【Miyako Island】Glass Boat Tour

What is a Glass Boat Tour?

Miyako Island is famous for its crystal-clear “Miyako Blue” waters, offering breathtaking ocean views. Looking at such stunning seas, you might feel the urge to peek beneath the surface and explore the underwater world.

However, not everyone is comfortable with snorkeling or diving. If you don’t want to swim but still want to experience the ocean’s beauty, a glass boat tour is the perfect solution!

A glass boat has a transparent bottom, allowing passengers to view coral reefs, tropical fish, and marine life directly beneath the boat—without ever getting wet!

Unlike looking at the ocean from the surface, the special design of the glass boat minimizes water reflections, making the underwater world clear and vibrant. Whether you’re traveling with children, seniors, or non-swimmers, a glass boat tour is an easy and exciting way to enjoy the wonders of the sea!

The Unique Glass Boat Experience in Miyako Island

In Miyako Island, the most famous glass boat is called “Tenryu”, one of only five in the world!

Unlike regular boats, which create waves and bubbles that disturb visibility, the complex structure of Tenryu allows for an incredibly clear view of the ocean floor.

On this glass boat tour, you’ll head towards Irabu Island’s famous “Blue Cave”, one of Miyako Island’s top marine attractions.

🌊 What is the Blue Cave?

• This natural sea cave glows with a mystical blue light due to sunlight reflecting underwater.
• Similar Blue Caves exist in Ishigaki Island, Okinawa’s Onna Village, and even in Italy, but Miyako Island’s cave is uniquely crystal-clear.
• The cave is 30 meters long with a water depth of 3 meters, making it an ideal spot to observe coral and fish.

From the comfort of the glass boat, you can enjoy this stunning underwater scenery up close—a truly luxurious way to experience Miyako Island’s beauty!

Marine Life You Can See on a Glass Boat Tour

The waters around Miyako Island’s Blue Cave are filled with colorful marine life!

✔ Hatampo (Sweeper Fish) – These nocturnal fish form large schools in the cave’s shadows. They are commonly seen by divers and now, thanks to the glass boat, non-divers can enjoy them too!

✔ Coral Gardens – The coral reefs surrounding Miyako Island are among the richest in Japan. Some areas have 40-meter-deep coral formations, creating a vivid, otherworldly seascape.

✔ Tropical Fish – The reef is home to numerous tropical fish, including:
🐠 Clownfish (Nemo) – Kids love these iconic orange-and-white fish from Finding Nemo!
🐠 Blue Damselfish – Tiny, electric-blue fish darting among the coral.
🐠 Parrotfish – Recognizable by their bright colors and beak-like mouths.

With Tenryu’s special design, you can observe these marine creatures from an incredibly close distance!

A Family-Friendly Experience – Great for All Ages!

Unlike snorkeling or diving, a glass boat tour requires no special skills, making it an ideal family-friendly activity.

✔ Perfect for babies, young children, and seniors – Everyone can enjoy the ocean’s beauty without getting wet.
✔ Spacious boat – Up to 22 passengers can board at once, making it ideal for large families.
✔ Sun protection – The boat has a covered roof, so you can stay cool and shaded while enjoying the ocean view.

Whether you’re on a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a group trip, this tour offers a stress-free way to experience Miyako Island’s stunning waters!

Glass Boat & Activity Combo Packages

A glass boat tour lasts about 40 minutes, making it a quick and easy excursion. However, if you want to fully experience Miyako’s ocean, consider combining the glass boat tour with other activities!

Recommended combo options:
✔ Snorkeling – Explore the same coral reefs from a different perspective!
✔ Kayaking – Paddle through crystal-clear lagoons after your boat tour.
✔ Beach Picnics – Relax on a secluded beach after the tour.

If you want more adventure, pairing your glass boat ride with an active experience is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Miyako Island’s stunning nature!