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The latest edition for 2025] Enjoy Miyako Island to the fullest! 10 marine sports you can play!
Hello everyone.
Do you know that there are many ways to play in the sea on Miyako Island?
The fairly clear waters of Miyakojima are very popular for marine sports and marine activities such as snorkeling and diving.
Recently, SUP (sap) and sea kayaking have been attracting attention and have become standard activities on Miyako Island.
Thrilling activities such as flyboarding, baby carriages, banana boats, and jet skis, which are towed by motorboats and travel at high speeds over the ocean, have also become popular marine sports.
One of the most popular features is that even if a person should fall, he or she is unlikely to be injured because it is on the sea, making it a very safe place to be.
Beach SUP in Miyako Island
The appeal of marine sports lies in the ability to control the natural environment, such as weather and terrain, and feel a sense of oneness with nature.
You will feel the thrill of the sudden change of direction with a sense of speed that will make you yelp, and the wind and spray will be very pleasant and exhilarating.
It can be said that it is only through marine sports that one can see scenery that cannot be seen from land.
Marine sports, which are popular even in the mainland, are sure to be especially enjoyable in the beautiful Miyako blue ocean.
Now, let us introduce you to marine sports on Miyako Island.
目次
What are the marine sports activities in Miyako Island?
Miyako Island has many beaches, including Yonaha Maehama Beach, which is said to be the most beautiful beach in the East.
Many of the beaches are characterized by shallow waters, attracting many tourists because of the safety of swimming.
It is also characterized by a very wide variety of marine leisure activities that can be enjoyed in addition to swimming.
One of these leisure activities is marine sports.
Marine sports are activities that take place at sea or underwater, such as SUP, snorkeling, and motorboat activities.
And marine sports are the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful Miyako blue sea.
Among the many marine sports available, we will focus on thrilling marine sports using motorboats.
We hope you will find it useful when you visit Miyako Island.
10 marine sports to enjoy in Miyako Island
Beach SUP
If you want to enjoy the beautiful sea of Miyako Island, which is so acclaimed for its Miyako blue color, we recommend the beach SUP tour.
SUP stands for Stand Up Paddle, a marine activity that makes you feel as if you are walking on the water.
Although the SUP looks quite difficult, anyone can learn to stand on it with the careful support of the guide in charge!
beach canoe
Beach canoeing in Miyakojima is recommended for those who want to relax and enjoy the sea of Miyakojima.
Canoes are usually for two people and are more stable than SUPs. They are a marine activity that can be enjoyed without getting wet because they rarely fall off.
Couples can ride together or with their children.
snorkeling
If you want to enjoy the ocean of Miyako Island, snorkeling tours are recommended.
The clear waters of Miyako Island are very popular for their transparency, and the sea is home to colorful fish and many coral reefs.
The most attractive feature of the Miyakojima snorkeling tour, among others, is the high rate of encounters with sea turtles.
Take this opportunity to swim with sea turtles on Miyako Island!
Pumpkin Cave Caving
As the name suggests, the Pumpkin Cave, which can be entered from the ocean on Miyako Island, allows visitors to see a stalactite cave in the shape of a pumpkin.
There are endless ways to have fun at the Pumpkin Cave, including diving from the top of the cave and even having a mud mask, which is said to have beauty benefits!
This marine activity is extremely popular among children!
diving
If you want to observe the deep sea of Miyako Island, a diving tour is recommended.
Diving tours on Miyako Island are slightly more challenging than snorkeling tours, but offer deeper and more mysterious sights.
This is a marine activity that you should definitely consider when you come to Miyako Island.
banana boat
Banana boats are a staple of marine sports.
Many of you may have heard of it.
Banana boating is an activity in which visitors straddle a long, narrow, banana-shaped boat and are pulled by a motor jet.
The meandering banana boat is truly a roller coaster on the sea, and visitors can enjoy the thrill of falling into the water and the feeling of speed to the fullest.
Riding around on a banana boat in the emerald green waters of Miyako Island is an exhilarating experience.
Stylish and photogenic, banana boating is also a very popular activity among women.
Banana boating is one of the safest marine sports, and even elementary school children can experience it.
Among marine sports that are often considered too expensive, this is a relatively easy way to enjoy marine sports, so please give it a try.
big marble
The Big Marble is an activity where you sit on a float designed like a sofa and are pulled by a motor jet.
