Let's swim with sea turtles in Miyako Island! Introducing the types of sea turtles that can be seen on Miyako Island and recommended sea turtle tours.
Table of Contents
- 1 Let's swim with sea turtles in Miyako Island! Introduction to the types of sea turtles you can meet and tours
- 2 Three types of sea turtles can be seen on Miyako Island!
- 3 Sea Turtle Ecology
- 4 Cautions for swimming with sea turtles
- 5 Sea turtles that can be seen on Miyako Island
- 6 When do you have a high probability of encountering sea turtles?
- 7 Introduction of recommended sea turtle tours in Miyako Island
- 8 Spots where you can see sea turtles in Miyako Island
- 9 summary
- 10 Started handling rental cars!
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Swim with sea turtles in Miyako Island!
Introduction to the types of sea turtles you can encounter and tours
In Miyakojima, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan, there is an idol of the sea that you should definitely meet.sea turtleIt is a "Miyako Island"! Miyako Island is a world-classIsland with high encounter rate with sea turtlesIt is known as the
There are only a limited number of spots in Japan where you can meet endangered sea turtles, but many people visit Miyakojima Island, which has one of the highest encounter rates, to catch a glimpse of sea turtles.
This article introduces information on sea turtles that can be seen on Miyakojima (types of sea turtles, seasons with high encounter rates), as well as recommended spots and tours.
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Three types of sea turtles can be seen on Miyako Island!
Present,Five types of sea turtles in Japanexists, and Okinawa3 types found on Miyako Islandare all endangered.
There are seven (sometimes eight) species of sea turtles in the world, all of which are on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List. In other words, sea turtles are not only found in Japan.Globally endangered speciesIt is.
Sea turtles lay many eggs at a time, and the damage is being increased by the gathering of eggs by humans and feeding damage by other animals. In addition, they can be killed by fishing nets or by pollution.
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Sea Turtle Ecology
Sea turtles are literallyseaas their habitat, which differs significantly from terrestrial tortoises. However, the ancestors of sea turtles evolved from terrestrial turtles, and it is believed that turtles that originally lived on land adapted to the sea and changed into sea turtles.
Sea turtles have features suited to life in the ocean, such as fins for swimming and a shell that changes in response to water pressure. However, at certain times of the year, they come ashore (on sandy beaches) to lay eggs.
During the egg-laying season, adult female turtles lay about 100 eggs on the beach in three to four batches. After hatching, they immediately head out to sea, heading offshore because remaining on land increases the risk of predator attack. By fleeing offshore, they increase their chances of survival.
Turtles that arrive at sea feed on seaweed and jellyfish, grow up, and then return to the coastal area. The three types of sea turtles seen on Miyakojima are also all types that lay eggs on the beach.
Sea turtles are very sensitive creatures,When spawning, they may stop coming ashore and return to the sea if they sense light or human presenceThis is one of the reasons why it is so difficult to see sea turtles laying eggs.
Cautions for swimming with sea turtles
If you encounter a sea turtle while snorkeling, do not harass it. Sea turtles are sensitive creatures and will be startled if you try to touch them.
If you see a sea turtle, do not touch it, but enjoy its appearance! This will lead to the protection of sea turtles and the increase of their population.
In order to create a comfortable environment for sea turtles to live in, we humans should also follow the basic rules of "do not touch" and "do not startle".
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Sea turtles that can be seen on Miyako Island
(1) Green turtle
In Miyako IslandGreen turtles are most commonly seenMany of the sea turtles in cartoons and fairy tales also have thisThe green sea turtle is believed to be the model.The following is a list of the most common problems with the
Green turtles are characterized by their round heads and charming faces, and are "cute!" The "blue" in its name comes from the blue-green fat in its body. The "blue" in their name comes from the blue-green color of the fat inside their bodies, not from the color blue in their appearance. Large individuals can grow to nearly 1 meter in length.
Sometimes they are so preoccupied while eating that they can be observed relatively close up... ♪
Sea turtles of Miyako Island (2) Loggerhead turtles
Of the three species of sea turtles found on Miyako Island,Loggerhead turtles are the least likely to be encountered.It is. As its name suggests, it is reddish brown in color and is said to prefer crabs and shellfish that live on the seafloor.
Loggerhead turtles can be found in coastal areas, but they are basically pelagic creatures and usually live offshore. These turtles are also known to swim very long distances, and some individuals have been known to cross the Pacific Ocean!
Sea turtles of Miyako Island (3) Taimai
Although the encounter rate is lower than that of green turtles,Taimai are often seen on Miyako IslandIt is Because of the beautiful patterns on its shell, it has been used for tortoiseshell work since ancient times.
Tortoiseshell candy, sold at fair stalls, is named for its color and texture, which resemble the shell of the turtle.
