Hateruma Island is accessible by ferry from Ishigaki Island, but this can be a bit of a hassle. Cancellations are frequent, and the boats can be very rough, which can disrupt your travel plans.
If you're planning a trip to Hateruma Island, it's a good idea to study up on how to choose and use the ferry beforehand!
This time, I'll introduce a way to use the Hateruma Island ferry with minimal risk of problems.

<Table of Contents>
1. Why are there so many ferry cancellations to Hateruma Island?
2. When are flight cancellations most frequent? When is it safe to fly?
3. What are the best routes and recommended boats to Hateruma Island?
4. Let's try booking a ferry ticket! Be aware of the differences between high-speed ferries and car ferries.
5. Take all necessary precautions against seasickness.
6. Summary

1. Why are there so many ferry cancellations to Hateruma Island?

The route from Ishigaki Island to Hateruma Island is known for its rough seas and susceptibility to wind and rain, as it enters the open sea beyond Iriomote Island. In fact, there have been incidents in the past where passengers suffered fractures due to not properly wearing seatbelts combined with strong rocking of the ship. As a result, all shipping companies now have much stricter operating standards for this route compared to others.
The cancellation rate is incredibly high, sometimes exceeding 6% in a single month.
If the outbound flight is cancelled, it's somewhat understandable, but if the return flight is cancelled for an extended period, there's a risk of missing your connecting flight.
When planning a trip to Hateruma Island, be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand to decide whether or not to board the ferry.

When are flight cancellations most frequent? When is it safe to fly?

Photo by Flickr: Ferry Teruma / Nao Iizuka

What season has the lowest cancellation rate for flights to Hateruma Island?
In January and February, strong northerly winds (kachibai), characteristic of winter, blow and affect sea conditions, resulting in a higher rate of cancellations. In 2016, the cancellation rate exceeded 50% in both January and February.

The flight schedule is relatively high during the warmer months of March and April. In particular, the cancellation rate in April is as low as 10%, making it arguably the best season to visit Hateruma Island.

From May to July, the rainy season has an impact, and the cancellation rate increases. In particular, July is more susceptible to typhoons, and the cancellation rate has sometimes exceeded 50%.
You can expect an average cancellation rate of around 3%.

August to October is the period when typhoons have a significant impact, but the cancellation rate ranges from 10% to 40%, depending on the severity of the typhoon. It is best to avoid boarding a ferry when a typhoon is approaching.

From November to December, the northerly winds known as Meenish, which are characteristic of autumn and winter, begin to blow, and the rate of flight cancellations increases significantly.

3. What are the best routes and recommended boats to Hateruma Island?

You can book a boat to Hateruma Island through An'ei Kanko. There are high-speed boats and car ferries, but they differ greatly in size, price, and travel time, so choose carefully.

High-speed ferries offer a shorter travel time and more frequent departures throughout the day, making them more comfortable. However, they have a higher cancellation rate compared to regular ferries. They also cost nearly twice as much as car ferries, so if reliability and cost are your priorities, especially for winter travel, a car ferry is recommended.

4. Let's try booking a ferry ticket! Be aware of the differences between high-speed ferries and car ferries.

Reservations for the high-speed ferry to Hateruma Island can be made on the An'ei Kanko official website starting two months before the departure date.
*Reservation page　http://www.aneikankou.co.jp/water_routes/detail/hateruma
On the day of departure, simply bring your reservation confirmation and you'll be able to board the ship. Even if the ship is cancelled, you'll receive a refund, so there's no need to worry.

The car ferry is a bit tricky; you can't make reservations in advance, so if you want to board, you have no choice but to buy a ticket directly at Ishigaki Port on the day of departure.
The car ferry has a passenger capacity of about 50 people, so it's possible that it may be full and you won't be able to board when the high-speed ferry service is suspended.
Also, the ticket office and the boarding pier are on different locations, so be careful not to go to the wrong one if you arrive at the last minute.

The high-speed ferry terminal (island terminal) and the car ferry terminal are a bit far apart, about a 4-5 minute walk apart.
To ensure you get your tickets, head to the port early!

5. Take all necessary precautions against seasickness.

If you're prone to seasickness, it's probably a good idea to take precautions against it when going to Hateruma Island.
First, once you board the ship, avoid sitting in the front seats and choose seats as far back as possible. If the ship is rocking too much, sitting in the front seats may be prohibited altogether.
Also, motion sickness medication is a must-have item. There are few drugstores on Ishigaki Island, so be sure to buy it in advance.
There are toilets on board, but there can be long lines of seasick passengers. It's a good idea to bring a plastic bag with you in case you need to throw up.

In addition, make sure you are in good physical condition. Lack of sleep, fatigue, hunger, and excessive alcohol consumption greatly increase the likelihood of seasickness. While on board, try to avoid standing up as much as possible and enjoy the scenery outside while seated.

Summary

Hateruma Island offers beautiful scenery, but the route to get there is quite challenging. Make sure you're fully prepared before boarding the ferry.
If you only want to visit the classic Hateruma Island spots, the monument at the southernmost point and Nishihama beach, you can easily do so on a day trip.