The attraction here is the sense of speed and the strong centrifugal force that makes you feel like you are being blown away.
The feeling of leaping from the big marble as it bounces along with the sharp turns of the motorboat is indescribably thrilling and pleasurable.
It is very thrilling, but since it is sofa-shaped, you are less likely to fall into the sea and can enjoy the exhilaration for a longer period of time.
If you are afraid of banana boats because you might fall into the sea, why not try the Big Marble?
jet ski
If being pulled behind a motorboat is not thrilling enough for you, we recommend jet skis.
A jet ski is a water motorcycle with an engine and handlebars.
Since it is a motorcycle, a special small boat license (water bike license, jet ski license) is required to operate a jet ski.
A special small boat license allows you to rent a jet ski so you can traverse the ocean at your own will.
If you do not have a license, you can enjoy jet skiing tandem with a local guide, so there is no need to obtain a license.
The exhilaration of running through the beautiful sea of Miyako Island with your arms splashing in the water is unmatched.
We hope you will experience it.
wakeboarding
Wakeboarding is a marine sport in which a rope with a handle is extended from the back of a motorboat, and a person holding it at the back of the boat glides on the board through the water.
It is also known as snowboarding on water, and because it looks so acrobatic and cool, it has become a very popular activity, especially among young men.
Some advanced wakeboarders decide to perform tricks such as spinning.
If you master the depth of the different types of techniques and skills, you will have a wider range of ways to enjoy yourself.
It may seem challenging, but once you get the hang of it, it is surprisingly not difficult and comfortable.
Why not experience it in the beautiful emerald blue waters of Miyako Island?
bandwagon
Bandwagon is a marine sport very similar to big marble, an activity in which you ride on a sofa-like float and are pulled by a motorboat or other vehicle.
What makes it different from the Big Marble is that there is room for people to ride behind the backrest.
The space behind the backrest is ridden with a kneeling position.
Since it is behind the back, centrifugal forces are strong and it is easy to be dropped, making for a very thrilling experience.
Another reason for its popularity is that it can be enjoyed by the whole family, with children on the sofa and adults on the backrest.
If you want to experience a harder thrill than the Big Marble, consider the bandwagon.
Beaches in Miyako Island where you can enjoy marine sports
Yonaha Maehama Beach
Yonaha Maehama Beach on Miyako Island is the most beautiful beach in the East.
The opening of the ocean on Miyako Island takes place on this beach every year.
This is a must-visit spot when traveling to Miyako Island.
The beautiful Miyako blue ocean, which is so clear that you can even see the bottom of the ocean, and the 7-km-long white sandy beach will leave you speechless.
Some people just stand there and watch.
The completely murky, crystal-clear seawater appears to sparkle in the sunlight.
The scenery is spectacular, with the white, shiny, fine, silky powder sand overlaying it.
The beach itself is spacious, so you can enjoy not only swimming but also marine sports to the fullest without worrying about other people.
Marine sports can be done at Yonaha Maehama Beach, but all of the activities introduced above can be experienced.
SUP and canoeing, which are not introduced here, can also be experienced, making this beach highly recommended for those who want to enjoy marine activities on Miyako Island.
Necessary items and equipment for marine sports are available for rent, so you can experience them even if you go empty-handed.
Facilities such as Miyakojima Tokyu Hotel & Resorts are located near the beach, making it easy for travelers to visit.
Sunset is also known for its beauty, so spend a full day at Yonaha Maehama Beach from morning until sunset.
Don't forget to take some social networking photos.
It will surely be a good memory of your trip to Miyako Island.
Address: 1199-1 Aza Yonaha, Shimoji, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Phone number: 0980-76-2177
Toilet: Yes
Shower: Available
Stores: Yes
Admission: Free
Access: 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport, 30 minutes by car from Hirara Port
Parking: Free
Miyakojima Sunset Beach
As its name suggests, this man-made beach is famous for its beautiful sunsets, and in the evening, locals and tourists gather one after another to watch the sunset.
The sunset with the Irabu Bridge in the background is truly a spectacular sight.
After playing on the beach, watch the sunset as it turns red and be healed by the natural beauty of Miyako Island.
The swimming season for this beach is set from July to October from 9:00 to 18:00.
During this period, nets are set up to prevent the invasion of habu jellyfish, and lifeguards are stationed so that visitors can enjoy swimming in peace.
