drink, towel, change of clothes, seasickness medicine (only if necessary) |
Rental equipment on the Panari Island tour from Kohama Island
| Rental equipment | snorkel mask, fins, life jacket, etc. |
