"Umi Kame Kyodai" is a family-friendly snorkeling shop in Miyakojima. With over 10,000 Instagram followers, they share the day's ocean conditions and highlights in an easy-to-understand manner, offering safe and enjoyable tours for ages 5 to 65. Our team of expert guides offers a diverse range of skills, from children's enthusiasts and underwater photographers to environmental commentators, ensuring thorough support for even the most experienced families. The tour location is selected based on ocean conditions (basically Aragusuku Beach; in northerly winds, Shigira Beach). The tour progresses slowly, starting with shallow practice and followed by sea turtle observation. Safety is our top priority, with rules that respect the wildlife and coral. Regular tours depart at 7:00, 9:00, 11:00, 14:00, and 16:00. Wetsuits and prescription masks are available (for a fee). Leave it to us to help you with the "family sea turtle experience" that's been a hot topic on social media.
We post daily on Instagram about ocean conditions, visibility, and tips on where to go. This has been well-received as it helps participants visualize what the ocean will be like even before they join. We also provide on-site instruction on how to take photos and videos to help you take great family shots. We value transparency of information and strive to create an experience that is easy to understand, even for first-time participants.
Our team consists of members with different strengths, including a guide who is good at encouraging children, a guide who is knowledgeable about underwater photography and swimming parallel to the water, and a guide who can explain environmental considerations in an easy-to-understand manner. We thoroughly follow a flow that starts with practice in shallow water and ends with the actual dive, and with support from floatation devices and frequent safety checks, even those who are not good at swimming and seniors can participate with peace of mind.
The basic course is Aragusuku Beach, which is popular for its transparency and calmness. On days when conditions are poor due to northerly winds, we switch to Shigira Beach, prioritizing safety and visibility. We will provide detailed information in advance about meeting up, parking, what to bring, and the schedule for the day. We suggest arriving earlier during busy periods, and aim to operate with minimal stress, even for families.
| Authorization issued by | Miyakojima Police Station Marine Leisure Notification |
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| Insurance information | Sompo Japan Toughvis |
| License and Qualifications | PADI Snorkel Guide, Water Rescue related qualifications, OMSB (Okinawa Marine Leisure Safety Bureau) related training completed |
| Number of staff | 5persons |
| Number of instructors | 5persons |
| Selling points regarding safety | Explanation 1: Accompanied by a PADI snorkel guide/water rescue certified staff member. The program begins with a beachside lecture on how to use the equipment, breath control, ear clearing, and footwork, followed by practice in shallow water, followed by the actual event. Children and those unsure of their swimming ability will be supported with flotation devices and frequent encouragement. The program is paced, so even beginners can feel at ease. Entry 2: Beach entry and shallow waters are the norm, and participants from age 5 are welcome. Explanation 2: Enter the water slowly from the beach, not a boat. Start from an area where you can touch the ground, and move within a safe range while checking the waves, currents, and swell. Life jackets are required, and wetsuits (fees apply) are available for warmth. A comfortable course is carefully selected to ensure the entire family can share the same view. Entry 3: Sea conditions on the day will determine whether the program will proceed: Shinsuku Beach; switching to Shigira Beach in the event of a northerly wind. Explanation 3: Safety is our top priority. The program will primarily be held at Shinsuku Beach, but will switch to Shigira Beach on days with strong northerly winds or swells. We comprehensively evaluate visibility, wind direction, tides, and crowds, and will cancel or reschedule the tour if danger is anticipated. We will provide final confirmation of the location and schedule before the tour begins, and we will also explain the risks and share the rules on-site. Item 4: Clarifying participation criteria and health checks, and providing a reasonable operational explanation. Item 4: The target age range is 5-65 years old. Pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses, and those who have been drinking are not permitted to participate. We will carefully check your physical condition and provide equipment fitting. If you feel cold or anxious, we will provide the option of canceling the tour or waiting in shallow waters. We will strictly adhere to nature conservation rules, such as not chasing wildlife or touching coral. Item 5: Insurance and Notification: We are prepared for any unexpected events during the tour. Item 5: We have Sompo Japan's "Tough Biz (Comprehensive Business Activities Insurance)" to prepare for any unexpected events during the tour. In addition, we have notified the Miyakojima Police Station of the planned leisure activities and comply with laws, regulations, and local rules. We have established a system for rapid response by establishing a division of roles and communication flow based on the safety management manual. |
| Operating hours | 9:00 to 17:00 |
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