Thorough explanation of corals and coral reefs of Iriomote Island! Spectacular scenery nurtured by the miraculous sea
Table of Contents
- 1 Iriomote Island is a treasure house of corals! A world-class diving spot
- 2 What is Seokseo lagoon?
- 3 5 main corals you can see in Iriomote Island
- 4 You can observe corals in Iriomote Island
10 recommended tours
- 4.1 (1) Snorkeling at the miraculous island "Barasu Island
- 4.2 (2) Mangrove SUP (canoeing) Snorkeling at Barasu Island, the "Miracle Island
- 4.3 Observe tropical fish and coral at your own pace! Star Sand Beach Snorkeling
- 4.4 Snorkeling Yubu Island Buffalo Car Sightseeing
- 4.5 (5) Ida beach sea kayak & snorkel
- 4.6 6) You may be able to see Nemo Crush? Half-day snorkeling tour of Shihsi lagoon
- 4.7 7) Canyoning & Snorkeling
- 4.8 8) Beginners welcome! Iriomote Island Experience Diving
- 4.9 ⑨Standard for diving in Iriomotejima Island! Fun Diving
- 4.10 ⑩Iriomotejima Diving License Course Open Water Course
- 5 Recommended for day trip sightseeing! Iriomote Island Tour with Ferry Ticket
- 6 Notes on viewing corals in Iriomote Island
- 7 summary
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Iriomote Island is a treasure house of corals!
World-class diving spots
The sea around Iriomote Island is a rich coral reef areaIt is known as one of the world's top diving destinations!The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
Among them, the largest coral reef area in Japan, "Seokseo Lagoonis very valuable and has attracted the attention of divers from all over the world.
This article introduces such rich corals and coral reefs of Iriomote Island in detail.
◆Iriomote Island for those who plan to snorkel and dive.
◆For those who want to know more about corals in Iriomote Island
◆Iriomote Island tourist attractions and activities
Click here for Iriomote Island Tour Popularity Ranking
What is Seokseo lagoon?
Ishinishi lagoon stretches between Iriomote Island and Ishigaki Island.One of the largest coral reef areas in JapanIt is More than 400 species of coral live here, and the beautiful coral reefs provide a spectacular view.
Known as one of the world's most precious ocean areas, it is one of Okinawa Prefecture's representative diving spots.
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Characteristics of Shihsi Lagoon
This area is characterized by shallow water and dense corals. In particular, the "table coraland "coral reefYou can also see groups of "sea turtles" and observe colorful tropical fish and sea turtles.
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5 main corals you can see in Iriomote Island
Let us introduce five main types of corals found in the sea of Iriomote Island.
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(1) unicorn coral reef
Also seen in Shihsi lagoon,coral reefThis coral is also known as "the coral of the sea". It is widely distributed from India to Okinawa, and is especially abundant around Iriomote Island.
They can often be found from the reef slope to the reef edge, especially in shoals.
(2) Ginger coral
This coral is truly ginger in color and shape. It is a group that adheres to rocky areas.
This coral, like the Yubieda hamasango, also forms colonies in a branching coral-like shape.
(iii) Yaeyama coral reef coral (Corallium japonicum)
This coral is commonly found in Ishinishi Lagoon. It forms leaf-like or thin plate-like clusters that look like cabbages or conch shells.
They are also known to form large groups of more than 1 meter in length.
Quercus sessilifolia (species of oak)
table coralThis coral is known as a type of coral and forms large colonies.
They are often found in areas with steep currents or rough waves. They grow in flattened groups on their sides to soften the resistance from waves.
They are often seen in the vicinity of Uehara Port, where the terrain is prone to rough seas.
five-spined coral (Corallium japonicum)
As its name suggests, this coral looks like it has thorns growing out of it. Because of its shape, it is also known as bird's nest coral.
The colorful clusters can be seen in a wide variety of colors, which can be green, yellow, or pink.
The pink spiny corals are especially beautiful, so please pay attention to them when snorkeling.
Corals of Iriomote Island can be observed.
10 recommended tours
Let us introduce 10 recommended tours where you can enjoy the corals of Iriomote Island.
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(1) Snorkeling at the miraculous island "Barasu Island
Barasu Island is an island only a few dozen meters in diameter, made of white coral pieces washed ashore from Ishisei Lagoon, and changes its shape with the ebb and flow of the waves.Miracle IslandIt is a popular spot accessible from Iriomote Island, which is called "the most beautiful island in the world.
Many types of colorful coral reefs can be observed around Barras Island.
