How to Enjoy Snorkeling & Our Eco-Rules | Mare-ishigakijima

Upon arrival, we will hand out your gear: Snorkel mask, fins, life jacket, marine boots, and a wetsuit (winter only).

• Put on your marine boots, life jacket, and wetsuit right after getting out of the car.
• Carry your mask and fins in your hands and let’s head to the beach!

Before we get wet, our guide will take a beautiful photo of you with the stunning Ishigaki ocean in the background!

Our guide will help you prepare your mask using an anti-fog solution. (Our guides will use gestures if needed, so don’t worry!)

• Spread the anti-fog liquid evenly to the edges of the glass, then rinse it lightly in the ocean. (Do not wash it all off!)
• Place the mask over your face, making sure it covers your nose completely.

• PRO TIP: Place the back strap HIGH on the back of your head (above your ears). If it’s too low, it will slip on your hair and the mask will fall off.

• If water gets inside: DO NOT panic and do not take the mask completely off. Simply lift the bottom frame slightly with your fingers to let the water drain out. Putting a mask back on while swimming is very difficult!

• Gently bite the mouthpiece tabs and seal your lips tightly around it.
• Take deep breaths on land first. Then, put your face in the water to check if you can breathe comfortably and ensure no water is leaking into your mask.

• If water enters the tube: Keep it in your mouth and blow out forcefully (like shouting “Puff!”) to shoot the water out the top. If that doesn’t work, take it out and drain it downwards.
• WARNING: Do not look straight down! Your snorkel tip will submerge and you will swallow seawater. Look diagonally forward. You will see the fish much better this way!

• There is no left or right, but there is a top and bottom. The side with the logo faces UP. The bumpy side faces DOWN.
• Wear them over your marine boots and secure the heel strap.
• PRO TIP: Fins can easily slip off while swimming. Please check your feet periodically so you don’t lose them!

• Resting: Use the “Sea Otter Pose”. Just float on your back and relax. Your life jacket will keep you floating effortlessly.

• Swimming: To switch from resting to swimming, roll over sideways (180 degrees).
• WARNING: DO NOT try to stand up vertically. You might kick the shallow bottom, damage the fragile corals, and it will make you very tired!

You are now ready! Follow our guide and enjoy the beautiful underwater world of Ishigaki Island!

Your safety is our #1 priority. Please listen to your guide’s instructions at all times. The ocean is beautiful but can be unpredictable.

• NEVER step on, kick, or touch the corals.
• It takes them many years to grow, but only a second to break. Please be very careful with your fins while swimming.

• Do not touch sea turtles, fish, or any other sea creatures. Touching them can disrupt the ecosystem or scare them away.
• WARNING: Some creatures in the ocean are highly venomous. For your own safety, keep your hands to yourself!

• Even in shallow water, please do not try to stand up.
• Why? First, you might accidentally crush hidden corals. Second, if you get used to standing, you might panic when we swim out to deeper water where you cannot touch the bottom.
• If you want to rest, always use the “Sea Otter Pose” (floating on your back).

The snorkeling area is shared with many other tours and boats. Please stay closely behind your guide. Wandering off is dangerous and may get in the way of other groups or boat traffic.

Regular sunscreens contain chemicals that bleach and kill corals. Please use “Reef-Safe” products or wear a rash guard/wetsuit to protect your skin and the ocean.