Sharing our experiences of snorkelling in Ishigaki in case someone will find it useful.
Snorkelling and experiencing underwater sea life was our main attraction and reason we came to this Island. Due to our vacation time from work, we couldn’t choose when to travel, the only option was early June. It is super hot and humid, but we have been lucky since it has been sunny and no rain at all. I personally find it hard to handle the heat, but in the ocean it is tolerable, even pleasant.
We are not experienced in snorkelling so at first booked a tour from our hotel beach (Seaside), offered by the hotel’s staff. It was nice boat ride to two spots. The first spot was a coral reef across the bay and there we saw lots of corals and different kinds of fish and also a sea snake. The other spot was around the cape to a Manta ray spot and we did get to see a big 2-3 meter wide Manta swim beneath us.
The tour was great but there was a downside, as there were some japanese tourists who treated the reef quite roughly, standing and stomping on the corals with the guide, taking pictures. The guide also dived to the bottom to find a fugu-fish which he then showed to everyone and let the kids hold and squeeze it. That seemed a bit disrespectful and made us feel a bit uneasy.
So we wanted something different for our next experience. I searched the internet and was recommended the Blue Space Ishigaki tours. We booked an early morning half day snorkelling with a special wish to see a sea turtle. The whole tour was amazing. I very much recommend Andy who spoke perfect English and was interested in sustainable elements in the activity, providing reef safe sunscreen and vegan fog prevention of the mask. He picked us up from the hotel and back, provided all the equipment including the wet suit, and was excellent in regularly checkin the status on everyone in the group while pointing out interesting fish, squid and other sea life while guiding us around the waters. It felt safe and professional. And we got to see the turtles, first few from afar and then one we spotted resting in the bottom and which we waited to rise to the surface for breath. And it came up right there, literally 30 cm from my face. Amazing. Andy had a camera and he was also actively photographing everything, allowing us to just concentrate on the experience itself. Afterwards we got snacks and water, so all you have to bring is a towel and a swimsuit and dry set of clothes for the drive back.
The difference between these two tours was in consideration and professional approach. The first was more touristy, the second a thoughtful introduction to the sea, sealife and also what’s threatening it. In both trips it was clearly visible how the coral reefs are dying, even if there still is some remains of their former glory. I’m glad I got to see it and sad there is not much hope for them in the warming waters.
by Big_Psychology_5490