Can you see manta rays on Miyako Island? Thorough explanation of recommended spots and the best season!

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The manta ray is a member of the ray family, with its graceful swimming and large body.A diver's dreamRight?

 

Did you know that there is actually a possibility of encountering manta rays in the waters around Miyako Island?

 

In this article,Manta Rays in Miyako IslandThis section details the best season and recommended spots to see the manta rays, as well as how to swim with them and what to look out for.

 

Let's take a closer look at Miyako Island and its manta ray attractions!

 

Can I see manta rays on Miyako Island?

There is also a chance to see manta rays around Miyako Island in Okinawa Prefecture.

 

However, as in Ishigaki Island and Kume IslandThere is no manta point in Miyako Island where you can always see manta rays.The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

 

Whether or not you can encounter manta rays on Miyako Island depends on luck.

 

But by no means is there a zero chance.

Especially in winter,Manta ray feeding on plankton near the surface of the waterhave been sighted.

 

Floating on the surface of the sea, its gigantic figure is truly a sight to behold.

 

The point where manta rays can be seen is
Found in!

In July 2025, the local "Miyako Island Churaumi Liaison Council" will hold a meeting of the Miyako Island Churaumi Liaison Council in the waters west of Ikema Island.Waters where manta rays can be seen with a high probability.The company announced that it has

 

This survey report corroborates the regular appearance of manta rays, especially during the winter months (November through March), with the help of local fishermen and guides.

 

This is because "a stable place to see manta rays" had not been established on Miyako Island until now,New possibilities for tourism and ecotourismIt is attracting a great deal of attention as a

 

There is a possibility that nature experience tours incorporating manta ray watching will be developed in the future, which is expected to add a new attraction to winter tourism in Miyako Island.

 

When to see manta rays

Usually,Around November to MarchThe four-month period from December to March is the season when manta rays can be seen with a high probability.

 

February, the peak of winter, is said to have the highest manta ray encounter rate, and if you are lucky, you may be able to see manta rays on Miyako Island.

 

The reason why manta rays tend to appear in winter is that during this season, the cold currents rising from the depths in the waters around Miyakojima bring large amounts of plankton close to the surface.

 

Mantas are thosesurfaced near the surface of the ocean in search of plankton andThe fish prey on the fish while hovering and circling in a relaxed manner.

Especially on calm days without waves, plankton tends to stay on the surface, and manta rays are preoccupied with feeding and tend to stay near the surface.perfect opportunityIt can be said that

 

When entering the sea during the winter season, it is important to keep in mind that the water temperature is as low as 20-22℃.

 

Temperatures can drop to around 20°C during the day and 15-17°C in the morning and evening.

 

Wear a thick wetsuit of about 5 mm and a hooded vest, or prepare a boat coat or warm clothes,Take every precaution to protect yourself from the cold.Enjoy the winter sea.

 

How to see manta rays

In order to encounter manta rays on Miyako Island, it is important to use the localSnorkeling and diving toursIt is realistic to participate in

 

There are opportunities for both snorkeling and diving, each with its own advantages.

 

How to see manta rays
(1) Snorkeling

Snorkeling isNo license requiredTherefore, even beginners can easily try it.

 

If you are lucky, you may see manta rays while snorkeling on Miyako Island.

 

especiallyWinter (around December to March)is the season when the chances of encountering manta rays are high, and if you choose a day when the sea is calm, the chances are even better.

 

For safety reasons, beginners are advised to join a snorkeling tour with an experienced guide.

 

How to see manta rays
(2)diving

If you have a license, you can enjoy the beautiful sea of Miyako Island.divingYou can aim for an encounter with manta rays while

 

Manta rays gather on Miyako Island as they do on Ishigaki Island.Cleaning Station(settlement points) have not yet been found, so encounters with manta rays are largely a matter of chance.

 

Still, manta rays are more likely to appear in winter (December to March), following plankton, and depending on the point, there is a greater chance of encountering them underwater.

 

The moment you encounter a giant manta ray in the water is a special experience, and the sight of it swimming so effortlessly will be a memory you will cherish for a lifetime.

 

Meet Manta Rays on Miyako Island
spot

In the Miyako Island area,Waters where encounters with manta rays can be expectedThere are several scattered

 

Here are some typical spots where sightings have been reported in particular.

 

West side of Ikema Island

In recent years, a local council has discovered new spots in the western waters of Ikema Island where manta rays can be seen with high probability.

 

November - MarchManta rays have been reported to appear on a daily basis, especially during the winter months of the year, and have attracted much attention.

 

It is believed that manta rays gather in this area because the tides are calm and the environment is conducive to the gathering of plankton.

 

Future,Possibility of formal tours being developed.It is also a place worth visiting for the latest information.

 

Yabiji (Yaebiji)

The Yaegase in the northern part of Miyako Island is,Beautiful waters with coral reefsIt is also known as a "Manta Ray" and if you are lucky, you may even see manta rays.

 

The water here is particularly clear, and manta rays have been spotted swimming near the surface while snorkeling in the shallows.

 

Because of the abundance of living creatures at this point, you can also swim with sea turtles and colorful tropical fish.

 

Because of the many opportunities to visit on sightseeing tours,Good spot for beginners.It is.

 

Around Irabu Island and Shimoji Island

Around Irabu Island and Shimoji IslandA popular area where many dive sites are concentratedand there have been multiple sightings of manta rays.

