Miyakojima: SUP and Snorkeling- Two Activities in One Day

If you’re dreaming of exploring Okinawa’s incredible marine life and pristine waters, the Miyakojima SUP and snorkeling tour might just be your ideal day out. With a focus on beginner-friendly activities, expert guides, and the chance to see sea turtles up close, this experience offers a fantastic way to learn about Miyakojima’s renowned “Miyako Blue” ocean.

What we love about this tour is that it combines two of the most popular activities—stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and snorkeling—making it perfect for those who want a bit of everything. Plus, it’s quite accessible, welcoming families with children, and providing free photos and equipment. The only thing to consider? The timing can vary depending on the season and weather, so your schedule might need some flexibility.

This experience is ideal for travelers who seek adventure coupled with stunning scenery, enjoy wildlife encounters, and appreciate guides who are friendly and knowledgeable. If you’re looking for a relaxed yet active day on the water, with high chances of seeing sea turtles, then this tour deserves your attention.

Key Points

• Beginner-Friendly: Suitable for children and beginners, with safety gear and supportive guides.
• High Success Rate: 100% chance of encountering sea turtles during snorkeling.
• Photo Perks: Free photo data and equipment rental for capturing your moments.
• Flexible Timing: Options for sunrise or sunset tours, ideal for photography.
• Affordable Value: At $77, the tour offers excellent value considering the activities and wildlife encounters.
• Expert Guides: Friendly bilingual guides (English and Japanese) enhance the experience and safety.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour Experience

This combined SUP and snorkeling tour in Miyakojima is designed to give you a well-rounded ocean adventure. It typically begins with a meeting at a designated spot, where your guides will equip you with snorkeling gear, wetsuits (in winter), and safety equipment. You’ll then head out to the crystal-clear waters, known for their emerald hue and excellent visibility.

The SUP component allows you to glide over the water at your own pace, with good-looking, Instagram-worthy boards that are accessible for beginners. Many reviewers mention how friendly and organized the team is, especially the guides like Nira-chan, who’s praised for her lively demeanor and her skill at spotting and pointing out sea turtles—which she made sure everyone got to see.

After some time on the boards, you’ll transition into snorkeling, which is in some ways the highlight. The water is so clear that you’ll feel like you’re floating in an aquarium. The tour boasts a 100% encounter rate with sea turtles, which is a rare and exciting prospect. As one reviewer put it, “we saw two sea turtles and even took pictures with clownfish,” making this a trip that provides authentic wildlife sightings.

What to Expect at Each Stage

Meeting and Preparation

Your guides will contact you the day before to confirm your meeting time and location. Expect to arrive equipped with swimwear, towels, and beachwear. The meeting points are flexible, and the activity ends back at the start location, making logistics straightforward.

SUP Session

Once you’re suited up, you’ll kayak the famous Miyako Blue waters, which offer a superb view from your stand-up paddleboard. The boards are described as cute and eye-catching, perfect for social media. The guides are attentive, ensuring even beginners feel comfortable on the water.

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Snorkeling Adventure

Following your SUP, you’ll don your snorkel gear and plunge into the crystal-clear deep blue sea. Many reviews highlight how friendly and helpful the guides are, making sure everyone gets good photos and memorable encounters. It’s common to see sea turtles, and the guides are experienced at spotting them—so chances are high, as the tour boasts a 100% encounter rate.

Sunset and Sunrise Options

For those seeking the best photo opportunities, the 6:00 am and 5:30 pm tours offer the chance to see sunrise or sunset over Miyakojima’s waters, providing spectacular backdrops for photos and a peaceful, less crowded experience.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

For just $77 per person, you’re getting two engaging activities, professional guidance, and the invaluable opportunity to see sea turtles in their natural habitat. The included photos are a bonus, allowing you to relive your adventure without worrying about taking snapshots yourself.

Compared to other activities that might focus solely on snorkeling or paddling, this combo provides a more complete ocean experience at a reasonable price point. It’s also ideal for families and beginners, as it combines gentle activities with the safety and support of experienced guides.

Authentic Experiences and Insights from Reviewers

Reviewers consistently mention how friendly and organized the guides are, often naming individuals like Nira-chan and noting her lively spirit and keen eye for wildlife. One traveler highlighted how both the paddle and snorkeling spots were “perfect,” with clear waters and beautiful scenery.

Another reviewer appreciated the quick confirmation process, mentioning that they signed up the day before and still had a smooth experience. The guides’ use of English and Japanese makes it accessible to a diverse range of travelers, adding to the overall comfort.

Many guests emphasize the quality of photos taken during the tour, with one remarking, “All the guides, both bearded guides and the English guide, were friendly and helpful with good photos taken,” which helps when sharing your adventure on social media.

Practical Details

The meeting times are seasonal and flexible, typically communicated the day before. The activity lasts a few hours, ending back at the start point, making it easy to incorporate into your day.

What to bring: Swimwear, a towel, and beachwear are essential. No alcohol or drugs are permitted, maintaining safety and respect for wildlife.

Accessibility: The tour is not suitable for children under 2 or 3, pregnant women, or people with certain health issues like back problems, respiratory issues, or mobility impairments. The maximum weight limit is around 264 lbs (120 kg), ensuring safety and equipment fit.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who want a relaxed yet active day on the water. It’s perfect if you love wildlife encounters—sea turtles seem to be a highlight—and want to capture beautiful photos. Families with children over 3 will appreciate the beginner-friendly nature, but those with specific health or mobility concerns should note the restrictions.

It’s also a good choice for travelers who enjoy bilingual guides, as the guides speak both English and Japanese, easing communication. For those seeking sunrise or sunset options, the timed tours provide a magical backdrop for your adventure.

Final Thoughts

This Miyakojima SUP and snorkeling tour offers a balanced blend of gentle water activities, wildlife encounters, and stunning scenery—all at an attractive price point. The friendly guides, particularly Nira-chan, make the experience smooth and enjoyable, with high chances of seeing sea turtles and capturing memorable photos. The availability of photos and equipment adds extra value, especially if you love sharing your adventures on social media.

While the schedule can vary with weather, the overall experience remains flexible and rewarding. It’s a fantastic choice for families, beginners, or anyone looking to explore Okinawa’s famous waters without needing prior experience.

If you’re after a relaxed, wildlife-rich day in beautiful surroundings, this tour is well worth considering. It offers genuine access to Miyakojima’s most photogenic spots, with knowledgeable guides ensuring you get the most out of your time on the water.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour provides snorkeling sets, safety equipment (life jackets and shoes), wetsuits in winter, photos, and the experience fee.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over 3 can participate, but it’s not recommended for children under 2 or for pregnant women and those with certain health issues.

Can I book last minute?
Yes, you can reserve and pay later, and the guides confirm meeting details the day before, making last-minute bookings possible.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, and beachwear are essential. Remember to avoid bringing alcohol or drugs.

What is the best time for this tour?
The 6:00 am and 5:30 pm tours are popular for sunrise and sunset, offering fantastic photo opportunities and a peaceful atmosphere.

How high is the chance of seeing wildlife?
With a 100% encounter rate for sea turtles and the chance to see clownfish and other marine life, you’re likely to have memorable wildlife sightings.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments or certain health conditions, and the weight limit is around 264 lbs (120 kg).

This Miyakojima SUP and snorkeling tour is a wonderful way to experience the island’s waters, wildlife, and scenery, all while enjoying friendly guidance and excellent value. Perfect for those who want an active yet relaxed day in Okinawa’s stunning marine environment.

You can check availability for your dates here: