Yonehara Beach
米原海岸
A popular free snorkeling spot on northern Ishigaki, where the coral reef lies just tens of meters offshore in shallow water. Parrotfish, clownfish and sea turtles can be seen here.
Yonehara Beach is Ishigaki's most popular free snorkeling spot. It lies within Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, and coral communities line the shore, with many tropical fish among stands of staghorn and blue coral. Next to the beach is the Yonehara Campground, and roadside shops rent snorkeling gear and offer guided tours (about 1,000–5,000 yen). There are no lifeguards or protective nets, and strong offshore currents run outside the reef flat, so go with a companion, wear a life jacket, and join a guided tour for safety. Watch for jellyfish in summer. The beach is about 30 minutes' drive from Ishigaki city and about 10 minutes east of Kabira Bay.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Kabira Bay
- Sukuji Beach
- Ishigaki Yaima Village
- Mount Nosoko (Nosoko Mafa)
- Banna Park
- Ishigakijima Astronomical Observatory
- Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave
- Tamatorizaki Observatory