Exploring the hidden wonders of Phantom Island and immersing oneself in the captivating culture of Taketomi Island – this full-day excursion promises an unforgettable adventure in Ishigaki, Japan. Snorkelers will be outfitted with the necessary gear, including wetsuits, to discover the underwater world teeming with vibrant marine life. Following the aquatic exploration, the tour transitions to the traditional Ryukyu-style architecture and tranquil atmosphere of Taketomi Island, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage. With an intimate group size and personalized attention, this excursion invites travelers to uncover the hidden gems and enjoy the enchanting blend of natural and cultural wonders.
Key Points
- The tour offers a combination of snorkeling at Phantom Island and sightseeing on Taketomi Island, providing a unique exploration of Ishigaki’s natural wonders.
- Includes round-trip ferry tickets to Taketomi Island, allowing participants to enjoy the island’s traditional architecture and culture.
- Provides all necessary snorkeling equipment, including wetsuits for colder weather, as well as a hot shower after the underwater exploration.
- The tour has a maximum group size of 30 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
- Offers special coupons redeemable at local restaurants, enhancing the overall experience for participants.
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Overview of the Tour
The Phantom Island Snorkeling and Taketomi Island Sightseeing tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Ishigaki, Japan.
This full-day excursion combines the thrill of snorkeling at Phantom Island with a sightseeing adventure on the picturesque Taketomi Island.
Participants will have the chance to use provided snorkeling equipment and enjoy a hot shower after their underwater exploration.
The tour also includes a round-trip ferry ticket to Taketomi Island, where guests can enjoy the island’s traditional architecture and culture.
With a maximum group size of 30 travelers, this tour provides an intimate and personalized experience for those seeking to discover the beauty of Ishigaki.
Inclusions and Amenities
Participants on the Phantom Island Snorkeling and Taketomi Island Sightseeing tour receive use of snorkeling equipment, including life jackets and special shoes, as well as wetsuits during the winter months.
Plus, the tour provides an experience fee, liability insurance, and sales tax, along with photo data and a hot shower after the snorkeling activity.
The round-trip ferry ticket to Taketomi Island is also included, allowing guests to explore the island’s picturesque scenery.
On top of that, the tour offers a special offer page with coupons redeemable at local restaurants, providing an opportunity to sample the island’s cuisine.
Meeting and Pickup Details
Travelers meet at the red mailbox just to the left of the main entrance of Ishigaki Port Terminal, which serves as the starting and ending point for the tour.
From here, the group will depart for their day of snorkeling and sightseeing.
The tour starts promptly at 8:30 AM, so it’s important for participants to arrive on time.
Once the group is assembled, they’ll embark on their adventure, which includes exploring the stunning Phantom Island and taking a ferry to the picturesque Taketomi Island.
At the end of the day, the group will return to the same meeting point where the tour began, concluding the memorable excursion.
Activity Start and Duration
The tour starts promptly at 8:30 AM, allowing ample time for participants to explore Phantom Island’s underwater wonders and discover the charms of Taketomi Island throughout the day.
The duration of the full experience isn’t specified, though it likely varies depending on factors such as weather conditions and the pace of the group. Regardless of the exact length, travelers can expect to spend a good portion of the day immersed in the natural beauty of these two stunning island destinations.
With a maximum group size of 30, the experience offers an intimate and personalized exploration, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a unique and memorable day in Ishigaki.
Group Size and Accessibility
A maximum group size of 30 travelers ensures an intimate and personalized experience, allowing for greater exploration and interactions among participants. While the tour is not wheelchair accessible, it remains accessible to a wide range of visitors, excluding those with certain physical limitations such as back problems or heart conditions.
| Accessibility | Details |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair | Not Accessible |
| Back Problems | Not Recommended |
| Heart Conditions | Not Recommended |
| Pregnant Travelers | Not Recommended |
The tour’s accessibility caters to a diverse audience, providing an opportunity for exploration and discovery, though individuals with specific physical constraints may need to consider alternative options.
Cancellation Policy
Full refunds are available if the tour is cancelled at least 24 hours in advance. However, no refunds will be provided for cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time.
Plus, the tour may be subject to cancellation due to poor weather conditions or if the minimum number of participants isn’t met. It’s important to review the cancellation policy carefully when booking to understand the potential risks and plan accordingly.
Participants should also be aware that the tour operator reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary or cancel the tour entirely if necessary. Flexibility and understanding are key when booking this type of adventure.
Getting to the Meeting Point
Participants’ meeting point lies near the prominent red mailbox just to the left of Ishigaki Port Terminal’s main entrance. This central location is easy to spot and accessible from various directions. Getting there shouldn’t be a hassle, as the port itself is well-connected to public transportation options.
To make navigation even simpler, the tour provider has prepared a handy table outlining the different ways travelers can reach the meeting point:
| Transportation | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| On Foot | 5-10 minutes | Free |
| Local Bus | 10-15 minutes | ¥200-¥300 |
| Taxi | 5 minutes | ¥500-¥800 |
| Rental Bike | 10 minutes | Varies |
With these options, participants can choose the most convenient mode of transportation to get to the starting point on time and begin their Phantom Island adventure.
What to Expect on the Tour
The Phantom Island snorkeling and Taketomi Island sightseeing tour promises an immersive experience in Ishigaki’s natural wonders.
Travelers can expect to engage in snorkeling activities at the captivating Phantom Island, followed by an exploration of the charming Taketomi Island.
The tour provides all necessary snorkeling equipment, including wetsuits for colder weather, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience.
After snorkeling, you will board a ferry to Taketomi Island, where they can wander through the traditional Ryukyu-style buildings and enjoy the island’s unique cultural atmosphere.
Throughout the tour, travelers will receive photo data to capture their memorable moments.
The tour also offers special offers and coupons for participating restaurants, enhancing the overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The dress code for the tour is casual and comfortable. Participants are advised to wear lightweight, quick-drying clothing and swimwear, as they’ll be engaging in water-based activities. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended for the sightseeing portion.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?
Participants can bring their own snorkeling equipment, but the tour provides high-quality snorkeling gear, including wetsuits, life jackets, and special shoes. Using the provided equipment ensures proper fit and safety during the snorkeling activity.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour does not specify any age restrictions. However, it may not be suitable for young children or infants as the snorkeling activity requires a certain level of ability and comfort in the water.
Is Photography Allowed During the Snorkeling Activity?
The tour includes photo data as part of the inclusions, indicating that photography is allowed during the snorkeling activity. Travelers can capture their underwater experiences thanks to this feature included in the tour package.
Can I Store My Luggage at the Meeting Point?
The tour operator doesn’t offer luggage storage at the meeting point. Travelers will need to make their own arrangements to store any bags or belongings during the tour activities.
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Recap
This full-day excursion in Ishigaki, Japan, offers an unparalleled combination of snorkeling and sightseeing.
Participants can explore the underwater wonders of Phantom Island and enjoy the traditional Ryukyu-style architecture and culture of Taketomi Island.
With a small group size, the tour promises an intimate and personalized adventure, making it an unforgettable experience for nature and culture enthusiasts.
