Beaches

Kuroshima's beaches are uncrowded even in the peak summer season — the island's small visitor numbers ensure that the coral sand and crystal water feel like a private discovery. The western beaches, reached by cycling about 20 minutes from the ferry terminal, offer the best combination of sandy shoreline and accessible reef for snorkelling.

The water is warm from April to November and exceptionally clear year-round. Snorkelling gear can be rented from shops near the terminal. There are no lifeguards and no facilities at most beaches — bring water, sunscreen, and everything else you need. The sun in the Yaeyamas is fierce even in the shoulder seasons; hats and reef-safe sunscreen are sensible.

things to do swimming
A story
The coral reefs surrounding Kuroshima are part of the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, which protects some of the most intact coral ecosystems in Japan. The shallow reef platform around the island supports blue-ringed octopus, hawksbill turtles, and over 200 species of coral — but the same platform that creates spectacular snorkelling also means that some sections of the shoreline are shallow and rocky rather than sandy.