 

The underwater environment is rich in topographic changes such as caves and arches, and there is a good chance of encountering migrating manta rays.

 

If you are an experienced diver, you may be able to see manta rays up close as they appear at depth.

 

If sea conditions are good.Snorkeling TourBut stop by and join us with high expectations.

 

South and east coast of Miyako Island

Occasional sightings of manta rays have been reported on the south and east coasts of Miyako Island.

 

Especially on days when wind and tide conditions are calm, manta rays may be seen surfacing near the surface of the water from the boat.

 

Sightseeing cruises and charter boatsThis is an area that may be encountered by chance when going offshore in

 

There is no definite point of interest, but it is good to keep in mind as a potential encounter spot.

 

Raima Bridge
Near Miyakojima Underwater Park

Mantas are basically creatures that can be seen offshore,On rare occasions, they can be seen from land.

 

In the past, manta rays have been spotted swimming leisurely under the Kuruma Bridge and surfacing near the harbor.

 

In another case, a manta ray was lucky enough to pass by while observing underwater from the underwater observation facility at Miyakojima Underwater Park.

 

Although the probability is quite low,An unexpected encounter with a view of the seaThe best part of the trip is to look forward to the

 

Miyako Island Recommendation
5 activities

Miyako Island offers many other fascinating activities that will move your heart besides manta rays.

 

Here, PiPi proudly recommendsFive popular activitiesto the following.

 

One of the highest encounter rates in the world!
Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tour

A must-do experience in the sea of Miyakojima is snorkeling with sea turtles.

 

There are no words to describe the excitement of swimming with wild sea turtles in the crystal clear Miyako blue ocean.

 

You can also enjoy schools of tropical fish and colorful coral reefs,The sea is truly a natural aquarium!

 

Even beginners can participate with ease, as the guides will provide careful support.

 

Blue Cave Snorkeling &
Cave Exploration Tour

Commonly known as located on the coast of Irabu IslandSapphire Cave.is a fantastic spot where the reflection of sunlight makes the surface of the sea inside the cave glow blue.

 

This tour includes snorkeling while observing countless tropical fish and coral,A cave that can only be accessed from the seaYou can venture deep into the

 

Inside the cave, the curtain of blue created by the light shining through the skylight will take your breath away.

 

We invite you to experience the extraordinary world that can only be experienced on Miyako Island.

 

Enjoy Miyako blue and mangroves!
SUP/Canoe Cruising

In one tourThe sea and mangrove forests of Miyako IslandFor those who are greedy and want to enjoy both, this tour is recommended.

 

After cruising on a SUP/canoe through the crystal clear emerald waters, you will paddle into a mangrove forest unique to the subtropical zone.

 

Visitors can enjoy walking on the surface of the water while standing on the sea, and relax and observe nature in the mangrove rivers,One time, two tasty plansIt is.

 

SUP and canoeing are highly stable even for beginners, and the guides will teach you the tricks of the trade.

 

Akane-iro sky impressed me!
Sunset SUP Tour

Those who want to enjoy the beautiful sunset of Miyako Island.Sunset SUP tours are recommended for

 

Cruise on SUP off the quiet beach while watching the sky and sea turn red.

 

The expression of the calm sea is different from that of the daytime,Magic Hour with the setting sunis one word for impressive.

 

Standing on the SUP and watching the sun set over the horizon is a special experience, as if you were in your own special seat.

 

Mysterious Pumpkin Cave &.
Kayak Tour

A very popular activity on Miyako Island is the Pumpkin Cave Exploration Tour.

 

Pumpkin Cave is a cave that can only be reached from the sea.Giant pumpkin-shaped stalactitesThis mysterious spot gets its name from the fact that it has a

 

A thrilling adventure awaits you as you hold on to rocks in the dark.

 

For extraordinary cave exploration,Adults and children alike will be enthralled!It is.

 

in the end

We have introduced the possibility of encountering manta rays on Miyako Island and the spots where they can be seen.

 

The encounter rate with manta rays is not as high as on Ishigaki Island,Chance for romantic encounters on Miyako Island in winteris sufficient.

 

Even if you do not see a manta ray, the sea of Miyakojima itself is breathtakingly beautiful, and contact with a wide variety of creatures awaits you.

 

Finally, when encountering manta rays or other wildlife, never chase or touch them,Manners to keep your distance and watch over youLet's not forget the

 

I wish you all wonderful encounters and experiences in the sea of Miyakojima!

This article was written by.

Nice to meet you! I am Nacky, originally from Osaka, and I moved to Miyakojima because I was fascinated by the island. When I visited Miyakojima for the first time on a trip, I was captivated by the nature and the warmth of the people, and I moved here because I wanted to know more about this place and tell people about it. I have been living in Miyakojima for 7 years now.

Currently, as a staff member of [ADVENTURE PiPi], I am providing activity experiences to visitors to Miyako Island and writing articles of local origin for tourists.

We provide information on sightseeing spots, popular beaches, how to enjoy each season, and how to choose tours, all from a local's point of view. We provide useful information so that even first-time travelers can enjoy Miyako without anxiety.

What is Miyako Island like? Which activities should I choose? We will wholeheartedly share the present state of the island with those who have questions such as "What is Miyako Island like?