What is snorkeling? Recommended for those who cannot swim! Thorough explanation of the differences from clothes, tools and diving!
On this page, Marine activities Very popular event Basic knowledge of snorkeling experience Thorough commentary! " Necessary tools (equipment) and suitable clothes "or" Basic technique , " How old can you be? "or" How is it different from diving? In addition to basic information such as "Okinawa and the Kanto area, etc." Recommended spots all over Japan "I'd like to introduce. From small children to adults, beginners and people who can not swim can enjoy with confidence Participate in a snorkeling experience tour and enjoy the spectacular marine spots let's do it!
What is snorkeling?
The charm of snorkeling
Snorkeling Wearing a mask (goggles) and snorkel (breathing pipe), Marine sports to enjoy swimming with your face on the surface of the water A kind of.
The mask allows you to open your eyes in the water, and the snorkel allows you to inhale with your face in the water. Enjoy swimming comfortably and for a long time can do.
While swimming or floating on the surface of the water Slowly observe the underwater world where colorful fish and creatures such as coral reefs live The biggest attraction is what you can do.
Also, as a general rule, you are obliged to wear a life jacket (snorkeling vest / floating vest), so it is small. Even children and those who are not good at swimming are less likely to drown That is one of the benefits.
From the above, Snorkeling is the most recommended event for beginners in marine sports It can be said to be one of.
The difference between snorkeling and scuba diving
No license required for snorkeling!
Snorkeling The main purpose of this is to allow fish and coral reefs to live while floating (swimming) on the surface of shallow water. Observe the underwater world To do.
For tours where you swim with fins to the point of snorkeling, swimming power is absolutely necessary, but Even if you can't swim at all, as long as you put your face in the water, it just floats on the surface of the water. But that's Great snorkeling experience!
Even if you can't swim , I can't usually see it, You can enjoy the view of the sea.
also, No qualifications such as licenses required It is also a feature of snorkeling.
By participating in a guided experience tour, anyone, regardless of age or sex, can enjoy it.
Tools needed for snorkeling
In the following, it is called "snorkeling set" Tools needed for snorkeling I will explain each name and role of.
If you are considering purchasing your own goods, Use the list below to choose the right snorkeling set.
Snorkeling set
Mask (goggles)
Snorkeling " Mask (goggles) "" Covers not only the eyes but also the nose and prevents you from inhaling water when you breathe. There are various sizes for children and women, so choose the one that fits your face.
Snorkel (snorkel)
The tool for breathing in during snorkeling is " Snorkel (snorkel) "is. A mouthpiece that holds in your mouth and a pipe that takes oxygen out of the water are integrated, and some have a drain valve so that even beginners can use it easily.
Fins (flippers)
To swim on the surface of the water and move smoothly Fins (flippers) Is mandatory. There are two types, a "full foot type" that you can slip on and a "strap type" that allows you to adjust the tightening condition with a belt, and you can choose according to your preference.
Marine shoes
Snorkeling spots may have rocky or coral reefs on the ground. The sole is not slippery and sturdy so that you can walk without injury even in a rugged and poorly-footed environment. Marine shoes Let's prepare.
Marine gloves
While snorkeling or playing in the sea, the place where you touched your hand may be a rugged rocky place. To protect your hands from rocks and coral reefs Marine gloves Let's wear and enjoy snorkeling safely.
Snorkeling vest
" Snorkeling vest (floating vest) Is an essential item in the snorkeling experience. Since buoyancy is maintained even in the sea, it prevents drowning and allows you to float in the water for a long time without wasting your physical strength.
In the experience tour held by the activity shop, these It is possible to rent tools and equipment is.
How to snorkel
here," Preparation for snorkeling "When" Snorkeling techniques I will introduce.
By keeping these basic knowledge in mind, you can get better. Enjoy snorkeling safely can do.
Preparation for snorkeling
Snorkeling The most important thing to prepare for is Preparatory movement "When" Understanding tools "is.
Before entering the sea, be sure to Stretching and flexible exercises on land Let's relax your body carefully.
If you don't do a good preparatory exercise, when you're swimming I can't perform well because my legs are stiff or my muscles are hurt. There is a danger.
And how to use masks and snorkels, etc. It is also important to understand the characteristics of the tool It is a point.
