Frequently Asked Questions

From around November through April, water temperatures drop, so we recommend wearing a wetsuit. Rental fees vary by plan: some plans include a wetsuit in the price, while others charge a separate fee. Please check the details of each plan for more information.

Absolutely! You'll wear a life jacket, and an experienced guide stays close by to support you at all times, so even non-swimmers can join with peace of mind.

The meeting point depends on the plan you book. Once your booking is confirmed, we'll send you detailed directions to the meeting point and parking via LINE (the messaging app we use for all communication). If you have any questions, feel free to message us on LINE anytime.

We accept questions and inquiries 24 hours a day via LINE, the messaging app we use for all communication. Feel free to send us a message anytime, and our staff will respond carefully during business hours (7:00 AM to 6:00 PM).

Yes. Children ages 5 and up can join most of our snorkeling tours. With a life jacket and flotation gear, even kids who can't swim well can enjoy the water safely. That said, please keep things comfortable for your child depending on wave conditions and how they're feeling.

Start at a beach with calm waves, such as Aragusuku Beach or Shigira Beach, and let your child get comfortable in shallow water where they can stand. With a life jacket on and a parent close by for support, kids gradually get used to the water.

Miyakojima has plenty of indoor options, including the Miyakojima Underwater Park, the Yukishio (Snow Salt) Museum, and the Shimanoeki Miyako market. Spending time at your hotel pool is another great option.

Yes. Many beaches and tour companies rent kid-sized snorkel sets, life jackets, and flotation gear. On Sea Turtle Brothers tours, children's equipment is provided free of charge.

Free cancellation until the day before your tour — if you contact us by then, there is no charge at all. Same-day cancellations are charged 100% of the tour price. If we cancel the tour ourselves due to bad weather, you'll receive a full refund, so please don't worry.

We're sorry, but for safety reasons we cannot accept guests who are pregnant or may be pregnant. This is to protect you from the chilling effect of seawater and any unexpected risks. After your baby arrives and you're settled, we'd love to welcome your whole family!

If you wear disposable contact lenses, you can keep them in during the tour. We recommend bringing a spare pair in case a lens washes out. For glasses wearers, we offer prescription mask rentals (¥1,000) — just let us know when you book.

Don't worry! Sea Turtle Brothers tours are beach-entry tours — you walk straight into the ocean from the beach, so there's no boat involved. Enjoying the water without any risk of seasickness is one of the big advantages of our tours. If you're concerned about feeling queasy in the waves, taking an over-the-counter motion sickness remedy about 30 minutes before departure is a good precaution.

Yes! Your guide takes plenty of photos and videos with a high-quality camera, and all the data is yours free of charge — with no limit on the number of shots. Take home lots of memories, like a photo of you swimming alongside a sea turtle. You're welcome to bring your own camera too, but since there's a risk of water damage, we recommend using a waterproof case.

Yes, there is parking at the meeting-point beach. Depending on the beach, parking is either paid (¥1,000 to ¥2,000) or free. Public transportation on Miyakojima is limited, so we recommend coming by rental car. We'll send you detailed parking directions via LINE the day before your tour.

Yes, as long as you're feeling about the same as usual, you're welcome to join. Using a tampon or choosing a dark-colored swimsuit can help you feel more comfortable. If you're not feeling well, please don't push yourself — rescheduling is possible, so feel free to reach out to us on LINE.

UV levels on Miyakojima are extremely strong — about 1.5 to 2 times higher than on mainland Japan — so sun protection is a must! Reapply waterproof sunscreen frequently (ideally a reef-safe formula that's gentle on coral). Wearing a rash guard is also a great idea. And don't forget the spots that are easy to miss, like the back of your neck, behind your ears, and the tops of your feet.

The smoothest option is to arrive with your swimsuit on under your clothes. On top, wear something easy to slip on and off, like a T-shirt and shorts. Flip-flops are fine for footwear. Changing space after the tour is limited, so please bring a towel and a change of clothes you can use in your car.

Because our tours are small-group, they often sell out one to two weeks ahead during busy seasons (July through September, Golden Week in late April to early May, and the New Year holidays). Once you've decided on a date and time, please send your booking request early. If space is available, you can book up until the day before. Message us on LINE anytime and we'll let you know the latest availability right away. Please note that a booking is not confirmed until our staff replies via LINE.

Yes! Water temperatures around Miyakojima stay above 20°C (68°F) even in winter, so with a wetsuit you can enjoy snorkeling year-round. Summer (June to September) brings warm, comfortable water, while winter (December to March) is a hidden-gem season with fewer tourists and exceptionally clear water. Whatever the season, the ocean around Miyakojima is spectacular!

Snorkeling tours run about 2 hours from meeting to dismissal, night tours about 1.5 hours, and sunset SUP about 2 hours. Time in the water is roughly 60 to 90 minutes. After we meet, we hold a safety briefing and fit your equipment, and after the experience you're free to head off on your own.

For safety reasons, we may not be able to accept guests with conditions such as heart disease, epilepsy, or asthma. Please feel free to consult us via LINE before booking, and we'll respond to your situation individually. Please also note that guests who have been drinking alcohol cannot participate.