Let's play in the sea of Iriomote Island!
Table of Contents
What is the sea of Iriomote Island?
The sea and coral reefs of Iriomote Island
Iriomote Island is surrounded mostly by colorful coral reefs. According to one theory, there are about 1,300 kinds of coral reefs, and it is said that about 1/3 of the coral reefs found in the world can be seen on Iriomote Island.
The topography of coral reefs is divided into two main types: inner reefs and outer reefs. The inner reefs are located in shallow waters near the coast where the waves are calm, while the outer reefs develop offshore and act as breakwaters. The coral reefs are also found in the bumpy terrain between the inner and outer reefs, known as the lagoon, and the shape and types of coral reefs vary depending on where you look.
snorkelingThe snorkeling in the tidal lagoon is particularly recommended in the following areas.
The lagoon of Iriomote Island is shallow and has almost no waves, so children and beginners can enjoy snorkeling while viewing the coral reefs at ease.
Even near the shore, many kinds of colorful fish come in on the tide, and if you swim a little farther, you can see even more creatures. However, please note that the water temperature drops a little in deeper areas, so be careful!
In addition, in the sea of Iriomote Island, the sea becomes deeper at once after crossing the outer reef, and the depth reaches about 50 meters at the deepest point! This area is the best spot for scuba diving and other activities.
For details of Iriomote Island snorkeling tour and a list of plans, click here↓.
For details of Iriomote Island diving tours and a list of plans, click here↓.
Check the ocean tide level of Iriomote Island.
The sea of Iriomote Island is greatly influenced by the ebb and flow of the tide, so when snorkeling, be sure to know the time of low and high tide of the day! In addition, the difference of ebb and flow of the tide around the new moon and the full moon is called "high tide". Conversely, around the half moon, the difference is smaller.
In particular, Barasu Island, a "miraculous island" made of only pieces of coral reef, located about 10 minutes by boat from Iriomote Island, is famous as a popular photo spot because its shape changes with the ebb and flow of the tide.
The view changes depending on the time of day and the season, so if you visit Iriomote Island, you can double your enjoyment by checking it out in advance.
⇒Tide level checkClick here for
Click here for details and plan list of "Miracle Island" Barasu Island Tour
Introduction to Fun♪
How to enjoy the sea of Iriomote Island at low tide
Walking along the coral reefs at low tide, you can see many different kinds of creatures. It is especially interesting at low tide when the tide is high because you can walk very far.Canoe TourWhen participating in such activities, you can see the bare roots of mangrove trees and other sights that are rarely seen.
Watch your feet when walking on the coral reef! Sandals can cut your feet on coral and rocks, so be sure to rent marine boots instead of sandals when walking on the reef.
Also, if you observe while snorkeling in Iriomote Island, always check the time. If you are concentrating on observation, the tide will rise before you know it, and you may have to swim a lot to the shore...!
Let's take a walk on the beach!
Walking along the beaches of Iriomote Island, you can see a variety of drifted objects such as household items, plant seeds, shells, and animal bones.
Because Iriomote Island is geographically closer to Taiwan and other countries than to the Japanese mainland, we can also see drifted objects that have washed ashore from foreign countries.
It is fun to try to guess where the found items drifted to. Why did such a thing come to Iriomote Island? You may find something unthinkable!
In addition, you can see footprints of various creatures on the beaches of Iriomote Island. Most of them are hermit crabs, hermit crabs, endangered species of coconut crabs, and other creatures living on or near the beach, but sometimes you can see footprints of Iriomote wild cat, wild boars, and so on!
You can rarely see tracks that look like large vehicles have driven toward the sea, but these are actually the footprints of sea turtles that have come ashore to lay eggs! It is a unique way to enjoy Iriomote Island to imagine the life of creatures in the seashore while looking at the footprints.In addition to snorkeling in the ocean, a walk on the beach is nice!
Night Observation
Oyster crabs and hermit crabs on high tide nights from June to August,coconut crab (Birgus latro)This is the peak of the season when crustaceans such as They release their eggs at night, but please be very careful when they do so, as they are very alert. The light from a flashlight can startle them, so be careful!
Sea snakes may also come ashore to mate and spawn on the rocks!
While you can see many different things on the beaches of Iriomote Island at night than in the daytime, there is a danger of damaging the precious nature and startling creatures, so be sure to go with a nature guide when observing!
Iriomote Island Night Tour is here↓.
summary
How was it? The sea of Iriomote Island is not only beautiful, but also offers various ways to enjoy it, including snorkeling.
Please talk to a nature guide once and find your own Iriomote Island ocean fun.
⇒If you want to go sightseeing in Iriomote Island, which is now a hot spot... 7 recommended spots
⇒All Activities of Iriomotejima Toursview (e.g. flowers, movie)
