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Can I use contacts for snorkeling? Our Ishigaki Island staff explains how to enjoy snorkeling even if you have poor eyesight!
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"I have poor eyesight—can I still go snorkeling?" Many people probably have this concern.
But don't worry! Our staff, who live on Ishigaki Island, will clearly explain whether you can wear contact lenses, tips for enjoying your trip safely, and recommended options for those concerned about their eyesight.
Even if you're worried about your eyesight, you can still enjoy the beautiful ocean of Ishigaki Island to the fullest!
Table of Contents
You can still go snorkeling even if you have poor eyesight
Do you enjoy it?

Snorkeling is a popular activity to enjoy in the crystal-clear waters.
Some people worry, “Is it okay if I have poor eyesight?” but there are actually ways to enjoy it regardless of your vision.
In this article, we’ll share some tips to help people with poor eyesight enjoy snorkeling with confidence.
Is it true that your vision improves underwater?

Generally speaking, even without wearing contact lenses or glasses, underwater...Improved VisionIt is said.
This is a fact; it is believed to be due to the refractive index of light, which causes objects to appear approximately 1.3 times closer and larger underwater than on land.
For this reason, if your vision is 0.6 or higher, you can see things more clearly underwater than on land.
Snorkeling and Contact Lenses
Can I do this while wearing my contact lenses?

As mentioned earlier, it is well known that objects appear clearer underwater than on land, but for people with extremely poor vision, this difference is negligible.
That’s why some people might want to go snorkeling while wearing their contact lenses.
As long as you use contact lenses properly and keep a few precautions in mind, you’ll have no problems and can enjoy snorkeling with clear vision.
While wearing contact lenses
Precautions for Snorkeling
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As mentioned earlier, snorkeling isYou can enjoy it while wearing your contact lenses.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when doing so.
Let's take a closer look at these points to keep in mind.
Putting in disposable contact lenses

When wearing contact lenses in the water,Disposable soft contact lensesLet's make sure to use it.
Hard contact lenses tend to fall out relatively easily and are also expensive, so they aren't really suitable for exploring the ocean freely.
In addition, since long-term contact lenses can become contaminated with bacteria from the ocean, which could have adverse effects on your eyes later on, it’s best not to wear them while snorkeling.
Have spare contact lenses and eye drops on hand

Also, if you wear contact lenses while snorkeling,Spare contact lenses and eye dropsIt's also important to have these on hand.
Even if you're wearing a snorkeling mask, it's entirely possible that it might come off at some point and your contact lenses could get washed away.
Also, since seawater can stick to contact lenses and cause a sensation of something being in your eye—and may also lead to cumulative damage to your eyes—be sure to bring eye drops as well.
If you don't have a contact person
How to Snorkel

On the other hand, there are ways for people who don’t own contact lenses—because they usually rely on glasses to correct their vision—to enjoy snorkeling comfortably.
Next, we'll show you how to enjoy snorkeling in situations like these.
Have prescription masks on hand (or rent them)

The easiest option when you don't have contact lenses isMaking the Most of Prescription Snorkeling MasksThat's what you need to do.
In recent years, a wide variety of prescription masks—including those for astigmatism, nearsightedness, and presbyopia—have become available on the market.
You can certainly buy these, but since some tourist spots offer prescription masks for rent, using those makes it even easier to enjoy snorkeling.
Ishigaki Island ADVENTURE PiPi's tours offer prescription masks
Rental available

At Pippi, which offers a variety of travel plans on Ishigaki Island, we’ve made sure to be prepared to handle situations like this, soWe offer rental services for prescription masks.
When you visit Ishigaki Island, be sure to check out Pippi for a comfortable travel itinerary.
Recommended Spots on Ishigaki Island
5 snorkeling tours

Now, let’s focus on Ishigaki Island—one of the most popular destinations in Okinawa—and introduce five recommended snorkeling spots.
Ishigaki Island is home to numerous breathtaking views and snorkeling spots.
By combining these experiences, you’re sure to discover even more of Ishigaki Island’s charm.
Recommended Snorkeling Tours on Ishigaki Island
1) Blue Cave Exploration & Snorkeling

The Blue Cave isOne of Ishigaki Island's Most Scenic SpotsAs a result, various factors—such as the intensity of the light filtering into the cave and the unique features of the terrain—interact to cast a magical blue hue over the water’s surface inside the cave.
This breathtaking spot—which could be called a work of art created by nature—not only allows you to explore its interior but also offers the chance to enjoy snorkeling.
The thrill of observing tropical fish underwater while feeling as if you’re melting into the beautiful blue is a truly unique and precious experience that can only be had here.
Recommended Snorkeling Tours on Ishigaki Island
(2) Landing & snorkeling at Phantom Island

This island, officially known as Hamajima, is,Depending on the tides, it sometimes appears and sometimes doesn't.That is why it is called by this name.
The sight of the emerald-green sea surrounding the pure white sandy beach is truly the picture of an ideal tropical beach.
The water is crystal clear, and with coral reefs stretching out all around, it is also known as an excellent snorkeling spot.
Recommended Snorkeling Tours on Ishigaki Island
(3) Blue Cave Exploration & Snorkeling x
Mangrove SUP/Canoe

We also recommend combining snorkeling at the Blue Cave and the Phantom Island with stand-up paddleboarding or canoeing through the mangrove forests.
A Magical Ocean and Subtropical Nature...you can experience the diverse charms of Ishigaki Island all at once.
On a stand-up paddleboard or in a canoe, you can take your time enjoying the unique mangrove scenery from the water.
Recommended Snorkeling Tours on Ishigaki Island
4) Blue Cave Exploration & Snorkeling x
Kabira Bay SUP/Canoe

Along with the Blue Cave, Kabira Bay is another scenic spot you’ll want to visit.
With its expansive white sandy beaches and emerald-green ocean, you can fully enjoy the natural beauty that is so characteristic of Ishigaki Island.
You can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing here as well, andEnjoy the crystal-clear ocean from the waterIf you combine this with a visit to the magical Blue Cave, you’ll be able to fully appreciate the beauty of Ishigaki Island’s ocean.
Recommended Snorkeling Tours on Ishigaki Island
(5) Landing on the Phantom Island and snorkeling x
Sunset SUP/Canoe

Along with snorkeling on the "Phantom Island," you'll want to enjoy sunset SUP and canoeing at dusk.
A scenic view with a different atmosphere than during the dayAmidst all this, the experience of sailing across the sea as it turns the color of the setting sun allows you to appreciate yet another of Ishigaki Island’s charms.
This activity is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a romantic time together.
in the end

In this article, we introduced snorkeling on Ishigaki Island, how to wear contact lenses while snorkeling, and a variety of other activities you can enjoy while you’re there.
By using the information we’ve provided as a guide, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the ocean around Ishigaki Island.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read this report to the end.