If you're planning a trip to Miyako Island between spring and summer, there's a place I'd like you to definitely consider.

It's a spot called "Yabiji," where a magnificent series of coral reefs stretches out.
While it's a famous snorkeling and diving spot that attracts many repeat visitors, the "Yaebise Cruise" allows you to enjoy sightseeing without diving.

So, this time, I'd like to introduce you to the details of the Yaebise cruise.
It's only for a limited time, but it's definitely something you'll want to go to, even if it means sacrificing your precious time!
I hope you find this helpful.

<Table of Contents>
1. What kind of place is Yabiji?
2. For a Yaebise cruising tour, try "Bay Cruise Miyako Island Mont Blanc".
2-1. Be captivated by the scenery from the ship. A memory to cherish forever...
2-2. Packed with fantastic content!
3. Tour Information

1. What kind of place is Yabiji?

First of all, what kind of place is Yabiji (or Yaebishi)?
Many of you have probably heard the name before.
So, let me briefly explain Yaebise.

Yaebise is the largest coral reef group in Japan, located approximately 5 to 22 km north of Ikema Island.
The area is said to consist of approximately 118 coral reefs of varying sizes. Of these, about 44 have been given names. It is also designated as a scenic spot and a natural monument.

The name "Yaebise" also seems to have an origin; it is said to have been named that way because there are several theories, such as the reefs overlapping or because there are eight reefs.

And one of the main reasons this place is so valuable is that it's usually submerged underwater.
Yaebise only appears under certain conditions from spring to summer.
Those specific conditions are... that's right! Just as you might have guessed, they appear during low tide at spring tides.

Incidentally, the island known as Barasu Island or Shin-Barasu Island, the furthest out of Yaebise, is said to be a "souvenir left behind by a typhoon," and is an unknown uninhabited island whose appearance is unpredictable and unpredictable.
Everything within Yaebise is a "phantom continent" that can only be seen under certain conditions and at specific times of the year.

If you miss the right timing, northerly winds will start blowing around September, making it difficult to get to Yaebise.
It's definitely recommended to go during the best season.

The magnificent coral reefs are well worth seeing. You can find scenery in Japan that rivals that of the Maldives, often called the jewel of the Indian Ocean.
So, why don't we start making a plan right away?

2. For a Yaebise cruising tour, try "Bay Cruise Miyako Island Mont Blanc".

Indeed, there are surprisingly many tours that go to Yaebise.
The types of services offered vary from company to company, including private boat trips and tours guided by local staff, so it's best to find one that suits your needs.

Among them, the tour we picked out, considering factors such as being accessible to people of all ages and being convenient, is the one organized by "Baycrews Miyakojima Mont Blanc".

You can enjoy a luxurious stay while also seeing Yaebise, so please consider it if you're interested.

2-1. Be captivated by the scenery from the ship. A memory to cherish forever...

The Yaebise cruise begins at Hirara Port Terminal.
This Hirara Port Terminal is very convenient as it's only about a 12-13 minute drive from Miyako Airport.

As for the ship, since we'll be traveling on a large passenger ship, I think you can relax and enjoy the journey without worrying too much about rocking.
However, if you are still worried, take motion sickness medication before boarding.
*It's also true that many people find it surprisingly manageable because they spend a long time admiring the scenery.

Incidentally, many other tours start from Ikema Island, which is further north from Hirara Port, but the added appeal of this route is that you can see the changing scenery as you travel further to Yaebise.

The sight of the boat sailing out into the open sea of ​​Miyako Blue, past landmarks like Nishihira Anasaki Cape, Ikema Bridge, and Ikema Island Lighthouse, is truly breathtaking!
The scenery before arriving at Yaebise is so beautiful that it would be a shame not to enjoy it. The approximately 3.5-hour cruise is sure to become a precious memory, with every second cherished.

2-2. Packed with fantastic content!

Since we're on a cruise, we have to enjoy it!
However, you don't need to worry about how you'll spend your time on board. The tour itinerary is all set up onboard and includes delightful activities designed to satisfy your desires.

So, you're probably wondering what exactly awaits you, right? Let's take a look at what's inside.

★Includes a chef's special mixed bento box + barbecue featuring seafood from the Shanghai Sea!

~The photo is for illustrative purposes only~

The estimated meeting time is between 11:00 and 11:15, after which we will depart... but wait! What about lunch? I'm sure many of you are worried about that.
Unfortunately, no matter how beautiful the scenery is, it won't fill your stomach, right?

So, the first thing you receive upon boarding the ship is a special bento box prepared by the chef (and it even comes with tea). That's a nice touch.

What's more, you can even enjoy a seafood barbecue on board – I'm truly impressed by their generous service.
*If you're wondering whether the barbecue will be on the way to or from Yaebise, please inquire when making your reservation.

Incidentally, they also sell alcoholic beverages (including awamori) and soft drinks, so you can enjoy a drink while feeling the sea breeze.
However, be careful not to drink too much and fall into a deep sleep upon arrival at Yaebise. *Apparently, some people have actually done just that.

★The boat will stop once we arrive at the Yaebise spot!
The boat is scheduled to arrive at Yaebise during low tide, and it will stay anchored for about 30 to 45 minutes. Even without going ashore, it's a perfectly satisfying amount of time.

The magnificent coral reefs viewed from the boat, with their overlapping table corals and branching coral formations, are breathtakingly beautiful. Occasionally, you might even spot a sea turtle that missed its chance to dive, or tropical fish frantically splashing around in tide pools!
One of the joys is discovering what kinds of creatures you might encounter. It's fun to look for them using opera glasses, telescopes, or a telephoto lens on your camera, so be sure to bring one along!

You can take commemorative photos, or try to spot marine life; there are many ways to enjoy yourself from the boat.
Try to find your own way of appreciating it!

★Enjoy the Yaebise reef from inside the boat without getting wet.
This aqua lounge is located on the first basement floor of the ship.
Once you arrive at the anchorage point, the first thing you can do is take a look at the seabed of Yaebise.

If you've ever thought, "There are some sights you can only see by diving or snorkeling...", then try looking out the window of a ship.
You can enjoy watching the adorable table corals, clownfish, and sea turtles swimming around, as well as the other beautiful creatures that make up the Yaebise area.

The scenery is so beautiful it's like something out of a fairy tale! Please take your time and enjoy it♪

★Immerse yourself in "Ryukyu" culture with an Okinawan folk song show.
The Okinawan folk music show held on a boat is sure to make you feel like you're truly in Okinawa the moment the sanshin music starts playing.
Ryukyu music resonates deeply within the heart (or so I believe), so listening to it while looking at the sea might just bring me to tears.

I hope you create memories where the scenery and music will remain in your heart forever and ever.

3. Tour Information

Organizer: Baycrews Miyakojima Mont Blanc
Tour Name: Bay Cruise Miyako Island, Limited-Time Special Offer: Yaebise Cruising Tour aboard Mont Blanc
開催期間：2016年5月8日(日)・6月5日(日) ・6日(月)・7月5日(火)・8月18日(木) ・19日(金)
Time required: 3 hour 30 minutes
Target age: 10 years old and above
The meeting place:108-11 Shimozato, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture(Hirara Port Marine Terminal 2F)
Details of the Yaebise Cruising TourhereFrom

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