Snorkeling with sea turtles on Iriomote Island!
Table of Contents
- 1 Let's swim with sea turtles in Iriomote Island!
- 2 Types of sea turtles living in the sea of Iriomote Island
- 3 What is the best season to see sea turtles?
- 4 How to meet sea turtles in Iriomote Island
- 5 You can meet sea turtles in Iriomote Island! Introduction of recommended tours♪
- 6 西表島 ウミガメに関する よくある質問（FAQ）
- 7 summary
Let's swim with sea turtles in Iriomote Island!
To see sea turtles, which are also endangered species,Iriomote Island is the bestIt is said!
In this article, I will introduce the information I researched about sea turtles that I love to research and meet in Iriomote Island.
◆Those who want to swim with sea turtles in Iriomote Island
◆Iriomote Island for those who want to enjoy marine activities
◆Iriomote Island's recommended activities
Click here to book Iriomote Island ferry tickets.
Types of sea turtles living in the sea of Iriomote Island
First of all, let's know about sea turtles☆What kind of sea turtles are there around Iriomote Island?
green turtle (Chelonia mydas)
First, the most commonly seen is the green sea turtle. They are relatively quiet,Carapace color dark brown or oliveand smooth with few patterns.
The rich seagrass beds (seabed with spreading seagrass) around Iriomote Island are an important feeding ground for green turtles.
◆About 1.5 meters, weighing about 150 to 200 kg
◆ Herbivorous, eating mainly seaweed and sea grass
◆ sometimes come ashore on beaches to lay eggs
hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
The hawksbill turtle has a shell withBeautiful amber or brown speckled patternThere is a Known as "tortoiseshell," this pattern was once used as a material for ornaments, but is now internationally protected.
The rich coral reefs around Iriomote Island provide an ideal habitat for the taimai,The role of the hawksbill turtle in maintaining the health of coral reefsIt is also believed to fulfill the
◆About 70-100 cm, 40-70 kg
◆ feeds primarily on sponges and small invertebrates
◆Taimai presence is an indicator of healthy coral reefs
loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)
Loggerhead turtles are sea turtles that inhabit the warm waters of the world,Large head and powerful jawsis a feature of this product.
In the waters around Iriomote Island, they can be found especially in shallow water, sandy areas, and near rocks.
They use their strong jaws to chew through hard shells and eat shellfish and crustaceans.
◆About 90-120 cm in length and 100-180 kg in weight
◆Shell reddish brown to dark brown, slightly flattened
◆Front legs with one or two claws, strong body overall
What is the best season to see sea turtles?
The best season to see sea turtles in Iriomote Island is,Around May to September when they come closer to the shore to spawn.will be
During this period, not only green turtles, which you have a high chance of encountering, but also loggerhead turtles, which usually live offshore, will come close to the shore, so you may encounter more than one species of sea turtle.
↓For the best season to travel to Iriomote Island, click here.
How to meet sea turtles in Iriomote Island
To meet sea turtles with high probability in Iriomote Island,Participating in snorkeling and diving tours.is requiredThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
Experienced guides who know the ocean well will lead you to look for sea turtles safely and securely!
You can meet sea turtles in Iriomote Island!
Recommended tours♪
Now, we will introduce the recommended sea turtle tours held in Iriomote Island, where you can meet sea turtles with high probability!
(1) Landing on the miraculous "Barasu Island
Snorkeling Tour
It is called "Miracle Island" because its shape changes with the tide,Barras Island made of coral fragmentsis an uninhabited island with a spectacular view!Offshore, there are excellent sea turtle spots.
Take a social networking photo at Barasu Island to commemorate your memories☆.
↓Click here for recommended tours related to Barasu Island.
Hatoma Island Sightseeing & Snorkeling Tour
This tour includes sightseeing on Hatoma Island, which retains a simple island atmosphere, and snorkeling at the "Hatoma Blue" sea turtle spot in the surrounding area.
Hatoma Island isDrama "Ruri no Shima" stageThe island has become famous as a result. Please enjoy walking around the island!
(3) Charter Boat Charter Plan
Rent out a guide and enjoy the freedom to have fun at your own pace.Luxury charter plans are also recommended.
In addition to meeting sea turtles, you can enjoy the whole Iriomote Island at your own pace!
You can also request activities you would like to experience.
西表島 ウミガメに関する
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- アオウミガメ：最も一般的。海草を食べるために浅瀬にもやってきます。
- タイマイ：サンゴの隙間のカイメンなどを食べます。甲羅の縁がギザギザしているのが特徴。
- アカウミガメ：産卵のために上陸しますが、シュノーケリングで見かけるのは稀です。
- 産卵期：5月下旬〜8月頃。夜間に静かな砂浜（月ヶ浜や南風見田の浜など）に上陸します。
- 孵化期：7月下旬〜10月頃。赤ちゃんが海へ還る姿が見られます。
3月の今はまだオフシーズンですが、運が良ければお腹に卵を持ったメスが浅瀬で休んでいる姿を見られるかもしれません。
- 触らない：人間の細菌がカメの病気の原因になることがあります。
- 追いかけない：カメがストレスを感じて逃げてしまいます。
- 進路を塞がない：カメは肺呼吸なので、息継ぎのために海面に上がるのを邪魔してはいけません。
summary
How was it? The sea of Iriomote Island, full of nature's blessings, is an important home for sea turtles.
When you join a tour, follow the guide's instructions and enjoy the tour, taking care not to startle the sea turtles.
May everyone's dream of swimming with sea turtles come true!
↓Click here to read the article.
