Sea Turtle Snorkeling in Miyakojima | About 90 Minutes with a Guide, Photos Included

Swim in Miyako Blue Waters in Search of Sea Turtles

On this tour, you'll explore the sea with a guide, looking for sea turtles, coral and tropical fish. The roughly 1 hour 30 minute program starts in shallow water where your feet can touch the bottom, and the price includes gear rental and photos taken by your guide.

The real highlight is sharing the water with sea turtles and watching them up close. Keep in mind, though, that these are wild animals, so sightings can't be guaranteed.

Safety at PiPi, a "Maru-Yu" Certified Shop

The tour is run by Miyakojima ADVENTURE PiPi, operated by NASH Co., Ltd.

PiPi is certified as a "Safety-Excellent Marine Leisure Provider" (known locally as "Maru-Yu"), a designation given only to operators that meet the safety standards set by the Okinawa Prefectural Public Safety Commission. Only about 3% of operators in Okinawa Prefecture hold Maru-Yu certification (as of August 2025).

From mandatory life jackets and on-site AEDs to regular safety training for staff, PiPi meets strict standards for guide training and operations, so first-timers and families with children can join with peace of mind.

First, Meet Up and Get Ready for the Water

If you're making your own way there, you'll meet your guide at Sigira Beach Parking Lot No. 2. Meeting times are roughly 8:30, 10:30, 13:30 and 15:30, four times a day. Times may change depending on the season, weather and tides, so be sure to check the information the shop sends you the day before.

Wear your swimsuit underneath your clothes, and bring a towel and something to drink. There are no restrooms near the meeting point, so use the bathroom beforehand.

Once you've received your gear, your guide will show you how to use it and explain what to watch out for in the water. In winter, wetsuits are also available free of charge.

Next, Get Comfortable in the Shallows

Put on your life jacket and start in shallow water where you can stand. You'll practice putting your face in the water while getting used to your mask and snorkel.

Your guide is with you the whole time, so beginners and less confident swimmers are welcome too. If anything worries you, let your guide know before you get in.

Once You're Comfortable, Swim Out to Find Turtles and Fish

When you feel at ease, head out with your guide to look for marine life. Keep your eyes on the underwater world: tropical fish darting around the coral, or a sea turtle gliding over the sandy seabed.

If you spot a sea turtle, don't chase or touch it. Keep your distance and simply watch. You may see it paddling with its flippers or rising to the surface to breathe.

The marine life you'll see and sea conditions vary from day to day.

Finally, Get Your Guide's Photos the Same Day

Your guide takes underwater photos during the tour, and you'll receive the image files free of charge on the same day. It's a great way to capture shots that are hard to take yourself, like you swimming or the scenery beneath the waves.

Whether it's the day you met a sea turtle or just fun moments with family and friends in the water, they make a wonderful souvenir. After the tour, look back through the photos and relive the creatures you found.

FAQ

■ Can I join if I can't swim? Yes. You'll wear a life jacket and start in shallow water where you can stand. Your guide supports you the whole time, so beginners and weaker swimmers can take part.

■ Can children join? The tour is open to ages 3 to 59. For detailed participation requirements, check the latest information on the Klook plan you book.

■ How long is the tour, and when does it run? The tour lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes. Sessions generally run four times a day at 8:30, 10:30, 13:30 and 15:30. Meeting times may change depending on the season, weather and tides. If you have other plans afterward, check the end time in advance, including if you use the pickup service.

■ Where is the meeting point? Is pickup available? If you're going directly, meet at Sigira Beach Parking Lot No. 2. Free pickup is available from accommodations anywhere on Miyakojima and Kurima Island. Irabu Island, Shimoji Island and Ikema Island are outside the pickup area. Depending on bookings, you may be asked to meet on-site even within the pickup area. The shop will send the meeting place and time the day before your tour.

■ Do I need to bring my own gear? No. Gear rental is included in the price, so there's no need to bring snorkeling equipment. In winter, wetsuits are also available free of charge. Prescription masks are available for an extra 1,000 yen; if you'd like one, ask when you book. Please wear your swimsuit in advance and bring a towel and a drink.

■ Is guidance available in languages other than Japanese? English-speaking staff are available. If you'd like guidance in English, please confirm availability when booking.

■ Am I guaranteed to see a sea turtle? Sea turtles are wild animals, so sightings can't be guaranteed. Your guide will choose spots based on sea conditions to give you the best chance of an encounter.

■ Does the tour run in the rain? Yes, tours run rain or shine. However, they will be canceled if it's judged unsafe due to typhoons, strong winds, sea conditions or tides. In that case, the shop will contact you by the morning of the tour, and no cancellation fee will be charged.

Things to Check Before Booking

• Age range, participation requirements, booking deadline and cancellation policy
• Meeting time and place (sent the day before) and pickup availability
• Wear your swimsuit in advance, bring a towel and a drink, and use the restroom before meeting
• Request a prescription mask if needed, and note that sea turtle sightings aren't guaranteed

There are no restrooms near the meeting point, so use one beforehand. Tours run rain or shine; if canceled due to typhoons, strong winds or similar, you'll be contacted by the morning of the tour and no cancellation fee applies. Prices, participation requirements and booking deadlines may change, so check the booking page for the latest information.

Summary

Head into the sea with your guide, and while you're searching for coral and fish, you might just meet a sea turtle. It's a chance to see with your own eyes the marine life you've only seen in pictures.

With four sessions a day, you can pick one that suits your plans, like the sea in the morning and island sightseeing in the afternoon. Why not add some time beneath the waves to your Miyakojima trip?

For details and booking, see Miyakojima Sea Turtle Snorkeling Half-Day Experience (Okinawa).