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A complete guide to the Yonaguni Island "Underwater Ruins" tour!
How to visit by diving or glass boat

Yonaguni Island Underwater Ruins Tour & Diving

Mysterious "underwater ruins" lie in the southern waters of Yonaguni Island.
Visitors can enjoy various viewing methods, such as diving, which allows them to experience the power of the underwater world up close, and glass boats (semi-submersible sightseeing boats), which allow them to look underwater with their clothes on.

For those who...
◆To those who would like to take a tour of underwater ruins
◆Interested in diving and snorkeling at underwater ruins
◆To know how to get there by glass boat (semi-submersible sightseeing boat)
◆Looking for sea activities to experience in Yonaguni Island?

In this issue, we will introduce the attraction, how to get there, and recommended activities for underwater ruins tours that can be experienced on Yonaguni Island!

Notice: Undersea Ruins Tours are currently suspended.
Enjoy Yonaguni Island!
Click here for recommended tours that are currently available for reservation.
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What is the attraction of the Yonaguni Island Underwater Ruins Tour?

(1) Easy to go on a day trip!

It's about a 20-minute boat ride to the underwater ruins tour.

The underwater ruins of Yonaguni Island are located just 100 m offshore from the headland of the Shinkawabana breakwater.

It is one of the few underwater ruins in the country, though,Accessible by boat from the port in about 20 minutes.I'm glad to hear that... ♪

 

(2) No special permission is required! Feel history up close and personal!

Underwater Ruins on Yonaguni Island That You Can Observe Up Close

Diving to enjoy the underwater ruins up close isNo special permits requiredand can be enjoyed by anyone.

What the ruins looked like back then, what kind of history they have traced... See for yourself and feel the scale of the ruins.

 

(3) Enjoy a variety of marine life and underwater ruins all year round

Beautiful coral and tropical fish around the underwater ruins

The sea of Yonaguni Island is influenced by the Kuroshio Current, and the charm of the four seasons spreads out.

From spring to summer, you can enjoy migratory fish such as dogtooth tuna and bigeye jacks, as well as bear clams!

The Highlight of Winter Diving on Yonaguni Island: Hammerhead Sharks

We also recommend the special winter season unique to Yonaguni Island. During this season,hammerhead sharkThis is a valuable experience for divers, as they can observe such things as

Artificial? Natural? On the Mystery of Underwater Ruins

Since its discovery in 1986, this huge monolith, which is approximately 100 meters long, 60 meters wide, and 25 meters high, is still the subject of heated debate over whether it is the "artificially created remains of an ancient civilization" or "a landform formed by natural forces.

A massive rock formation at an underwater archaeological site in the waters off Yonaguni

There are numerous right-angled stairways and terrace-like landforms that can only have been man-made, such as the Gusukumon (castle gate), Nibaiwa (boulder), and the main terrace.

To learn more about the history and mystery of underwater ruins!

The origins of the underwater ruins, the theory of the Mu continent, and other mysteries and historical background are thoroughly explained in the following column articles!

Read more about the mystery and history of the Yonaguni Island Underwater Ruins.

How to visit the Yonaguni Island Underwater Ruins and activities

(1) Diving (Fun Diving, Experience Diving)

Diving Tour of Underwater Ruins

Yonaguni Island is a sacred place for diving. Due to the deep average depth of the water and the fast currents, boat dives are the basic method of diving.

There are many points in the "Underwater Ruins" that require intermediate or higher skills,Depending on the point and sea conditions, there are places where beginners and experience divers can enjoy diving.Therefore, even those who do not have a license may be able to try.

 

(2) Glass boat (semi-submersible sightseeing boat)

A semi-submersible sightseeing boat that lets you explore underwater ruins while fully clothed

Semi-submersible sightseeing boats (such as the Jack Dolphin) are very popular with non-swimmers and children.

