The best snorkeling spots recommended by Miyakojima enthusiasts

We'll introduce you to beach-entry snorkeling spots and fun beaches on Miyakojima and surrounding islands.
⚠️Since I've been snorkeling with elementary school children, I've chosen relatively safe beaches, but snorkeling is at your own risk.
⚠️Always wear a life jacket and fins, and
Please observe proper etiquette to protect our beautiful ocean, such as not standing on the coral, not touching the creatures, and taking any trash home with you.

🏝️Aragusuku Beach
This is a well-known spot for spotting green sea turtles.
Facing the ocean from the beach, on the left side, you'll find a patch of seaweed, a favorite habitat of green sea turtles.
For first-time visitors, the most efficient way is to position yourself in that area and swim toward the sounds of other turtles shouting, "I found a turtle!"
The morning is said to be the best time to encounter turtles, but visibility can be poor due to the large number of tour groups stirring up the sand as they swim. Experienced snorkelers should be able to spot turtles in the afternoon, when the sand settles.
👙In addition to paid shower changing rooms, there are also free-to-use toilets with running water.
🚗The parking lot closest to the beach is paid. You'll probably have to go very early in the morning before it's full. Even if it's full, people often park parallel on nearby streets.

🏝️Yoshino Beach
It's close to Aragusuku Beach.
The coral is relatively healthy even from the beach entry, and there are a lot of fish.
The best way to get there is to let yourself go with the current and then walk back to the entry point.
👙If you use the parking lot, you can borrow both the changing rooms and showers.
🚗Parking spaces are limited to about five cars, and there is a fee. It's a long downhill walk to the beach, so you can get a ride to the beach from the beach hut.

🏝️Kurima Fish Port Beach
This beach comes into view after crossing onto Kurima Island and turning right immediately.
Because it's sandy, there are no fish or coral to snorkel. However, perhaps because of the pure white sand, the ocean looks incredibly blue, and I personally think this is the beach with the most beautiful ocean views.

There are almost no waves, and I've never felt any strong currents. The visitors seem to be mostly locals with children.

👙There are no showers or restrooms.

🚗There are about 10 parking spaces, and they're free.

🏝️Ingya Marine Garden
This beach is located on the southern side of Miyako Island.
It seems more popular with SUP and kayakers than snorkelers.
You can observe small tropical fish near the rocks.

👙There are no free showers or restrooms. There was a beach hut that served meals, so you might be able to rent a shower there for a fee.

🚗There's plenty of free space.

🏝️Funakusu Beach
This beach is located on Ikema Island.
It's a great snorkeling spot with live coral and a fairly high concentration of fish.
Rip currents are likely to occur offshore, so keep a close eye on the ocean conditions.
There's a hill to the right of the beach, and you can climb up there and take beautiful photos of the ocean from the high point.
👙 There are no free showers or changing rooms or restrooms.
🚗 There's ample parking, and it's free.

🏝️ Toguchi no Hama
Located on Irabu Island,
This beach is accessible immediately after landing at Shimojishima Airport.
Because of its sandy bottom, coral and fish are hard to find, making it less suitable for snorkeling, but it's a great beach for swimming.
Depending on the weather, the waves can get very high.
👙 There are paid showers and changing rooms at the beach hut.
🚗 The parking lot is large, but tends to get crowded.

🏝️ Nakanoshima Beach
This beach is close to Shimojishima Airport.
Personally, I think this is the snorkeling spot with the most fish and beautiful coral around Miyakojima, with beach entry.
However, the complex currents require a certain level of skill and the ability to observe the ocean closely.
👙There are no showers or changing rooms.
🚗The parking lot is relatively large, but it's often crowded. If you park far away from the stairs leading down to the beach, it can be a long walk.