What is the Blue Cave of Miyako Island?
Miyako Island has many sightseeing spots, but have you ever heard of the “Blue Cave,” one of the most mysterious spaces on the island?
Some of you may know of Blue Cave, located in Italy.
In Okinawa, other places are called “Blue Cave” in Onna Village on the main island of Okinawa and Ishigaki Island. Still, the Blue Cave on Miyako Islandis as beautiful as any other.
The Blue Cave on Miyako Island is located in northern Irabu Island and can only be reached by boat.
For this reason, optional tours are offered from and to Sarahama Port, located across the Irabu Bridge.
Although there are slight differences in topography and other features, the common denominator among the places known as “Blue Caves” in various regions is that the inside of the caves shines with a blue light.
This is a spectacle created by the angle of sunlight and the topography of the cave and is genuinely a mysterious world created by Mother Nature.
In Japan, a volcanic land, limestone rocks have repeatedly eroded and dissolved in various places, creating cavities now enjoyed as limestone caves in many areas.
Among these, the Blue Cave is one of the most precious and can be found only in places where certain conditions are met.
The Blue Cave on Miyako Island is as spectacular as any other, so be sure to visit.
There are popular snorkeling and diving spots around the Blue Cave
The Blue Cave on Miyako Island is characterized by the blue light filling the cave’s space.
Such a blue cave is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.
The Blue Cave of Miyako Islandis a 10-meter-long, 3-meter-deep space filled with seawater.
A lively crowd of Hatanbo fish, a nocturnal fish, near the entrance will greet you.
Such close contact with fish in the narrow confines of the cave is one of the attractions offered by the Blue Cave of Miyako Island.
The Blue Cave is about 3 meters deep, so snorkeling is sufficient to see the cave’s topography.
You will see a mysterious blue glow as you proceed into the cave and look back at the entrance.
You can even crawl along the seafloor of the Blue Cave while a Hatanbo fish greet you during the diving.
The Blue Cave is an enjoyable spot even for diving beginners, so even first-time divers are encouraged to try it.
At the Blue Cave, you will feel a sense of adventure through the great blue glow of the dimly lit cave.
Simply swimming is fun enough, but snorkeling or diving into the underwater world will give you an experience of another world.
In addition, there are other famous snorkeling spots near the Blue Cave.
A 10-minute boat rides away is a place called “Bijas,” where visitors can enjoy steep, cliff-like terrain in the sea.
The terrain, which gets deeper at one point, will make you feel as if you are diving, even when snorkeling.
Miyako IslandBlue Cave Tour Attire, Personal Belongings, Rental Equipment
What to wear for Miyako IslandBlue Cave Tour
| Clothing | Swimsuit, sandals, rash guard, light jacket, etc. |
Since you will be on the boat for some time, take sun protection measures.
What to bring for Miyako IslandBlue Cave Tour
| Things to bring | towel, drink, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera (waterproof recommended), seasickness drug, etc. |
Rental Equipment for Miyako Island Blue Cave Tour
| Rental equipment | snorkel mask, fins, wetsuit (winter only) |
You can rent a complete set of equipment for the Blue Cave tour so that you can come empty-handed.
Children are welcome to join the Blue Cave Tour.
Snorkeling in the Blue Cave is an activity that small children and first-time visitors can enjoy.
The water inside the cave is about 2 to 3 meters deep, but it is possible to wear a life jacket and use the walls around the shelter to hold on to while proceeding.
In addition, the guides will give you a whole lecture and support, so there is no reason not to experience snorkeling here.
Everything necessary for snorkeling can be rented.
Masks, fins, and life jackets are available for rent, so those who cannot swim or small children can enjoy the underwater world simply by wearing a life jacket and staying afloat.
Blue Cave tour takes you inside the cave.
The interior of the caves can be explored by snorkeling or diving. The cave’s rugged walls and the ocean’s blue atmosphere will make you feel even more adventurous as you continue through the water while keeping your eyes peeled. The cave’s interior is calm, with no waves or currents, so proceeding is safe. We recommend that you take the time to enjoy the underwater world inside the cave fully.
Countless fish greet you at the entrance to the Blue Cave.
As mentioned earlier, many fish live near the entrance to the cave. Nearby, coral reefs are abundant, and much tropical fish can be seen in the clear waters of Miyako Island. To our delight, the entrance near the cave has a narrow topography, so tropical fish cannot escape even if they try. This makes it a rare place to see tropical fish up close. Please take this opportunity to observe the tropical fish that crowd around the cave entrance.
Reservations for set plans are popular for Blue Cave tours.
The Blue Cave on Miyako Island is a satisfying enough spot to visit. However, you can enjoy Miyako Island to the fullest by visiting other places with a set plan. In particular, the set plan that allows you to enjoy snorkeling and sea kayaking at “Nakanoshima Beach,” a natural aquarium, is a popular tour. The fantastic atmosphere of the Blue Cave after enjoying the sight of hundreds of species of fish swimming in the sea is sure to leave you shaken to your core.