Firmly learn how to breathe in water using a snorkel Practice / simulation Then let's enter the sea.
Snorkeling techniques
Snorkeling for" Snorkel clear "When" Mask clear There are two basic techniques.
What is snorkel clear? , It is a technique to spout water that has entered the snorkel.
It can be drained by blowing vigorously into the snorkel while floating on the surface of the water.
and What is mask clear? , It is a technique to flush the water that has entered the mask (goggles) to the outside.
You can drain the water in the mask by lightly pressing the frame of the mask while facing diagonally upward and exhaling through your nose.
Precautions for snorkeling
Below are some things to keep in mind when snorkeling. Snorkeling of Rules and etiquette to enjoy safely without accidents Introducing.
If you are a beginner who enjoys snorkeling for the first time, a professional instructor will guide you It is recommended to participate in the experience tour To do.
Do not enter the sea alone
Not limited to snorkeling, many outdoor sports and marine sports Never enjoy alone ..
In nature, all kinds of troubles such as unexpected accidents and disasters can occur, so when multiple people have fun and something happens The iron rule is to create an environment where you can help each other. is.
Stay away from places with fast tides or high waves
It is absolutely NG to snorkel at points where the tide is fast or where the waves are high is.
Unknowingly swept off the coast while engrossed in getting rid of the ocean In some cases it will be difficult to return to land I have.
Do not touch creatures such as fish and coral reefs
Fish, coral reefs, sea turtles, etc. during snorkeling It is illegal to touch (try to touch) marine life is.
Especially coral reefs have a rugged surface Poisonous depending on the risk of injury and type Some have.
Do not enter the sea after drinking alcohol or due to a hangover
When you go out for a trip or a date, you may miss the point and drink too much alcohol the day before.
Avoid entering the sea after drinking alcohol or if you have a hangover Snorkeling is in good physical condition let's have fun.
Join the snorkeling experience tour!
Japan is an island country surrounded by sea on all sides, with Hokkaido , the south is Okinawa to, Snorkeling spots are scattered all over the country doing.
With the highly transparent sea as the playfield, not only colorful fish and coral reefs, but also wild sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins, etc. Various underwater worlds depending on the region You can see.
From here, for those who are looking for an experience tour plan, " age limit "or" Eligibility , " Necessary preparation and clothes "or" About beach entry and boat entry I will introduce the basic knowledge that you should know.
Age restrictions and tour eligibility
Snorkeling experience tour for" How old can you participate? I think there are many people who have the question.
Snorkeling does not require special skills Marine Sports Therefore, from children to adults, and even the elderly if they are healthy, It is possible to enjoy regardless of age, gender is.
In some cases, depending on the difficulty of the course, there may be age restrictions such as from elementary school students and junior high school students and above. There is also a shop that holds tours for kids that can be participated by babies and toddlers (1 year old, 2 years old, 3 years old) Not a few.
Therefore, it includes not only couples and friends, but also families with small children and grandpas and grandmas. The reason why it is so popular that it can be enjoyed together by 3 generations of families is.
What preparations and clothes do you need?
Next is Snorkeling of" Necessary preparation and belongings "or" Suitable clothes I will explain about.
Held by an activity shop In general, the experience tour price includes rental fees for special tools and equipment. is.
Therefore, you do not have to prepare a set of snorkel sets yourself. If you are ready to play in the water, basically participate empty-handed It is possible to.
Below, as a preparation for participating in a snorkeling experience tour An example of "suitable belongings / clothes" and "convenient things to have" Will be introduced in a list.
Suitable belongings / clothes
- Swimsuit
- Rash guard
- leggings
- towel
- Change of clothes
- flip flops
- Winter clothes
Things that are convenient to have
- Hats (caps and hats made of materials that can get wet)
- sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Marine shoes
- Gloves
The above list is an example of recommended clothing and belongings when participating in a snorkeling experience tour.
In addition, there are shops where you can rent marine shoes and gloves, so Check the details of the plan to book in advance Besides, let's prepare your belongings.
Beach entry and boat entry
Snorkeling experience tour It can be broadly divided into “ Beach entry "When" Boat entry There are two main types.
Here, the difference between the two types Explain the features, advantages and disadvantages of each I will continue to do it.
What is a beach entry?
