Yakushima Sea Turtle Snorkeling | English Guide | Small Group

5.0 (4 reviews) 3 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

4 reviews

5.0

Yakushima Sea Turtle Snorkeling | English Guide | Small Group — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Yakushima Sea Turtle Snorkeling | English Guide | Small Group, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Snorkel in one of Yakushima’s best spots for sea turtles, offering one of the island’s highest chances of encountering them in the wild (although sightings cannot be guaranteed).

English guidance is available throughout the tour, with safety always our top priority. Every small-group tour is led by a certified PADI diving instructor, ensuring personalized attention for every guest. Our team also includes a guide officially certified by Yakushima Town.

Gentle beach entry makes this tour beginner-friendly and ideal for families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who prefers a relaxed pace.

Wetsuits provide natural buoyancy for easy floating, and snorkeling vests are available for guests who prefer extra flotation. A large safety float is always carried by the guide, so you can hold on and rest whenever you need.

Receive a complimentary short edited video (around 2 minutes) — a perfect keepsake to remember and share your Yakushima adventure.

Snorkeling On the Water Small Group Involves Animals Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate Agent Low Quality Product

At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 7 people
People per booking: 1–7
Guide: Japanese, English
Operated by: Yakushima Marine Club Kaiolohia

Ages: Children (6–11 years) · Youth (12–17 years) · Adults (18–65 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Swimwear with a snorkeling vest is available instead of a wetsuit; please request this in advance.
Included: Use of snorkeling equipment: Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, wetsuit, boots, fins, gloves). Wetsuits keep you warm and protect from cuts, sunburn, and stings.
Included: Activity / course fee
Included: We will create a short edited video (around 2 minutes) of your experience and give it to you free.

Not included

Not included: Swimwear, Beach sandals, Towel
Not included: Bottled water: Please bring your own drinks.

Itinerary

1. Meet at the parking area of Isso Beach. Check‑in and a brief health condition confirmation will be conducted. 2. Prepare for the session. We will explain the equipment, help you get ready, and provide a clear safety briefing. 3. Enter the water from the beach and begin snorkeling. Explore the calm bay with your guide. Sea turtles are often seen here, but sightings cannot be guaranteed. The guide carries a large float at all times — feel free to hold on whenever you need support. 4. Return to the beach and finish the tour. After the session, return the equipment and relax. Showers and changing rooms are available during the summer season.

Stop 1
Isso Beach

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

The meeting point is the parking area of Isso Beach at the north end of Yakushima.

Please gather in front of the drink vending machine on the right side of the parking lot.

Parking is free, and showers/changing rooms are available in summer.

End point

The meeting point is the parking area of Isso Beach at the north end of Yakushima.

Please gather in front of the drink vending machine on the right side of the parking lot.

Parking is free, and showers/changing rooms are available in summer.

Pickup points

The Hotel Yakushima
Tashiro Bekkan

Pickup is available only in the Miyanoura area.

If you are staying outside Miyanoura, please come to the meeting point by bus.

Meeting Point:

No.21 Miyanoura Port Entrance Bus Stop (in front of Yakushima Kankou Center / Yakushima Market)

Using your ticket

Please show your booking confirmation on your smartphone on the day of the tour. No printed ticket is required.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This activity is suitable for generally healthy individuals, even those with low fitness levels. Guests enter the water slowly from the beach, making it beginner‑friendly. Wetsuits provide natural buoyancy, and the guide accompanies the group at all times with a large float for support. Even guests who are not confident swimmers, as well as children, can participate safely.
No advanced swimming skills are required, but participants should feel comfortable in the water.
- Guests with ear problems, sinus issues, or a history of seizures, or conditions that may cause loss of consciousness cannot participate.
- Guests must be able to understand safety instructions and communicate with the guide, either verbally or through an agreed-upon method. If this is not possible, participation may be refused for safety reasons.
- Guests with recent injuries, surgeries, or chronic pain that may affect movement or breathing cannot participate.
- Participation is strictly prohibited for guests under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Please inform us in advance of any medical concerns; failure to do so may result in refusal of participation on the day.
- Travel insurance that covers marine activities is required for participation. Guests without valid insurance cannot join the tour.