Ishigaki Winter Manta Ray Snorkeling 2026–27: Kuroshima Tour, Prices & Pickup
Ishigaki Winter Manta Ray Snorkeling: November 2026–March 2027
Visiting Ishigaki Island in winter? A seasonal snorkeling cruise runs November 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027, with a specific goal: searching for wild manta rays in suitable Yaeyama waters. This guide gives the practical details rather than repeating a generic manta season overview.
Manta rays are wild animals. A boat heading to manta observation areas does not guarantee a sighting. The captain may change, delay or cancel the route for safety.
2026–27 winter dates and prices
Operating dates: November 1, 2026–March 31, 2027.
Manta snorkeling: ¥16,000 per person (tax included).
With a Chinese-speaking guide: ¥23,000 per person (tax included); optional, not part of the ¥16,000 standard option.
Participant ages: 10–70 years; operator approval is required.
Minimum departure group: 2 people. Solo bookings may request a place and be matched with others if approved.
Typical departure and return schedule
Around 7:20 AM: hotel pickup for eligible hotels. Pickup coverage and exact time must be confirmed.
7:40 AM: meet at the designated departure area, check in and prepare equipment.
8:00 AM: depart Ishigaki Port; roughly 50 minutes' cruising to the snorkeling grounds.
About 8:50 AM onward: search for manta rays; normally 1–3 snorkeling sites, approximately 30–40 minutes each depending on sea conditions.
12:00 PM–2:00 PM: return to port. The boat may return earlier when mantas are encountered sooner.
Why is Kuroshima mentioned in winter?
Northerly winter winds often make some of Ishigaki's northern manta sites challenging to access. The specialist operator may instead assess manta observation waters around Kuroshima. Destinations vary with wind, waves, currents and safe navigation; neither Kuroshima nor Manta City is promised on any particular day.
What is included and what should I bring?
Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, winter wetsuits, boat coats and towel rental are included alongside the activity, liability insurance and tax. GoPro HERO12 underwater footage may be possible when conditions permit. Drone filming is generally not part of winter departures and should not be expected.
Wear your swimsuit beneath your clothes, and bring water (no drinks are provided on the boat), a towel, spare clothes, sandals, sun protection and something warm. Anyone prone to seasickness should consult a pharmacist about appropriate medication and follow the label.
Booking deadline and safety
Requests close at 7:59 PM (Japan time) on the day before travel. Submit each guest's Romanized name, age, height, weight, Japanese shoe size in centimeters, sex, swimming ability and hotel details. The booking is confirmed only after the operator checks availability and safety. This is snorkeling, not scuba diving.
Ready to check an available winter date?
Choose the standard snorkeling or Chinese-guided option on the official StarlitSeas Travel tour page below. Reservations are manually confirmed. For Japanese-speaking hotel or local coordination needs, contact us before booking.
StarlitSeas Travel | Ishigaki Island, Okinawa, Japan. Wild manta encounters are not guaranteed, and safety determines whether the boat sails.
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