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When do you have a high probability of encountering sea turtles?
Miyako Island has a mild climate throughout the year, so the encounter rate with sea turtles is high all year round.
Among them, the one with the highest probability of encountering sea turtles isMay to SeptemberThe beach is a popular place for sea turtles to lay their eggs. Sea turtles visit the beach during this time to lay their eggs. (They lay their eggs at night, so it is difficult to see them.)
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Introduction of recommended sea turtle tours in Miyako Island
1) Sea turtle snorkeling
The encounter rate is the best! If you want to swim with sea turtles casually, snorkeling tour is recommended.
The sea turtles of Miyako Island are accustomed to humans, and you may be surprised at their surprisingly large size when you see them up close. They also sometimes come to the surface of the sea, and if you are lucky, you may be able to take a commemorative photo.
(2) Sea turtle snorkel & SUP/canoe
This tour includes the popular snorkeling tour with sea turtles in Miyako Island and beach SUP/canoe. You can enjoy the view from under the sea and from the surface of the water in one day!
On the Beach SUP/Canoe Tour, you can choose either a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or a canoe and paddle gracefully over the ocean.
The canoe is for two people, so it's very stable and enjoyable.
(3) Sea turtle snorkeling & pumpkin cave
On Miyako Island, you can also enjoy caving at Pumpkin Hole, a stalactite cave shaped like a pumpkin. You can enjoy killing two birds with one stone as you kayak to the Pumpkin Hole☆.
In addition, this tour includes a sea turtle snorkeling tour, which offers a high probability of encountering sea turtles!
This is a popular activity that you cannot miss when you come to Miyako Island.
4) Experience Diving
Diving is popular on Miyako Island, where you can expect to encounter sea turtles.
Fun diving is for license holders and has a wide range of activities, but there are places where you can meet sea turtles even for experience diving.
Especially in the south coast area, Irabu Island and Yaebise area, chances with sea turtles are high.
Click here for a list of Miyako Island snorkel tours
Click here for a list of Miyako Island snorkeling tours
Click here for a list of Miyako Island diving tours
Click here for a list of Miyako Island diving tours
Spots where you can see sea turtles in Miyako Island
If you want to see sea turtles, we recommend taking a tour.
Our guides know the spots with the highest sea turtle encounter rates, so you can enjoy a safe and reliable encounter with sea turtles☆.
Shinshiro Beach
The Aragusuku Coast is famous for its coral reefs that protect the coast and for being a spot for encounters with sea turtles.
You can also enjoy abundant coral reefs and tropical fish, making it ideal for snorkeling. Sea turtle encounters are less common than at other beaches, but you can enjoy sea turtles and beautiful coral reefs.
For more information about Shinshiro Beach, click here↓.
(2) Wai Wai Beach
Waiwai Beach has long been a well-known spot for encounters with sea turtles. Surrounded by tetrapods, the beach is calm and offers a gradation of colors depending on the depth of the water.
Marine activities are popular due to high encounters with sea turtles. Encounter rates are especially high on the east side of the beach, where sea turtles nest and where many sea turtles live.
For more information about Wai Wai Beach, click here↓.
(3) Shigira Beach
Shigira Beach is a popular resort beach in southern Miyakojima. While there are many tourists, there is a high probability of encountering sea turtles. It is famous as a sea turtle spot, and the sea turtle encounter rate is said to be 99%.
After entering the water from the beach and swimming for a few minutes, you will find sea turtles. The turtles in this area are accustomed to people and you can swim with them. The waves are calm, so you can relax, swim with the turtles, and take pictures.
For more information about Shigira Beach, click here↓.
(4) Yaegase
Yaebise is located in the northern part of Miyako Island and is the largest tabletop coral colony in Japan. It is home to a wide variety of corals and fish, and is known as a popular diving and snorkeling spot.
Sea turtles are sometimes encountered, and visitors can enjoy underwater exploration among colorful corals.
For more information on Yaebise, click here↓.
Click here to book a Yaebise tour.
(5) Nakanoshima Beach
Nakanoshima Beach is a great spot for snorkeling and diving for beginners with its shallow waters.
The area is full of fun elements such as sea turtles, bears, and a wide variety of fish! It is especially crowded with tourists during the summer season.
For more information about Nakanoshima Beach, click here↓.
summary
Many tourists come to Miyakojima for sea turtles, but it is important to select the right season and spot to increase the encounter rate.
For safety reasons, it is important to take a tour or gather information before traveling.
If you enjoy snorkeling and diving with sea turtles, you will surely have memories that will last a lifetime.
Started handling rental cars!
Rental car transportation is essential for travel to Miyako Island. Let's make reservations for rental cars, which fill up quickly!
↓Click here to see the special renter plan of Miyako Island.
