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[Okinawa ]can be enjoyed all year round in the Miyakojima area! 8 attractive marine sports

[Okinawa ]can be enjoyed all year round in the Miyakojima area! 8 attractive marine sports

2024-09-11

Miyakojima is a resort island where you can enjoy a tropical atmosphere even though you are in Japan. In recent years, access by air has improved, making it possible to visit Miyakojima via direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and other cities. Miyakojima Island has a mild climate throughout the year, and marine sports can be enjoyed. The cool breezes are comfortable not only during the high season of summer, but also in winter, inviting you to try various activities. We have compiled a list of attractive marine sports that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people on Miyako Island, so why not refer to it when planning your next trip?

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parasailing




The Miyako Island area has beautiful waters and is dotted with lush green islands in the surrounding area. If you want to fully enjoy this jewel-like world, we recommend that you first enjoy parasailing in the sky. You will feel like a bird soaring in the sky, and the emerald green sea will surround you 360 degrees from every angle.

Parasailing is a sport that combines paragliding and sailing. It is flown on a parachute pulled by a motorboat. The principle is similar to that of a kite, which soars in the wind and takes off from a sailing boat as it floats away.

The charm of parasailing is that you can take a walk in the air as casually as if you were on a trapeze. Most paragliding trips have a capacity of three or four people, making it ideal for couples, families, and groups. It is a wonderful way to share the excitement of witnessing the spectacular scenery as far as the eye can see with your loved ones. It will surely be a memory you will never forget.




No special prior training is required to experience parasailing. This is because no difficult operations or techniques are required. All you have to do is sit on the parachute and leave yourself to it, so a wide range of people, from elementary school students to senior citizens, can enjoy it with peace of mind. Another advantage is that there is almost no need to worry about getting soaked while out at sea. It is a marine sport that allows you to enjoy the charm of the sea in a truly casual manner and to the maximum extent possible.

Some tour operators have transceivers so that they can keep in touch with staff on board during the flight. The altitude is usually around 100 meters, but it can be adjusted according to the length of the rope, depending on your preference.




The waters of Miyakojima are among the clearest in Japan, and parasailing will make your visit even more worthwhile. Not only can you see the coral reefs in the shallows, but even from the air you can easily see rays and sea turtles swimming gracefully in the water. Seeing is believing, and you will have an experience that you cannot get from underwater or on the surface.

diving




If you want to experience the beauty of the crystal clear waters of Miyako Island, scuba diving is definitely one of the options you cannot miss. As long as you can avoid typhoon timing, you can dive throughout the year.

Miyako Island is a very suitable place for first-time scuba divers, and many experience diving plans are offered that do not require a license. Compared to regular swimming, scuba diving is certainly more difficult, as you enter the water carrying a heavy oxygen cylinder on your back. However, with careful prior training and the support of an experienced instructor, you will gradually learn to control your body in the water.




Depending on the plan, the time required is surprisingly short, and the best part is that the experience can be completed in about two hours. This is the best choice for those who want to enjoy the Miyako Island area, which is full of attractions, efficiently in a limited amount of time.




The true appeal of diving is to enjoy to the full the variety of beautiful landforms created by the power of coral and waves. In particular, the three major topographic points, "Antoni Gaudi, ""Palace of the Devil King, ""Street Pond, and ", are extremely dynamic, with undulating formations that fascinate visitors at first sight. In addition, in the northern part of the island, there is one of Japan's largest coral reef belts "Yabiji ", which is also designated as a national natural monument, and is a famous spot that attracts many divers.

Canoeing and sea kayaking




Miyako Island, with its crystal clear waters, is a perfect spot for canoeing and kayaking. It is a great time for couples, families, and groups to enjoy time on the water in an elegant manner while relaxing and conversing.




The advantage of canoeing is that it is relatively easy even for first-timers. Several people board a small, stable boat and paddle forward. Due to its high safety characteristics, even small children under elementary school age can board the boat, making it an activity that can be experienced by the whole family. It is truly a marine sport that is perfect for creating group memories.

It may feel hot in the summer because you are not immersed in saltwater. The winter season is more comfortable, when you can enjoy cool breezes, and this is a particularly good time to try canoeing. Since your feet will get wet and splashed when paddling, it is recommended that you wear clothes made of materials that are easy to dry and easy to move in.




Some stores offer transparent kayaks so that you can observe the coral reefs directly below and colorful tropical fish swimming around at your feet. It is a magical feeling as if you are sitting on the surface of the water even though you are on a boat, and it is sure to look great on social media. It is worth visiting the area near Wai Wai Beach, located on the south side of the island, as there is a good chance of seeing sea turtles.