" Beach entry (beach snorkeling) ” refers to sandy beaches, rocky areas, etc. at beaches. Enter the sea from land and aim for a snorkeling point The way.
To enter the sea from a shallow water There are many tours for families with small children and those who are not good at swimming That is one of the characteristics of "Beach Entry".
Also, because there are many experience tours that can be booked at a relatively low price, and because you do not get on a boat Recommended for those who are worried about seasickness It is an entry method of.
While there are various advantages, the distance from the land is short Can only be held at a limited number of snorkeling points There is also a disadvantage.
What is a boat entry?
" Boat entry (boat snorkeling) ” means Take a boat and aim for a snorkeling point off the coast The way.
In Okinawa (including remote islands) and Kagoshima, which can be said to be meccas for snorkeling, There are many scenic snorkeling points that can only be reached by boat doing.
Also, those spots are rarely seen near land. Various marine life such as sea turtles, manta rays, and dolphins The encounter rate with will increase dramatically.
The disadvantage is that you get on the boat. Higher prices and longer tour times And so on.
Recommended spots for snorkeling
Finally, " Recommended spots for snorkeling Will be introduced for each region.
Please use it for comparison and examination of plan selection by referring to the reviews of recommended experience tour plans held at famous spots as snorkeling spots and the reputation of word-of-mouth experiences.
Recommended snorkeling spots in Okinawa
Okinawa main island
Okinawa main island ``, which can be said to be the most popular spot in the prefecture. Blue Cave, Onna Village , Which can be accessed on a day trip by ferry or high-speed boat. Kerama Islands (Kerama) "or" Minna Island There are many snorkeling spots such as.
Recommended experience tour plan
SALE！当日予約OK！⭐️Blue Grottoシュノーケル【Okinawa・真栄田岬】GoPro 写真撮影&餌付け無料English OK！
- 4.8
- (1142 reviews and experiences)
＊＊＊新品のマスクと新品のシュノーケル購入可能＊＊＊ 購入された商品はお持ち帰りいただけます..体験後も引き続きOkinawaの海ofお楽しみください！ ＊＊＊ガイド貸切のオプションもご用意してしております＊＊＊未就学や小さ
Review / word-of-mouth experience
It's really fun It was my first time snorkeling, and I was a little nervous because I was bringing my 3-year-old with me, but once we went in, I didn't have to worry at all. They supported me well and I was able to enjoy it until the end without feeling anxious. John is the best! ! thank you very much! 5.0 ★★★★★ Trial date: February 2023
Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island It is also known as a ``scenic spot that you should visit at least once in your life''. Phantom island (Hamashima) "Including," Blue Grotto "or" Kabira Bay , " Yonehara Beach There are scattered snorkeling spots where you may encounter sea turtles and manta rays.
Recommended experience tour plan
SALE！《限定》【Ishigaki Island/大人気】半日 3大スポット★Kabira Bay+Blue Grotto+回復の滝+ウミガメシュノーケル！★施設利用・送迎無料 KAS
- 4.8
- (642 reviews and experiences)
◉初日参加がオススメ！（離島行く船・竹富水牛車・系列店お土産品なども安くなるクーポン付き！）◉ウミガメ、クマノミニモ、お魚サンゴも沢山！◉無料駐車場◉クラブハウス施設利用も無料♪（シャワー・鍵付ロッカー・更衣室）◉市街地10分圏内無料送迎◉車移動の中も楽しいガイド◉Beach entryなのでIshigaki Islandが初め
Review / word-of-mouth experience
Very fulfilling! ! I participated the other day. I had a lot of fun talking to you during the move. It was my first time snorkeling, but I was able to participate with peace of mind with support. I was lucky enough to meet a sea turtle! I want to use it again! 5.0 ★★★★★ Experience date July 2023
Miyakojima
Miyakojima The nearby sea is The most beautiful sea in the Orient The sea that shines in emerald green called "is attractive. There are many recommended points in the area, such as points where you can swim with anemone fish and sea turtles, and Yabiji, where you can see the best coral reefs in Japan.