(2) Mangrove SUP (Canoe)
Snorkeling at the "Miracle Island" of Barras
This plan is a luxurious tour where you can enjoy one of the most popular activities in Iriomote Island, mangrove SUP (canoe) cruising and snorkeling at the beautiful Barasu Island, where you can enjoy all the sea, mountains, and forests!
This plan is recommended for those who want to enjoy Iriomote Island in one day.
Tropical fish and coral viewing for children as young as 3 years old!
Star Sand Beach Snorkeling
This tour offers snorkeling at Hoshisuna Beach. The beach is attractive for its high transparency and shallow waters.More than 100 typesYou can see colorful fish in the
The shallow water makes it safe for small children.
Snorkeling
& Yubu Island Buffalo Car Sightseeing
Recommended for families who want to enjoy the sea of Iriomote Island!
This plan includes snorkeling at Barasu Island and Hoshisuna Beach and sightseeing on Yubu Island.
The entire island of Yubu Island is a botanical garden of subtropical plants, with colorful flowers blooming year-round, and the butterfly garden is the largest butterfly in Japan,tree nymph butterfly (Idea leuconoe)can be observed.
Pick-up and drop-off service is included, so it is easy to move around & your child'sNo need to worry about a lot of luggageIt is.
(5) Ida beach sea kayak & snorkel
Ida-no-hama is said to be the most beautiful beach in Iriomote Island. It is an unexplored point that cannot be reached by land, and is accessed by a liner!
Enjoy sea kayaking and plenty of snorkeling in the clear waters around Ida beach.
This tour includes a nice lunch.
(6) Maybe you can meet Nemo Crash?
Half-day snorkeling tour of Shihsi Lagoon
This tour is suitable for beginners to enjoy snorkeling at Shihsi lagoon.
Nemo in "Finding Nemo" (clownfish (Balistoides conspicillum)) or crashes (sea turtle), etc., and you might actually be able to swim with them?
The seafloor of Ishinishi Lagoon is home to not only coral but also many colorful anemones. Nemo hides in the anemones!
7) Canyoning & Snorkeling
This plan includes canyoning and snorkeling, two very popular activities that take advantage of Iriomote Island's natural terrain, so you can enjoy both the river and the ocean.
Canyoning, sliding down natural slides and jumping into waterfalls, is sure to be a big hit with adults and children alike!
8) Beginners welcome! Iriomote Island Experience Diving
In the experience diving, you will be given a lecture by a guide and can enjoy diving without a license.
Experienced guides will accompany you, so you don't have to worry. Recommended for those who want to make their diving debut.
⑨Standard for diving in Iriomote Island!
fun diving
For license holderstours are also held, of course.
Iriomote Island has more coral species than any other island in the world. The topography of the seabed is also intricate, so you can enjoy topographic diving.
⑩Iriomotejima diving license course
Open Water Course
This one is for those who do not have a diving license,Tours available for qualificationIt is.
If you are going to take the trouble to get an open water license, why don't you take it while making memories in Iriomote Island? Teaching
The cost of materials is also included in the training fee and can be used after the license is obtained.
Recommended for day-trippers!
Iriomote Island Tour with Ferry Ticket
We also recommend the special package plan that combines a "ferry ticket" and "activities!
No need to purchase a separate ferry ticket, ferry and activityCheaper than booking eachYou can enjoy Iriomote Island!
Ferry tickets are required to get to Iriomote Island, so we recommend you to get the best deal with a set price!
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Learn more about set tours
Notes on viewing corals in Iriomote Island
The abundant corals of Iriomote Island are a valuable resource worldwide. Here is a summary of points to keep in mind when observing and enjoying its beauty.
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(1) Do not touch or step on coral
Coral is extremely delicate and can be damaged simply by human touch. When snorkeling or diving, be careful not to touch coral with fins or hands.
(2) Sunscreen is environmentally friendly
Ingredients in common sunscreens can be harmful to corals.
Only when playing in the ocean can you use the coral-friendly "REEF SAFEWhy not choose a "certified" sunscreen?
(iii) Be sure to take garbage home.
It is important not to leave trash in the ocean or on the beach. In particular, plastic trash can have a serious impact on coral and marine life, so please behave with good manners and respect nature.
summary
How was it? Iriomote Island is a treasure house of coral reefs with Ishinishi lagoon, the largest coral reef in Japan, nearby.
Corals are susceptible to environmental changes, and it is important to protect them. When you visit, please behave with good manners and help preserve this miracle of the sea for the future.
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