You might have heard of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the world’s largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs. Well, Japan has something similar, but just smaller in scale. The Japanese version of the Great Barrier Reef is the Yabiji Reef (八重干瀬), also known as Yae-Kise. It is located north of Miyako and Ikema Island. This largest coral reef group in Japan spans about 25km by 6.5km and is composed of over 100 reefs. It is a National Place of Scenic Beauty.
Yae-Kise is also known for being above water level several times a year, most visible around the 3rd of March in the lunar calendar when the tide ebbs the most.
Needless to say, a variety of tropical fish would probably call this designated national natural monument home. The contrast between the fish’s and the coral reef’s color is just fascinating, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists each year!
Tip: Coral spawning also occurs around the beginning of March in the lunar calendar. You might be able to see the pink coral eggs spreading in bands during that time of the year!
How to Get to Yabiji Reef
To get there, you will need a boat. As there are no regular ferry services, booking a tour is a must. From Ikema Island, the boat trip takes around 20 minutes. And if you come from Miyako Island, it is around 40 minutes.
Important: There is no Yabiji Reef tour in winter.
Tips:
☛ If you tend to get motion sickness, remember to take preventative measures. Also, try to look far away when you are on the boat. The symptoms should be alleviated this way.
☛ The typhoon season peaks in July and August. While the water may be warmer, tours will be canceled due to bad weather.
Options to Explore Yabiji Reef
Once the boat arrives at Yabiji Reef, it is time to jump into the water and explore!
Don’t worry if it is your first time snorkeling. The coral reef acts as a breakwater, so the sea is relatively calm around Yabiji Reef.
Yabiji Reef is best explored when diving down as deep as 12 meters. If you are up for it, book one of the tours where you can get an experienced instructor to accompany you to ensure you get the best experience and safety. Not only will you encounter many more tropical fishes and be enchanted by the beauty underwater, but the chances of meeting a sea turtle will also largely increase!
You can book the tour in advance HERE. The tour usually starts at 9 am or 10 am and lasts for at least half a day. Some Miyako-Island-based tours might even offer pick-up service from your accommodation.
Discover Other Islands in Miyakojima City
As previously mentioned, Miyako-jima isn’t the only island in Miyakojima City. If you have time, another seven beautiful islands are awaiting you to explore!
If you need ideas of where else in the city is worth your time, refer to our article on The Top 12 Attractions in Miyakojima City!
