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Can I meet sea turtles in Ishigaki Island? Our staff who live in Ishigaki Island will thoroughly explain the types of sea turtles and spots where you can meet them!
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One of the largest activity stores in Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island ADVENTURE PiPi!
The beautiful emerald blue sea of Ishigaki Island is filled with coral and tropical fish.It is inhabited by a variety of creatures.
And the most popular among them are sea turtles.
Every year, sea turtles visit the beaches of Ishigaki Island to lay eggs, and you can swim with them while snorkeling or diving.
In this column,About Sea Turtles in Ishigaki IslandWe are pleased to introduce you to the following.
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Characteristics of sea turtles in Ishigaki Island
Because Ishigaki Island belongs to subtropical climateThere is a high probability of encountering sea turtles.
It is said that if you choose the right spot to visit, you have about a 70% chance of encountering them throughout the year.
If you visit during the summer seasonAlmost 100% of the time.You can encounter.
If you want to see sea turtles for sure,We recommend visiting during the summer months.
Many of the sea turtles on Ishigaki Island are over 1 meter long, and some are as long as 2 meters.
Meet in Ishigaki Island
Sea turtle species
Sea turtle is a general term for turtles that live in the sea, and it is said that there are five species of sea turtles in Japan.
Among them,There are three types of sea turtles that can be encountered on Ishigaki Island.
You may not be able to tell the difference at a quick glance, but if you know the difference, you can identify it.
We will introduce the characteristics of the sea turtles that inhabit Ishigaki Island.
Types of sea turtles you can encounter in Ishigaki Island
(1) Green turtle
The green sea turtle has a round head and does not look like a gentle face.slender and smartly shaped faceIt is.
The carapace is very smooth and has a distinctive egg-like shape.
The largest of these fish can grow to nearly 100 cm in length,The world's largest sea turtleIt is.
The green turtle gets its name from the bluish color of the fat in its body.
The carapace is reddish brown or blackish in color.
They live near the coasts of tropical and subtropical regions. Despite their huge size, they are herbivorous,They feed mainly on seaweed.
Although it is listed as an endangered species, the number of individuals confirmed each year is increasing, probably as a result of conservation efforts.
Types of sea turtles you can encounter in Ishigaki Island
(2) Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)
Loggerhead turtles are known for theirBecause of the reddish-brown color of the carapaceIt was given this name.
Loggerhead turtles born in Japan are pelagic, migrating to the waters off the California Peninsula and returning to the waters around Japan.
Therefore, they are not as easy to encounter as green turtles, but during the spawning season, they are swimming in the shallows as well,If you choose the right time of year, you can meet them.
Such loggerheads are slightly smaller than green turtles at about 80 cm in length and 100 kg in weight.
The shape of the carapace is distinctive, with a heart shape and barnacles.
Food habits are omnivorous,In addition to algae, they also eat shellfish and hermit crabs.
They also have strong jaws for eating hard foods.
Loggerhead turtles are also listed as an endangered species.
Types of sea turtles you can encounter in Ishigaki Island
(iii) Taimai
The hawksbill turtle is smaller than the green and loggerhead turtles, with a body length of about 70 cm to 80 cm and a weight of about 60 kg.
Carapace yellow or blackish brown with mosaic patternand the rear is green and jagged.
Because of its beautiful patterns, the shell of the taimai has been used as a raw material for beckoning and has been the object of hunting.
Therefore, it is now possible toIt is even listed as an endangered species.The population has declined.
The diet of such taimai is carnivorous, preying on shellfish and jellyfish.
Because of their small faces, they prey on coral by placing their faces between the coral and coral.
Next to the green sea turtles, these are the turtles most likely to be seen.
Sea Turtle Ecology
Turtles appeared on land about 250 million years ago,The sea was penetrated about 100 million years ago.It is considered to be a
And it has been here for a long period of time, from the Cretaceous Period, when dinosaurs were at their peak, to the present.
After entering the sea, their legs became more fin-like to make their life easier in the sea, and their shell became more streamlined to facilitate swimming.
From these characteristics,It has been able to cross oceans for long periods of time.
When it is said to be such a sea turtle,Strong image of spawning sceneI think that many of them are.
When it is time to lay eggs, sea turtles visit beaches with little artificial light, dig holes to lay their eggs, and return to the sea.
