5 Recommended Snorkeling Tours on Yakushima! Sea Turtles and Best Times to Visit
What are some recommended snorkeling tours on Yakushima for first-timers?
A.
If this is your first time,Ichiminato BeachWe recommend the small-group and beginner-friendly tours offered in the area. With transportation and equipment rentals included, you can join the tour without having to bring anything—it’s so convenient!
Snorkeling on Yakushima
5 Recommended Tours! Sea Turtles & Best Times to Visit
Snorkeling on Yakushima takes place where the Kuroshio Current flows inClear SeaSo, it's an activity where you can look for fish and sea turtles.
In this article, we recommend5 Top ToursIn addition, we've compiled information on the timing, what to wear, what to bring, and even the participation requirements for beginners and those with children.
I'll walk you through it so that even first-timers can choose a tour that's right for them.
◆For first-timers who aren't sure how to choose a tour
◆For those who aren't confident swimmers and are looking for a tour for beginners
◆For those who want to know about tours suitable for families with young children
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Yakushima.
If you're not sure, go with this!
▼Click here for recommended Yakushima snorkeling tours▼
The Appeal of Snorkeling on Yakushima
The waters around Yakushima are influenced by the Kuroshio Current, andA wide variety of fishIt is said that... Here, let's take a look at the ocean's charm and the chances of seeing sea turtles.
If you're nervous about diving, that's exactly why snorkeling is so great—it's something you can enjoy without any pressure.
For those who want to see sea turtles!
▼Click here for recommended Yakushima snorkeling tours▼
Crystal-clear waters nourished by the Kuroshio Current
The waters around Yakushima benefit from the Kuroshio Current, and are said to have high visibility and a rich variety of fish.
Just float on the water's surface and dip your face in to watch colorful fish swimming by. There's no need to carry heavy gear on your back.
among (other things)Ichiminato BeachIt is located in a quiet bay and is known as a beach where even families with children can swim easily.
From July through August, there are lifeguards on duty, and the showers and restrooms are nearby, so you can feel safe. It’s also sometimes used as a meeting point for tours.
Is it true that you can see sea turtles?
Since the waters around Yakushima are known for offering the chance to encounter sea turtles, many tours advertise "sea turtle spotting."
There are also tours that take place along the Ichikuchi and Motoura coastlines, and Ichikuchi is featured as a beach where visitors can see many fish and sea turtles in the summer.
However, sea turtlesWild AnimalsThat's right. Looking at the reviews, some people were able to meet up, while others weren't.
Some people say they were satisfied just seeing the crystal-clear ocean and schools of fish, even if they didn't get to see any fish up close. Let's join in with the mindset of enjoying whatever luck the day brings!
Click here for Yakushima snorkeling tours
Yakushima Snorkeling
5 Recommended Tours
Yakushima Activities offers a wide range of snorkeling options, from sea turtle-spotting tours to private charters and packages that combine snorkeling with kayaking.
Here, we've selected five tours, each with its own unique features. Please take a look and find the one that best fits your itinerary and group size.
Open to kids ages 5 and up! Sea turtle sighting rate of 80% or higher
Snorkeling Tour
Based on booking data for activities on Yakushima, which accounts for about 80 percent of all snorkeling reservations,The No. 1 Popular TourIt is.
The chance of seeing sea turtles is said to be 80% or higher, and since children as young as 5 can participate, it's a popular choice for families.
The tour lasts about 3 hours, and there are several start times available from morning through afternoon. It also includes a free gift of photos and videos.
This event is held only from March through November. Since it tends to fill up quickly in July and August and during Golden Week, be sure to check availability early.
Open to kids ages 5 and up! Sea turtle sighting rate of 80% or higher
▼Click here for snorkeling tours▼
With transportation included and free camera rental
Easy snorkeling tour
This is an approximately 3-hour snorkeling tour that includes all the necessary equipment. A digital camera that can be used underwaterAvailable to borrow for freeSo you can capture photos of fish and sea turtles.
The package includes a shuttle service, and there are showers and changing rooms available. This makes it a great option for first-time visitors to Yakushima.
You can choose between morning and afternoon sessions, and the program is open to participants ages 6 to 70. Since it only takes half a day, it’s easy to fit into your itinerary.
With transportation included and free camera rental
▼Click here for our easy snorkeling tours▼
Taking a leisurely swim in Ichikuchi
Snorkeling Tours That Can Be Booked as Private Tours
This is a snorkeling tour where you can leisurely enjoy the waters off Ichikuchi. The tour lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours.
A female owner serves as the guide on-site. This is perfect for those who want to enjoy the experience at a leisurely pace.
Change to Private RentalSo you can go swimming in the ocean with just your family and friends, without worrying about anyone else.
You can request underwater photography as an optional service. If you'd like to capture your memories in photos, be sure to ask about this when you make your reservation.
Private Charter Changes Welcome! Relax and Swim in Ichikuchi
▼Click here for snorkeling tours▼
Private Snorkeling Tour with a Certified Guide
This is a half-day snorkeling tour for private groups, led by a certified Yakushima guide.
Since you can swim at your own pace without worrying about other participants, it's perfect for couples or groups of friends traveling together.
During the tour,360-Degree CameraYou'll receive photos taken during the session. You can choose between a morning or afternoon start time, and the session lasts about 2.5 hours.