Recommended experience tour plan
"SALE！」【Miyakojima】ウミガメシュノーケル&SUP体験☆10年間遭遇率100％☆Swimsuitなし/当日OK☆どちらかのみ相談可能
- 4.9
- (307 reviews and experiences)
10年間遭遇率100％のウミガメSnorkelingツアー専門店is.高度資格保有店および少人数制案内で、安心安全に楽しみましょう！長袖Rash guard、トレンカも無料貸出あり、Swimsuitが無くても対応できます..泳いだ後は温水シャワー・シャンプー・コンディショナー・ボディーソープ・更衣室・バスtowel無料貸出で、
Review / word-of-mouth experience
Definitely recommended for those going to Miyakojima! My family of 5 participated on August 12th. We were able to meet sea turtles as soon as we started swimming and were able to take many wonderful photos. There were plenty of spots to see, including spots where you could see beautiful coral and clownfish, and even my third-grade elementary school son was able to enjoy snorkeling until the end, holding on to a floating ring and being pulled along. The staff were very kind and kept swimming in the wide ocean, trying to get the best shot, and looking for clownfish, which was so cool! Even my son, a hard-to-handle high school student who was in the midst of a rebellious period, said he enjoyed it after the event, and we had some great memories. thank you very much! 5.0 ★★★★★ Trial date: August 2023
Iriomote Island
Iriomote Island There is star-shaped sand on the beach. Hoshizuna beach "And" which has the nickname of a miracle island Barasu Island There are many spectacular snorkeling spots such as. It is recommended to enjoy it together with the mangrove canoe, which is synonymous with sightseeing in Iriomote Island.
Recommended experience tour plan
- 4.8
- (38 reviews and experiences)
A boat snorkeling tour that visits 3-4 places in one day. Because we are a snorkeling tour specialty store, we have a wide variety of points to help you reach the best point of the day. There is a high probability that you will encounter sea turtles. The boat is designed for snorkeling tours and is fully equipped with toilets, showers, shade tents, and luggage compartments. You can also use bath towels for free.
Review / word-of-mouth experience
a dreamy day
Two parents, a junior high school second grader, and a total of four elementary school graders participated. The whole family was very satisfied and it was a dream-like day! !
Good points ① Anyway, the sea is too clear and beautiful! ②I did snorkeling 4 times in total, but it was a series of surprises with different contents! (Please refer to Mr. Passo's Instagram) ③ Mr. Ono, the guide, will manage it so that you can enjoy it slowly and safely. (There are multiple participants, and while watching the whole thing, they also care about the children. On top of that, they take a lot of pictures. The curry for lunch is also delicious.)
5.0
★★★★★
Experience date July 2023
Recommended snorkeling spots in Kanto
Kanto region , where a variety of marine life lives in the highly transparent sea. izu-Oshima And "with a sea called the Bonin Blue Sea" Ogasawara Islands Remote islands such as " Near Chiba ] Is dotted with popular snorkeling spots.
Recommended experience tour plan
[Tokyo / Izu Oshima] Snorkeling ♪
- 4.6
- (5 reviews and experiences)
It is a store that stands quietly in the Motomachi district, which is a 10-minute drive from Motomachi Port and a 10-minute drive from Okada Port. If you do not have a means of transportation such as a rental car, we will pick you up, so please feel free to contact us. (Limited to Motomachi-Okada area) -Flow of the day- (1) Meeting / reception (5 minutes) (2) Change of clothes (30 minutes) (3) Move to the point by car (10 minutes) (4) Snorkeling (50 minutes)
Review / word-of-mouth experience
Friendly staff I had a snorkeling experience. They came to pick us up at the port and gave us a polite snorkeling lecture. Also, I forgot something, but it was delivered to the mainland. It was a very kind staff. I will be using this again. 5.0 ★★★★★ Experience date September 2021
Recommended snorkeling spots in Tokai
Tokai region It is not only a popular hot spring destination. Marine Sports It is famous as an area where Izu Peninsula There are many spectacular snorkeling spots in. Above all, the unexplored region of Minamiizu " Hirizo Beach Is famous.
