Ocean view rentals in Ishigaki island
THE CLOSEST BEACHES
◆ Crystal beach (クリスタルビーチ)
Walking out of the house parking, it takes about 5-10 minutes to reach the beach. Crossed by a river, it's a great place for snorkeling. You will be able to see coral and tropical fishes.
On the beach, you can look for small crystals brought by the river, right from the Mount Omoto, the highest hill of Okinawa prefecture.
Shadow: next to the hills.
Currents: strong when it's wavy and in deeper waters at big tide.
Parking: forbidden on the street all along the beach entrance. Park at the panorama parking on the road 79.
Toilets: no
◆ Yoshihara beach (吉原ビーチ)
5 minutes away by car. From the apartment, take the direction of Kabira, the beach is located close to the road 79, below the Yoshihara primary school. From the beach the view to the higher lands of Ishigaki is nice. Nice snorkeling areas (right side) and sandy areas. Box jellyfish during the hot season. Not recommended to swim in warm waters.
Shadow: not much
Currents: be careful when it's wavy
Wild parking ok
Toilets: no
◆ Yonehara beach (米原ビーチ)
This is the beach you can see from the terrace/balcony of your apartment. Less than 5 minutes away by car, drive the opposite way of Kabira. Families like this beach as the waters are shallow. It's easy to see coral and fishes. Nice snorkeling. The sand is white and beautiful. Be careful of the jellyfish from June.
Shadow: not much
Currents: be careful, read the information signs
Parking: Few free lots in front of the beach. The wide parking area is 500 yen a day.
Toilets: yes (free)
◆ Sukuji beach (底地ビーチ)
15 minutes away by car from the house.
The beach is located in the Kabira neighbourhood, inside a bay. This is probably why waters are particularly warm. In summer time, a net is used to prevent the jellyfish to pass. Don't recommend to swim outside of the net during the high season. Shallow waters and mountain views. No coral also the snorkeling is not very interesting. Many sandy areas.
The sunset is also very nice.
During the season, SUP and kayak tours available
Shadow: A lot (very appreciated in summer)
Parking: free
Toilets free; showers: 100 yen/day
◆ Tabaga beach (タバガ―ビーチ)
Beautiful beach located in Kabira. Shallow emerald green waters.
During the warm season there are probably jelly fish also it’s important to be careful.
No much coral and fish to see.
Look for 'Tabaga beach' in Google map.
Shadow: Not much
Wild parking
Toilets and showers: no
15 min drive from the house.
OTHER BEACHES
◆ Ozaki beach (大崎ビーチ)
This is a beach which can be nice when the Northern wind is strong. Located in the Southern part of Saki eda, the place is famous for snorkeling, diving and surf boarding. Many diving tours go on to see the sea turtles spot.
Parking: yes
From the house: 15 min. drive
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◆ Ibaruma beach (伊原間ビーチ)
This is the beach you can see from the famous Tamatorizaki observation platform. Very beautiful beach with shallow waters. Drive to the North (roads 390 or 79). After the roads 390 and 79 merge, drive for a short while. You will see on your right side a Post office, then a Police station (Ibaruma Substation on Google map). Turn right just after the police station, go straight and park at the entrance of the beach.
Parking: wild
From the house: 25 min. drive
◆ Akaishi beach (明石ビーチ)
Akaishi is a village located in the North of Ishigaki. Akaishi shokudo is a great local restaurant which made the village famous.
Drive on the road 206 to the North and turn right at the Akaishi sign to enter the village. Go straight and park near the beach. Long beach with beautiful sand a bit similar to Ibaruma beach.
Parking: few parking spaces at the entrance
From the house: 35 min. drive
◆ Sunset beach (サンセットビーチ)
Beach located in the Northern part of the island. Beautiful waters and beach. No much coral to see.
Parking fee required. Shower and toilets available (paying fee). Beach items available: beach chairs, swimming rings, parasol or snorkeling sets (paying fee). Snorkeling tours and marine activities. During the high season, a net is used to avoid the jelly fish to pass.
Look for 'Ishigaki sunset beach' in Google map.
Parking: paying fee
Toilets, shower: paying fee
web site: https://www.i-sb.jp/?lang=en
◆ Shiraho coast (白保海岸)
The village of Shiraho is very old and the Shiraho culture and traditions are very strong and still going on. Is famous aslo the Shiraho coral village and the Sunday market.
Shiraho has a big coral reef as you may have seen from the plane before landing in Ishigaki. Blue coral is famous in Shiraho.
Count about 30 min. from the house.
Learn more about Shiraho blue coral reef and snorkeling here
ISHIGAKI TIDE TIMES
Here you can check the tide in Ishigaki, but also the sunrise, sunset, moonrise and moonset times.
http://wisuki.com/tide/397/kabira-ishigaki-island
During big tide days (at full moon), the currents are usually stronger. If the tide is very low some beaches may be very rocky and more difficult to access for swimming.
At full moon it's also more difficult to see the starry sky as it is too bright. Then it can be good to check the moonrise and moonset times.