The age range is 10 to 59 years old, and high school students and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Please check the age requirements before making a reservation.
Have Fun with a Certified Guide
▼Click here for private snorkeling tours▼
A One-Day Tour to Enjoy Both the Ocean and the River
River kayaking & snorkeling
This is a one-day tour where you can enjoy river kayaking and snorkeling.
Above water, you’ll journey through a valley surrounded by evergreen broadleaf forests, and underwater, you might encounter sea turtles and other marine life.
Lunch is includedWe also offer free rentals of underwater digital cameras. The guides will provide all the equipment, so all you have to do is show up.
The tour lasts about 7 hours and is open to participants ages 6 to 70. Participants aged 65 and older must book a private tour, so please be sure to confirm this in advance.
A Day of Enjoying Both the Ocean and the River
▼Click here for details on package tours▼
Click here for Yakushima snorkeling tours
Best Time to Visit, Clothing, and What to Bring
The best time for snorkeling is from July through September, when both the water temperature and visibility are at their highest.
On the other hand, there are tours available from around March through November, so be sure to choose one that fits your travel dates.
Swimwear is the standard attire, and you can rent the equipment on the tour.
Click here for Yakushima snorkeling tours
When is the best season?
Due to the influence of the Kuroshio Current, water temperature and visibility increase,July–SeptemberThis is the best season. About 60 percent of reservations for activities on Yakushima are concentrated during this time of year.
The average water temperature from July through September is around 27–30°C. In March, it’s around 20°C, and there are some chilly days.
From October through November, the water temperature is still high and the crowds have thinned out, so this is the perfect time for those who want to take it easy and enjoy themselves.
From December through February, the available tour options are limited. If you plan to participate, be sure to dress warmly and check whether the tour is running. Water temperatures vary depending on the year and the conditions of the Kuroshio Current.
What should I wear and bring?
You'll basically be wearing a swimsuit, but any clothing that can get wet is fine. The tour will provide all the equipment you need, such as fins, masks, wetsuits, and life jackets.
If you plan to go sightseeing right after the tour, be sure to bring a bath towel and a change of clothes.
When the water is cold, wear the following under your wetsuit:Rash GuardI recommend this. It’s also a good idea to take precautions against sunburn, such as wearing a hat and sunglasses.
For Beginners and Families with Children
It can be a little nerve-wracking if it's your first time snorkeling or if you're traveling with young children, right? But the guide will give you a thorough briefing, so even beginners can feel at ease.
Since the target age range varies by plan, here are some points you'll want to check.
No need to worry, even if it's your first time!
▼Click here for recommended Yakushima snorkeling tours▼
Can I participate even if I can't swim?
It's okay if you can't swim. Since you wear a wetsuit when snorkeling, your body naturally...Floating gently.
With a snorkel, you don't even need to take a breath. Even if you're not confident in your stamina, you can relax and enjoy the underwater scenery.
We ask all participants to wear life jackets, and a guide will accompany you at all times.
If you're feeling anxious, you can choose a tour that can be converted to a private tour or a private tour led by a certified guide—that way, you can enjoy it at your own pace.
Click here for Yakushima snorkeling tours
At what age can children participate?
Ages 5 and upThere are sea turtle snorkeling tours you can join.
Among the tours we’ve introduced, the casual tours and kayaking tours are available for children ages 6 and up, while the private tours led by certified guides are available for children ages 10 and up.
We also offer private rental plans for families with children under elementary school age and groups that include people aged 65 or older.
The age limit also varies by plan. Be sure to check the plan page before booking to see if all members of your family are eligible to participate.
About Snorkeling on Yakushima
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
While we can't guarantee a 100% success rate, the guide will take you to spots where you're most likely to see them. There are even tours where the sea turtle sighting rate is said to be 80% or higher.
However, please note that some tours are not primarily focused on sea turtle viewing. If you’d like to see sea turtles, be sure to check the tour details.
You can enjoy swimming on your own at locations such as Ichiminato Beach. However, lifeguards are on duty only during the swimming season (typically mid-July to late August) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Since the beach houses are only open during the summer, you'll need to bring your own gear the rest of the year. For first-timers or those traveling with children, a tour that provides all the necessary gear is the safest option.
We recommend making your reservation as soon as possible once the schedule is finalized. The popular sea turtle snorkeling tour tends to fill up quickly during July and August, as well as during Golden Week.
If there is availability, you can make reservations the day before or on the day of your visit. For last-minute reservations, please contact us to discuss your options.
summary
Snorkeling on Yakushima is an activity where you can encounter fish and sea turtles in the crystal-clear waters nourished by the Kuroshio Current.
Yakushima offers a wide variety of activities, ranging from sea turtle-spotting tours to options that include transportation, private charters, and combinations with kayaking.
The best season is from July to September, but there are also tours available from around March through November. Please choose one that fits your itinerary and the ages of your family members.
Popular dates areFills up quicklySo, once you've decided on your travel dates, be sure to check availability!
▼Click here for articles to read in conjunction with this article.
![[Yakushima · Private Tour] Led by a Female Guide! A Relaxing One-Day Forest Tour to Recharge Among Moss and Yakusugi Cedars](https://yakushima-tour.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/a0e0857e7f1ee70e49fee427cac12402-825x510.jpg)
