If you are after a beach where you can swim anytime during the year on Miyako-jima Island, Boraga Beach (保良泉ビーチ) would be your ideal beach. It is also a beach that has a swimming pool attached. Another special thing about this pool is that it sources water from underground water instead of seawater. In addition, because Boraga Beach is located just underneath a cliff, you can kayak your way into the Pumpkin Limestone Cave (パンプキン鍾乳洞)!
Another reason Boraga Beach is becoming more popular is the number of facilities. All the facilities and services you need to enjoy a relaxing morning or afternoon are provided by Boraga Beach Park. The beach is basically maintained by the park, which is why you can swim at Boraga Beach all year round.
The park also offers a range of adventure tours for anyone interested, including the tour to the limestone cave.
The Watersports You Can Enjoy at Boraga Beach
- SUP
- Kayak
- Snorkeling; and
- Caving
For a list of equipment you can rent from Boraga Beach Park, refer to their website HERE and translate it to English using Google Chrome’s translation function at the right of the address bar.
Boraga Beach Tours
Here are a list of tours that you can join to explore Boraga Beach and the Limestone Cave, Pumpkin Hall, which can only be accessed by joining a guided tour.
- Pumpkin Hall Limestone Cave Tour
- Pumpkin Hall Limestone Cave + Snorkeling Tour
- Beach SUP + Tropical Snorkeling + Pumpkin Hall Limestone Cave Canoe Tour
Limestone Cave Pumpkin Hall (パンプキンホール)
Limestone Cave Pumpkin Hall, or just Pumpkin, is the most famous attraction at Boraga Beach. It isn’t because pumpkins grow inside the limestone cave that got its name, but because of the 3-meter-tall pumpkin-shaped stalactite.
So even if you don’t consider exploring a limestone cave interesting in general, this one is not to be missed! Plus, it is only accessible by kayaking, and to proceed further, you need to climb up that huge pumpkin!
Pumpkin Hall is also a spot to make a wish. It is said that if you pray before you jump from the pumpkin into the pool of water, your wish will come true. Although it does sound like nothing, wait until you are atop that pumpkin. It is almost like jumping down from a second floor!
Important: Pumpkin Hall can only be accessed by joining a guided tour.
Things to Watch out for at Boraga Beach
- Boraga Beach is easily affected by the wind. When the south wind is strong, the waves become rough. The rip regularly occurs.
- Usually, a ‘no swimming’ sign (遊泳禁止) is put out when it is dangerous to swim. But do practice common sense if you don’t see one.
- There are many rocky surfaces at the beach, so wearing beach sandals or water shoes is highly recommended.
- Before you swim or snorkel, check with the staff/lifeguard for areas to avoid.
How to Get to Boraga Beach and Boraga Beach Park
- Boraga Beach is a 35-minute drive from Miyako Airport (宮古空港) and a 40-minute drive from Hirara Port (平良港).
- From Miyakojima City Hall (宮古島市役所), take Miyako Kyōei Bus’ (宮古協栄バス) Aragasuku Boraga Line (新城吉野保良線) and get off at Bora (保良). The beach is less than a 20-minute walk.
Important: Drive carefully when you go down the steep hill towards the beach, especially during the wet weather.
Discover Other Stunning Beaches on Miyakojima Island
Speaking of Miyakojima Island, it is a destination filled with amazing beaches! In fact, whenever TripAdvisor announces Japan’s top 10 beaches, Miyako-jima often fills up most of their list! The beaches are also one of the main reasons the Japanese relocate to the enchanting island. So if you plan on visiting Okinawa soon or are keen on doing some watersports on your next Japan trip, Miyako Island should be your must-visit destination!
For more information, refer to our article on The Beaches on Miyako-jima Island!