Recommended experience tour plan
[Minamiizu/Hirizo Beach] Snorkeling/one-day tour by boat
- 4.7
- (42 reviews and experiences)
Minamiizu Hirizo Beach! It is a snorkeling point that can only be reached by boat at the tip of the Izu Peninsula. Snorkeling that can be enjoyed by everyone from the first grade of elementary school to adults, accompanied by an instructor, so you can enjoy it with confidence. It is said to be the last unexplored region, and is open until the end of September for a limited time. . *8:00 Shimoda City/Minamiizu Town/Shimoda Station/parking
Review / word-of-mouth experience
A very fun snorkeling tour It was my first time snorkeling, but they carefully taught me how to wear a wetsuit and how to use a snorkel. During the experience, the instructor was very attentive to everything, including making sure there were no dangers and what kind of fish were there. Also, I was able to pick up and drop off at my hotel, so I was able to have fun without having to do anything. thank you very much. 5.0 ★★★★★ Experience date July 2023
Recommended snorkeling spots in Kansai
Kansai region It is also known as the southernmost town on Honshu. Wakayama Prefecture " Kushimoto Town "or Hyogo prefecture Located in Toyooka City, Blue Grotto "etc Snorkeling or scuba diving It is known as a famous place.
Recommended experience tour plan
- 4.9
- (12 reviews and testimonials)
A snorkeling tour to explore the unexplored "blue cave" that cannot be reached by land. First of all, take a diving boat and enjoy a comfortable cruising while looking at the San'in Kaigan Geopark! When you reach the point, go into the sea with your instructor. Once inside the cave, there is a mysterious blue world that you have never seen! You will also be greeted by colorful fish and creatures.
Review / word-of-mouth experience
It was a homely experience and I had great memories with all the really nice people. I wasn't able to snorkel due to the waves, but I was able to switch to diving and it was so wonderful to be in a real aquarium. 5.0 ★★★★★ Trial date: September 2022
Recommended snorkeling spots in Kyushu
Kyushu region So, “ Amami Oshima "or" Yoron Island (Yurigahama) You can enjoy one of the best scenic snorkeling in Japan in the remote island area represented by ". Let's enjoy snorkeling with creatures such as sea turtles.
Recommended experience tour plan
【鹿児島・Amami Oshima】【世界自然遺産・奄美で一番美しい土盛海岸！Blue GrottoSnorkelingツアー】クチコミ投稿で動画データ無料！今年最高の思い出
- 4.8
- (16 reviews and experiences)
☆世界自然遺産・奄美で一番美しい土盛海岸・Blue Grottoポイントofツアー案内できるのは当社だけです！Blue Grottoポイントは珊瑚でできた海中の＜青の神殿＞のような絶景地形ポイントです！開業以来人気ツアー..世界に誇る奄美ブルー・土盛ブルーの絶景世界of満喫！奄美旅行の最高の思い出let's do it!・写真無料・クチコミ投稿
Review / word-of-mouth experience
It was the best! I participated in the Blue Cave snorkeling tour. Although I have experience in snorkeling, I was a little nervous since it had been a while, but I was given detailed instructions from the beginning and was able to enjoy the experience with peace of mind. At the sea, the instructors were always attentive and showed us places that we would normally not be able to go to, giving us a very valuable experience! I was very happy to see clownfish and sea turtles. thank you very much. 5.0 ★★★★★ Experience date July 2023
Frequently Asked Questions about Snorkeling
Q Can I do snorkeling without being able to swim?
A Snorkeling is a marine sport where you can enjoy swimming with your face in the water. Wearing goggles and taking the breathing mask out of the water enables comfortable underwater observation for a long time. As long as you wear a buoyant life jacket such as a floating vest, you can enjoy snorkeling just by floating with water.
Q How old can I start snorkeling?
A The age at which you can participate depends on the plan you participate in and the difficulty of the tour location. Some tours have an age limit, but many shops offer tours for kids that even infants can participate in. One of the reasons why snorkeling tours are so popular is that families with small children, including seniors, can easily experience it.
Q Is it okay to wear contact lenses?
A You can enjoy snorkeling even with glasses or contact lenses on. For those who usually wear glasses, prescription masks and goggles are recommended. For contact lenses, it's a good idea to use disposable soft contact lenses instead of expensive hard lenses, considering the possibility of loss or damage.
Q Please tell me the seasonal clothes for snorkeling.
A Prepare swimwear and rash guards (leggings) regardless of the season. If the water temperature is high in summer, wear a life jacket directly on it. From autumn to spring, when the water temperature is low, you can wear a wet suit for heat insulation on top of your swimsuit. Whether or not you have a wetsuit rental depends on the shop, so it's a good idea to check when making a reservation.
*The contents of this article are current as of September 2023.
