Miyako, with its subtropical climate, has four distinct seasons. Spring is breeding season for fish; summer is spawning time for corals. Each summer, when the moon is full and the tide is just right, corals mate, spewing millions of luminous eggs and sperm bundles toward the night seas surface, a phenomenon characterized by many observers as an upside-down, underwater snowstorm. Miyako is blessed with warm seas even during winter which makes it ideal for all kinds of water sports most of the year. The beautiful, clear waters surrounding Miyako are world-class diving spots. Diving can be enjoyed year round and the island offers many great diving locations.
| (A) Yabiji area * Ikema Island Located in the Yabiji area, Ikema Island is an old fishing ground and is an excellent place for snorkeling. There are plenty of fishes and over 100 species of coral in Yabiji such as the Miyakebera, and Tsunohatatatedai. . The Himetsubameuo is a unique coral specie that can be found in the fresh waters of northern Miyako. The most popular is the Komonshikoro, a potato shaped coral whose branches extend as far as 30 meters north to south, and 20 meters east to west. It is rare for corals of the same type to grow so close together and reach this size.(B) Shimoji Island * Irabu Island Irabu Island and Shimoji Island are known for their many caves and underwater arches made of limestone. These caves are breeding grounds for big fish such as the Meganemochinouo (Napoleon fish) and Rouninaji. Manta(Oniitomakiei) from nearby Ishigaki Island can be seen here from December to April.(C) Around Miyako Island Kurima Island is a long continuous reef in the southern part of the Miyako Island group. The condition of the corals in this reef is excellent. In Higashihenna Cape, you can find big fish such as the Isomaguro and other large sea creatures such as the Okigondo, sea turtles, and friendly white-tip sharks. The ocean current in Higashihenna Cape is strong so be careful when you dive.Despite the intensive outbreak of coral bleaching which threatened the reefs surrounding Okinawa in 1998, the coral reefs of Miyako have shown remarkable resilience. Parts smitten by coral bleaching have recovered and are now once again completely covered with coral. Compared to the other islands in Okinawa, the coral reefs in Miyako remain healthy and relatively undamaged to this day. Coral reefs surround islands everywhere in the world, but the coral reefs of Miyako-jima have proved to be like no other. sources: http://www.wonder-okinawa.jp/ |
(a) Corals spawning in the sea (b) Area map (e) The Drop off sea (g) |
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