Where to Swim with Sea Turtles in Miyakojima: The Complete Snorkeling Guide

Sea turtles are wild animals. When this page says an area has a "high encounter rate," that is never a guarantee you will see one. For your safety and to protect the turtles, please never touch or chase them — observe quietly and keep your distance.

Coral reefs surround Miyakojima, and the seagrass and algae that sea turtles feed on grow in abundance, so turtles live all around the island. These areas are known for especially high encounter rates.

You can sometimes meet turtles entering from the beach, but your chances depend heavily on the tide, weather, and that day's sea conditions. If you want the best odds, go with a guide who knows the local spots inside and out.

• Around Shigira Beach: Calm waters and a strong chance of meeting sea turtles while snorkeling.
• Aragusuku Beach: Shallow with the reef close to shore, making it easy for beginners to observe turtles.
• Offshore reef points by boat: With fewer people around, turtles stay relaxed, and encounter rates tend to be higher.

You can meet sea turtles in Miyakojima all year, but how easy they are to observe changes with sea conditions.

Note: Sea turtles are wild animals, so sightings are never guaranteed, regardless of the season or time of day.

• Season: April through October is the prime window, when the sea is calm and visibility is at its best. You can still see turtles in winter, but northerly winds make rough days more common.
• Time of day: Mornings are best, when winds are light and the sea is calm.
• Tide: Around high tide it's easier to swim over the reef, which can make observation easier.

Yes. Sea turtle snorkeling is an activity anyone can enjoy, whether or not you're a confident swimmer.

• You'll wear a life jacket, so you can float comfortably and watch the turtles from the surface.
• On a small-group tour, a guide stays right beside you — reassuring for first-timers and nervous swimmers alike.
• Sea Turtle Brothers welcomes kids from age 5, and many families join our tours.

If you snorkel from the beach on your own, please take safety and conservation seriously.

If you're at all unsure, or simply want a safer and more reliable experience, we recommend joining a guided tour.

• Watch for rip currents and tidal flow: Some Miyakojima beaches have fast-moving currents. Always check the designated swimming areas and that day's sea conditions so you don't get carried offshore.
• Never swim alone: Always go with at least one other person and wear a life jacket.
• Don't touch or chase the turtles: Sea turtles are protected wildlife. Never touch them or block their path — keep your distance and observe quietly. Feeding them is strictly prohibited.
• Protect yourself from sun and heat: Wear a rash guard, apply sunscreen, and stay hydrated.

A guided tour takes the guesswork out of finding turtles and lets you focus on enjoying the water.

• Better odds of an encounter: Your guide chooses the spots where turtles are seen, matched to that day's sea conditions.
• Safety handled by pros: Gear preparation and judgment calls on currents and weather are taken care of, so you can relax and focus on the sea.
• Photos and videos to keep: Your guide captures you swimming alongside the turtles — underwater memories you couldn't take with your phone.
• Generous beginner support: From how to use your snorkel to breathing techniques, our small groups mean careful, personal coaching.

Sea Turtle Brothers offers family-friendly, small-group marine experiences in Miyakojima.

Check our tour plans page for tour types and prices. To check availability and book, use our booking form — note that a booking request is not confirmed until our staff replies via LINE.

• Small groups, so your guide keeps an eye on every single guest
• Photo and video files included free as a gift
• Kids from age 5 welcome — great for beginners and families
• Free cancellation until the day before your tour
• Fully insured, with safety as our top priority

Small-group tours where beginners and families feel right at home. Photos and videos are included free, with free cancellation until the day before your tour. Check availability and send a booking request through our booking form, or message us on LINE — your booking is confirmed once our staff replies via LINE.