The sight of them seemingly shedding tears as they spawn is very touching.
But that scene is not about shedding tears,I'm just serving salt water.It is said to be.
Sea turtles' habitat season
As mentioned above, sea turtles areThey can be encountered throughout the year.
In particular, you have a high probability of encountering them during the summer season, from May to September, when they are spawning.
However, sea turtles are very sensitive and wary and will not visit beaches with artificial light.
In recent years, with the development of the island, the number of beaches on Ishigaki Island visited by sea turtles has been decreasing, and measures are being taken from time to time.
Also, on beaches with clean sand,Many sea turtles have been spotted laying eggs.
If you encounter a spawning scene, do not stimulate the sea turtles and do not use lights.
Why are sea turtles endangered?
Sea turtles lay about 100 eggs at a time, though,Only one in 5,000 animals will reach adulthood.It is said.
Hatchlings that hatch in the sand cannot crawl up on their own, and only some of them can get to the ground by struggling simultaneously with dozens of hatchlings.
And most of the hatchlings that crawl to the ground are attacked by crabs and birds and die.
Some hatchlings die after being attacked by fish or sharks when they finally manage to get into the sea.
And there is no end to the number of sea turtles that die because of the garbage we humans produce.
from such issues,Sea turtles are considered an endangered species.
Meet sea turtles on Ishigaki Island
Five recommended spots
It is true, though, that Ishigaki Island has more beaches affected by light pollution,Spots where you can meet sea turtlesThere is a
In addition, some beaches have recently taken measures to prevent light pollution, and sea turtles are returning to some beaches.
Let's work together to create an environment where sea turtles can easily inhabit.
Areas where sea turtles can be encountered at this timeThe following is an introduction to the
Meet sea turtles on Ishigaki Island
Recommended Spots
(1) Blue Cave
People in the know in Ishigaki IslandBlue Cave is a popular tourist attractionIt is!
The sun's rays stream into the cave, making the surface of the sea appear blue, and the scene is truly mysterious.
Around the Blue Cave, you can see a lot of coral and fish, and if you are lucky, you may even see sea turtles!
The Blue Cave is located about 30 minutes by car from the city center, at the end of Yonehara Beach.
than by renting a car, as it is on a very narrow, unpaved road,I recommend going on a tour.
Meet sea turtles on Ishigaki Island
Recommended Spots
(2) Kabira Bay
Kabira Bay is located inA place selected as one of the 100 most scenic spots in JapanIt is one of the must-visit tourist spots on Ishigaki Island.
Kabira Bay is famous for its spectacular views, but it also offers activities.
You cannot swim there due to the fast currents, though,Boat (glass boat) ride, SUP and canoeingexperience.
And if you are lucky, you may even encounter a sea turtle during your activity!
Meet sea turtles while SUPing or canoeing.What a unique way to enjoy Ishigaki Island.
Please try to look for sea turtles while doing activities in Kabira Bay.
Meet sea turtles on Ishigaki Island
Recommended Spots
(3) Barras Island
Barasu Island, located between Iriomote Island and Hatoma Island, is in the sea when the tide is high andA miraculous island that gradually reveals itself as the tide recedes.It is.
The island is made up of only coral fragments.
Such islands are found only in the Northern Hemisphere,Two places in the worldOnly a few have been found.
Because the island was formed by such coral fragments, coral grows abundantly in the surrounding area and is home to a wide variety of fish.
It is because of this environment,Sea turtles can also be encountered with high probability.
To Baras Island,It can be reached by boat from Iriomote Island.
There are no direct flights from Ishigaki Island.
The tour will be from Iriomote Island.
Meet sea turtles on Ishigaki Island
Recommended Spots
4) Osaki Beach
Osaki Beach is the westernmost beach located southwest of the Yarabe Peninsula in the northwestern part of Ishigaki Island.
Osaki Beach is almost empty of foot traffic.Off-the-beaten-track spotAlthough the beach is not as large as the other beaches in the area, it is suitable for activities such as diving and snorkeling.
If you go offshore, you can see coral reefs and meet fish and sea turtles.
Therefore,A great place to observe coral and fish as well as sea turtlesBut there is also.
Enjoy the sea turtle snorkeling experience to the fullest!