You can observe the entire underwater ruins and tropical fishes through the observation window in the basement of the ship without diving into the sea and with clothes on. The greatest attraction of this tour is that it can be enjoyed easily without getting wet!

 

Snorkeling

Snorkeling to Peek at Underwater Ruins from the Water's Surface

Snorkeling is an activity that can be enjoyed in the ocean more easily than experience diving.

Because of the depth of the water, it is not possible to touch the ruins directly, but the high transparency of the water allows visitors to clearly see the huge overall image of the underwater ruins even from the surface.

Creatures you can meet around the underwater ruins of Yonaguni Island

1) Hammerhead sharks

hammerhead shark
On the dive off Irizaki, the island's westernmost cape,hammerhead shark(red hammerhead shark) with a high probability of encounter.

If the tide is favorable, you may enjoy the sight of the "Hammer River," which flows like a river, passing right in front of you!

 

(2) marlin

Swordfish
Swordfish are large, fast-migrating fish with a long, sword-like upper jaw called a "rostrum. Swordfish fishing is very active on Yonaguni Island. It would be a very lucky experience if you could encounter a school of big fish!

 

(3) Migratory fish (dogtooth tuna, bigeye jacks, etc.)

Gingame Horse Mackerel Tornado
The sea of Yonaguni Island becomes remarkably clear in summer. Large migratory fish appear one after another, and you will be able to enjoy the gorgeous sea.

 

four-banded napoleonfish (Napoleon wrasse, Labroides phthirophagus)

Napoleon Fish
Napoleon fish, which are rarely seen, can be found lurking in the shadows of rocks in the waters of Yonaguni Island.

 

(5) Macro type (small creatures)

Colorful Macro Organisms
Summer is a relatively relaxing time to dive, and the abundance of small fish makes it a macro paradise. Find the creatures hidden in the unique terrain and enjoy it to the fullest.

What to wear and bring for the Yonaguni Island Underwater Ruins Tour

Examples of Diving Attire
Underwater ruins can be seen all year round, but the best time to visit is from December to May. Since the underwater ruins are located on the south side of the island, the probability of getting to the point is higher in winter when the north wind is blowing.
Recommended Clothing & Personal Belongings
< For those who participate in diving and snorkeling
◆ swimsuit (worn under clothes in advance)
◆ wet sandals
◆Change of clothes and towel
Anti-sickness medicine (required for those who are sensitive to boats) (for those who observe from a glass boat)
◆Sun protection (hats and sunglasses)
◆Cameras
◆Long-sleeved cloak (for protection against wind and sunburn on board)
◆anti-drastic drugs

Frequently Asked Questions about Underwater Ruins Tours and Access(FAQ)

Q. When is the best time to dive at the Yonaguni Underwater Ruins?
The seabed site is located on the south side of Yonaguni Island. The sea conditions are more stable and suitable in winter (November to May) when the wind tends to blow from the north side of the island. On the other hand, from summer to autumn, the wind tends to blow from the south, making the waves higher and making it difficult to reach the point on many days.
Q. What is the depth of the underwater ruins on Yonaguni Island?
The main terraces and other landforms of the underwater ruins are spread over an area of approximately 10 to 20 meters in depth. The bottom of the site deepens rapidly and plunges to a depth of 300m.
Q. How can I get to Yonaguni Island?
Access to Yonaguni Island is by plane or ferry. By plane, it takes about 1.5 hours by direct flight from Naha Airport in Okinawa, or about 30 minutes from Ishigakijima Airport. In case of ferry, there are several flights a week from Ishigaki Island, and it takes about 4 to 4.5 hours.

For advance or same-day reservations, please contact Yonaguni Island Tours!

Diving in the Beautiful Waters off Yonaguni Island
Yonaguni Island Tours accepts reservations for island sightseeing, horseback riding, and other activities on the day before or the day of the tour.
Please feel free to contact us for a plan to enjoy Yonaguni Island to the fullest while the Underwater Ruins Tour is on hiatus!

Click here for inquiries and tour listings

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