Canoeing and kayaking are also ideal for exploring the mangrove forests, and many plans are offered. Shimajiri's mangrove forest is a 1-kilometer deep cove where five species of hirugi can be observed: yaeyamahirugi, hirugi, mehirugi, hirugimodoki, and hirugidamasashi. The Hirugiaceae plant, with its roots spreading out like the legs of an octopus, is rarely seen in Honshu. The wild birds, crabs, and other creatures that inhabit the area are also a highlight.

snorkeling




Swimming is an essential part of any visit to tropical waters. Compared to diving, snorkeling is less demanding and is a standard marine sport that can be recommended for a wide range of people, including beginners and children.

Snorkeling is a shallow underwater dive near the surface. It is a perfect activity for enjoying the clear waters of Miyako Island, where you can see the ocean floor even from the surface. The minimum equipment required is just three items: underwater glasses, a snorkel, and fins, making it a relatively easy challenge. Of course, you must not be careless when dealing with nature, but you will be able to experience this activity with peace of mind thanks to advance training and the support of instructors.

A major feature of Miyako Island is that there are many shallow waters and most snorkeling sites can be reached by swimming from the beach. One particularly famous snorkeling point is Yoshino Beach. Just a few meters from the beach, you can see an expanse of coral reef. The coral reefs that almost cover the ocean floor and the colorful tropical fish swimming among them are a spectacular sight rarely seen in Honshu.




When participating in a tour for snorkeling, the rule of thumb is to choose a snorkeling-oriented plan. Be aware that the snorkeling sites are somewhat different from those for diving, which is a relatively deep dive.

SUP




There is a new type of marine sport that will make you feel like you are walking on the surface of the water, a dreamlike experience. Why not try it alone and roam freely on the emerald green surface of the ocean?

SUP is a one-person boat similar to a kayak, and its shape is similar to a large surfboard. "It stands for Stand Up Paddle ", and as the name suggests, it is usually paddled standing up. Inexperienced paddlers will need to get a feel for it, but most will be able to paddle standing up in about an hour. It is an exhilarating sensation to walk around on the water while sliding freely. You can also sit or lie down and enjoy the wind blowing on the surface of the water to your heart's content.




Miyako Island, with its many coral reefs that start around the beach, is perfect for exploring on the water by SUP. Furthermore, changing the time of day to see different ocean faces is a very big attraction of SUP tours. Particularly recommended is a plan where you can enjoy cruising on the spectacular beaches around Irabu Ohashi Bridge, and at sunset time, you can enjoy the sunset elegantly while lying down. It is the ultimate luxury. You can also choose a plan in which the staff will present you with free photo data taken by the staff, so you are sure to have wonderful memories.

phishing




Do not forget to enjoy the delicacies of the sea. The sea of Miyako Island, with its rich coral reefs, is perfect not only for observing but also for fishing. Plans to enjoy a fishing experience on an authentic fishing boat surrounded by a spectacular view are gaining popularity.

There are a great variety of fish that can be caught on Miyako Island. Particularly caught are the "gurukun ", a fish that is a staple in Okinawan cuisine. In addition, "known as Okinawa's three most expensive fish ", "Hamadai ""Akadinmibai ""Makubu "can also be caught. These can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, such as sashimi, simmered, or grilled. If you choose the dinner option, you can even eat the fish you caught yourself, expanding your enjoyment of the sea.




While a full-scale fishing experience on a fishing boat is nice, plans are also offered that allow visitors to experience fishing while enjoying a walk on the water in a kayak. Kayaks used for fishing are specially equipped to be paddled with feet, not hands. You can proceed with ease even when both hands are full. Be sure to check it out.

flyboard

The wide, clear, shallow waters of Miyakojima are a perfect spot for a variety of activities. It is also a great place to experience the excitement of flyboarding. By the end of the experience, you may be hooked.




Flyboarding is an activity in which one attaches water bike jets to one's feet and uses the water pressure emitted to float on the water. Although this sport may seem difficult from the outside, many inexperienced people seem to be able to successfully flyboard. Once you get the hang of it, you will be addicted to the extraordinary stimulation.

jet ski




If you want to enjoy the exhilarating wind and waves as much as possible while touring on the sea, jet skis are the way to go. Although it is more expensive, it is worth considering if you want to explore all the scenic points of Miyako Island.

Jet skis can be driven at speeds of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour over the ocean. A small special license is required to drive a jet ski, but anyone can participate in a touring tour led by an experienced instructor. The speed on the water is said to be three times faster than on land, and the sense of speed and exhilaration is something that is rarely experienced in everyday life. The tour is not very strenuous, so it can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

summary

We have introduced eight marine sports that allow you to fully enjoy the charms of Miyako Island. All of them are wonderful experiences made possible by the magnificent nature of Miyako Island, and the fact that they can be enjoyed year-round is also a key point. If you want an exciting activity that you cannot experience in your busy life, please consider a trip to Miyako Island.

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