Meet sea turtles on Ishigaki Island
Recommended Spots
5) Yonehara Beach
Yonehara Beach is one of the beaches very familiar to islanders.
There is a coral reef just after the entry from the beach, and a little further offshore is the W Reef, where the coral reefs appear to overlap each other.
Fish and sea turtles were peeking out from between the reefs,A sight you won't see on any other beachYou can watch the
However, near the offshore area where the W reef is located, there are some points where the current becomes stronger,It is recommended that a guide be attached.
During the summer season, you can see the sunset in the direction of Kabira Bay, so be sure to check it out!
You may meet sea turtles!
Ishigaki Island Recommendation
5 activities
We introduced the spots where you can meet sea turtles.
Snorkeling and diving are done by beginners who unnecessarily choose fields.
You may meet such a sea turtle,Recommended ActivitiesThe following is an introduction to the
Recommended Activities in Ishigaki Island
(1) Blue Cave Snorkeling
The first activity we will introduce is Blue Cave snorkeling.
By sunlight shining in and reflecting off the surface of the sea and in the caves,A very beautiful spot where the inside of the cave shines blue.It is.
As you swim through the caves by snorkeling, you will be surrounded by a beautiful blue space that is different from the sight seen from the sea.
Around the Blue Cave, which is such an unexplored region of Ishigaki Island,There are over 70 species of corals,Fish and sea turtles can be observed.
It is one of the most popular places to visit along with Kabira Bay, the number one tourist spot in Ishigaki Island.
Recommended Activities in Ishigaki Island
(2) Phantom Island Snorkeling
This is the snorkeling experience on the phantom island I mentioned above.
The white sand beaches are free of grass and trees, and there is no obstruction of view,You can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the city.
It is one of the best SNS spots in Ishigaki Island and a fantastic island that can be enjoyed just by landing.
Coral and tropical fish in Shihsi lagoon, which surrounds the phantom island,Sea turtles are abundant in the area.
You can see sea turtles eating on the coral or floating near the surface of the water, with various expressions on their faces.
Many people may be worried for the first time, but the tour guide will give you a detailed lecture so that you can participate with peace of mind.
Recommended Activities in Ishigaki Island
Sunrise SUP/Canoe
This activity tour is recommended for those who want to enjoy Ishigaki Island from early morning.
Since we start in the dim hours before sunrise,You can see the sunrise from the top of your SUP or canoe.
It will be the most refreshing time in the morning surrounded by the 360 degree ocean of Ishigaki Island.
SUP and canoeing are relatively stable rides, so even those who are not good at activities and exercise can do them.
Canoeing is also a great activity for children, as it can be done for two or three people.
The tour starts early in the morning,Even if you plan to return home the same day.You can participate in the program.
Recommended Activities in Ishigaki Island
4) Blue Cave Snorkeling
& Kabira Bay SUP/Canoe
Two major tourist attractions on Ishigaki IslandThis plan allows you to enjoy activities at the Blue Cave and Kabira Bay!
Kabira Bay, which has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide, is one of Ishigaki Island's representative scenic spots, where you can experience SUP and canoeing.
At the mysterious Blue Cave, visitors can enter the cave for commemorative photos and snorkel in the surrounding area.
I want to enjoy activities in the ocean of Ishigaki Island for a whole day.If so, we highly recommend this plan!
Enjoy Ishigaki Island activities with all your might at Okinawa's two major tourist attractions!
Recommended Activities in Ishigaki Island
(5) Sunset SUP/Canoe
We have just introduced Sunrise SUP/Canoe.SUP/canoeing experience during sunset timeIt is.
How about if you want to do an activity in Ishigaki Island right away on the same day you visit?
Sunset viewing on the beach is nice, but a sunset while cruising around the venue is sure to be soothing.
After the sun sets, the scenery of Ishigaki Island shows a different face from that of the daytime.
Same-day reservations are available, so try to book on a sunny day!
in the end
We introduced sea turtles on Ishigaki Island.
There are many different species of sea turtles, includingThree types can be found on Ishigaki IslandThat was the case, wasn't it?
There were various spots and tours where sea turtles could be seen.
Where would you like to see sea turtles?
Please visit us, it is one of the highlights of Ishigaki Island.Swimming with sea turtles and taking picturesPlease try to do so.
Thank you for reading to the end.
This article was written by.