However, please note that snorkeling is prohibited at Miyako Sunset Beach.
Follow the rules and enjoy the activity.
For marine sports, SUP and kayaking are held here, and it is also the departure and arrival point for parasailing.
It is also popular and always crowded because of its proximity to the city center and easy access.
If you are staying nearby, please visit.
Location: Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Access: 13 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: Yes
Shinshiro Coast
This is the best place to SUP on Miyako Island.
The clear, shallow waters make it possible to see rose coral and branch coral colonies and tropical fish without having to dive into the sea.
Although the beach is a little far from the city center, it is a beach where you can experience activities that allow you to feel the nature of Miyako Island.
In particular, the sunrise from here is exceptional, and is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches on Miyako Island.
For this reason, early morning sunrise SUP is recommended, as you can rent out the empty, quiet ocean to watch the sunrise.
Tours that include banana boats and snorkeling are also available, so you can enjoy marine sports to the fullest.
The Aragusuku Coast is also a sea area visited by sea turtles, and in early spring many people come to catch a glimpse of them.
Showers, changing rooms, and parking are available free of charge, as are restroom facilities.
There are other stores as well, so don't worry if you forget your goggles, etc.
Parasols and other items are available for rent, so stop by when you visit.
Location: Aza-Ashinjo, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Access: 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes
Yoshino Coast
This beach is located further east from Aragusuku Beach, about 5 km from the tourist attraction Higashi Heiannazaki.
The clarity of the sea is particularly high due to the coral reefs, making this beach a popular snorkeling point.
Underwater, colorful coral reefs spread out and are home to numerous colorful tropical fish.
This beach is also an important spawning ground for sea turtles on Miyako Island.
When visiting, be careful not to damage nature.
The Yoshino Coast has a reef that juts out and comes right up to the beach, so you will need to head a little further offshore to enjoy the activities.
Also, boats may not be able to head to the beach at low tide.
Therefore, when making plans, choose a time of high tide to play.
It is also located on the east side of Miyako Island and is highly recommended as a sunrise spot.
It is a convenient beach with showers, changing rooms, and restrooms.
Parking is charged (500 yen) and there is a distance to the beach, but the system provides a shuttle service from the paid parking lot, so there is no need to worry.
Parasols and snorkeling sets are available for rent, so feel free to visit.
Address: Aza Yoshino, Jobe, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Phone number: 0980-73-1881
Parking: Available
Changing rooms: Available
Toilet: Yes
Shigira Beach
Shigira Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Miyako Island for meeting sea turtles.
During the spawning season, many sea turtles visit the waters around Miyakojima.
Diving and snorkeling are recommended, as there is a possibility of swimming with sea turtles if the timing is right.
Shiragi Beach is located in the Shigira Resort area in the southern part of Miyako Island and is crowded with visitors every day.
It is a very beautiful beach, well cared for and managed by the Shiragi Resort.
The beach is also characterized by shallow water and gentle waves due to its bay shape.
Therefore, even if you have young children, you can safely participate in activities with them.
It is also convenient to rent snorkel sets and other equipment for marine sports.
There are several marine sport tours organized by the hotel, so please enjoy Shigira Beach through various experiences.
The private beach at the Shigira Resort is equipped with deck chairs and tented cabanas, so those who want to enjoy the elegant resort atmosphere while feeling the sea breeze are encouraged to visit.
The beach itself is a public facility and can be used even if you are not staying at the Shigira Resort.
Location: Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes
summary
We introduced marine sports on Miyako Island.
How was it?
The appeal of marine sports on Miyako Island lies in the fact that you can feel one of the most beautiful seas in Japan up close.
Yonaha Maehama Beach has almost no waves, making it a place where even beginners can enjoy marine sports.
In addition, about 90% of those who participate in marine sports tours are beginners.
If you have never experienced marine sports and feel uneasy, don't worry, as local guides will teach you in a friendly and gentle manner.
When you visit Miyako Island, ride a banana boat or jet ski across the beautiful Miyako blue ocean.
Relieve stress and refresh yourself through extraordinary experiences.
The experience of running around in the sea while screaming with your friends, family, and everyone who visits with you will surely be one of the best memories of your trip to Miyakojima.
We hope this article will help make your trip a great one.
Thank you for reading to the end.
This article was written by.
