Phantom Island Hamajima
Discover Phantom Island (Hamajima), a magical sandbar appearing at low tide, and explore vibrant coral reefs and blue caves.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Island appears, perfect for walking
Phantom Island Hamajima
Best Time
Island appears, perfect for walking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Phantom Island (Hamajima), a magical sandbar appearing at low tide, and explore vibrant coral reefs and blue caves.
"The guides' friendliness, professionalism, and clear explanations made our day unforgettable."
Check Tide Charts First! :chart_with_upwards_trend:
Phantom Island is only visible at low tide. Plan your visit around these times for the best experience.
Book Tours in Advance :ticket:
Popular snorkeling and island tours, especially to Phantom Island, fill up quickly. Book ahead to secure your spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Phantom Island (Hamajima)
Between Kohama and Taketomi Islands
A magical sandbar that appears at low tide, offering pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters.
Snorkeling at Blue Caves & Coral Reefs
Various locations around Ishigaki
Explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish and discover the stunning natural beauty of the blue caves.
Yubujima Island Water Buffalo Cart
Yubujima Island
A unique and relaxing experience riding a water buffalo cart across shallow waters to a lush subtropical island.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Phantom Island
Cash and Reservations are Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Charts First! :chart_with_upwards_trend:
Phantom Island is only visible at low tide. Plan your visit around these times for the best experience.
Book Tours in Advance :ticket:
Popular snorkeling and island tours, especially to Phantom Island, fill up quickly. Book ahead to secure your spot.
Bring Cash (Yen) :moneybag:
Many places on Ishigaki Island prefer cash. Carry enough Yen for tours, food, and small purchases.
Sun Protection is Essential :sun_with_face:
The Okinawan sun is strong. Pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for your island adventures.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Charts First! :chart_with_upwards_trend:
Phantom Island is only visible at low tide. Plan your visit around these times for the best experience.
Book Tours in Advance :ticket:
Popular snorkeling and island tours, especially to Phantom Island, fill up quickly. Book ahead to secure your spot.
Bring Cash (Yen) :moneybag:
Many places on Ishigaki Island prefer cash. Carry enough Yen for tours, food, and small purchases.
Sun Protection is Essential :sun_with_face:
The Okinawan sun is strong. Pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for your island adventures.
English-Speaking Guides Available :microphone:
Many tour operators have guides who speak excellent English, making communication easy and enjoyable.
GoPro Footage Included :camera_with_flash:
Some tours offer complimentary photos and videos, often taken with GoPros, to capture your memories.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the stunning natural beauty of Ishigaki Island, particularly Phantom Island and its snorkeling spots. The professionalism and friendliness of tour guides, many of whom speak excellent English, are frequently highlighted as making the experience exceptional. While the island offers incredible scenery and activities, some visitors note the importance of carrying cash and making dinner reservations in advance.
"We had a fantastic time on the snorkeling and Phantom Island tour! Everything was well organized from start to finish, and the experience felt safe, comfortable, and fun.
The island itself was absolutely stunning, and the snorkeling spots were beautiful with crystal-clear water and lots of colorful fish and coral.
A special thanks to our guide, Sebastian and Misaki San and captain who made our day even better. They spoke excellent English, explained everything clearly, and made sure everyone felt included and cared for throughout the trip. We really appreciated their friendliness, professionalism, and knowledge of the area.
This was one of the best highlights of our trip, and we would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting!"
Chloe Ngo
"Amazing snorkeling trip to the blue caves - What a wonderful experience!
We booked this trip in short notice and everything worked out perfectly. Our guide Akari took excellent care of the small group of four. Communication in English was flawless and the logistics smooth as can be. Akari took us to the snorkeling spot, where we enjoyed the breathtaking scenery of the natural reserve. Even as an experienced diver, I must say the snorkeling trip was absolutely beautiful. She took excellent care of the three group members that were first timers snorkeling and with her kind and clear instructions, everyone had a beautiful time and you could see the happy smiles on the faces.
From the start at the meeting point to the end at the hotel drop-off, the entire trip was perfectly organized and taken care of.
This is a must experience on the island and our thanks again to Akari for the great time!"
Benjamin Jakob
"Spent a great afternoon snorkling and visiting Hamajima, the phantom island. The corals were breathtaking, by far the most beautiful we’ve seen to date. The snorkeling was nicely paced, we had plenty of rest stops and the sea was calm, great visibility. We also had enough time to walk the phantom island and have a swim. And last but not least, we received great photos and videos taken by our guide Sebastian. Thank you! We highly recommend this tour!"
Sari
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Phantom Island is accessible by boat tours departing from Ishigaki Port or sometimes from nearby islands like Kohama. The island itself is only visible during low tide. 
Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Ishigaki Island at your own pace. Taxis are also available, and some areas are walkable. +1
Public transport directly to Phantom Island is not available as it's an uninhabited sandbar. Access is typically via organized boat tours.
Phantom Island is located about 10 kilometers west of Ishigaki Island. Travel time from the airport to Ishigaki Port (where tours depart) is around 20-30 minutes by car.
You can take a ferry to nearby islands like Iriomote or Taketomi, and then join a boat tour that visits Phantom Island. Direct ferry service to Phantom Island itself is not common.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't buy tickets specifically for Phantom Island itself, but rather for the boat tours that take you there. Prices vary depending on the tour operator and inclusions.
Tours to Phantom Island are dependent on tide schedules. It's best to check with individual tour operators for their specific departure times and availability.
Most natural beaches on Ishigaki Island are free to access. However, some resort beaches or specific attractions might have fees.
Snorkeling tours can range from ¥5,000 to ¥15,000 or more, depending on the duration, locations visited (like blue caves), and inclusions such as equipment and photos.
While same-day bookings might be possible, it's highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to avoid disappointment.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
At Phantom Island, you can walk on the sandbar, take photos, swim in the shallow waters, and enjoy the unique scenery. It's a great spot for relaxation and appreciating nature.
While Phantom Island itself is more about the sandbar experience, the surrounding waters and nearby coral reefs offer excellent snorkeling opportunities with vibrant marine life.
Wear swimwear, a rash guard for sun protection, and comfortable water shoes. Bring a towel and a change of clothes.
Yes, some snorkeling tours in the Ishigaki area offer opportunities to see sea turtles in their natural habitat.
Phantom Island is an uninhabited sandbar, so there are no facilities. You'll need to use facilities on the boat or at the departure point before or after your visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Don't miss Ishigaki beef, Yaeyama soba, and fresh seafood. Try local specialties like 'Goya Champuru' (bitter melon stir-fry) and 'Umibudo' (sea grapes).
Phantom Island is uninhabited, so there are no restaurants directly on it. You'll find dining options back on Ishigaki Island or on nearby inhabited islands.
Yes, it's highly recommended to make dinner reservations, especially for popular restaurants in the evenings, as they can get very busy.
Some tours may allow you to bring your own snacks and drinks, but it's best to confirm with the tour operator beforehand. Many tours include lunch.
Ishigaki offers a range of dining, from casual izakayas and local eateries serving Okinawan cuisine to upscale restaurants featuring Ishigaki beef and fresh seafood.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic spots include Phantom Island, Kabira Bay, Tamatorizaki Observatory, and the scenic coastal roads. The beaches offer stunning natural beauty. +1
While sightings are possible on snorkeling tours, it's important to maintain a respectful distance. Guides often help with spotting them.
While dedicated photography tours might be less common, many general sightseeing and snorkeling tours will take you to photogenic locations. Guides can also assist with photo opportunities.
A waterproof camera or action camera is ideal for snorkeling and water activities. For landscapes, a standard digital camera or smartphone with good quality will suffice.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone, especially near protected areas or residential zones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking tours that offer complimentary photos and videos, as these can be fun souvenirs for the whole family. When planning your itinerary, remember that some popular restaurants may require advance reservations, so it's wise to book family dinners ahead of time. Carrying cash is also important, as not all establishments accept cards.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opt for local eateries and convenience stores for meals rather than high-end restaurants. Packing your own snacks and water for day trips can also save money. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) when prices for accommodation and flights might be lower than during peak summer.
💑 Couples & Honeymooners
+1 Enjoy a leisurely water buffalo cart ride on Yubujima Island for a charming and memorable experience. Many resorts offer beautiful ocean views and private beach access, perfect for relaxation. Consider booking a sunset cruise or a private snorkeling tour for a more intimate adventure. Enjoying fresh seafood and local cuisine at a seaside restaurant can also add to the romantic ambiance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Phantom Island (Hamajima)
+1Access to Phantom Island is typically via boat tours departing from Ishigaki Port. These tours often combine a visit to the island with snorkeling excursions to nearby coral reefs. It's essential to check the tide charts for Ishigaki Island to plan your visit during low tide, as this is the only time the island emerges from the sea. Many visitors highlight the importance of booking these tours in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure a spot.
While on the island, remember there are no facilities as it's uninhabited. Bring everything you need, including water, snacks, and sun protection. The experience is about immersing yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of this fleeting sandbar. The clear waters and soft sand make it a perfect spot for a relaxing stroll or a refreshing dip.
Snorkeling Adventures in Ishigaki
When booking a snorkeling tour, look for operators that emphasize small group sizes and knowledgeable, English-speaking guides. These guides can enhance your experience by pointing out marine life, explaining the ecosystem, and ensuring you have a comfortable and enjoyable time. Some tours even include complimentary photos and videos, often captured with GoPros, allowing you to cherish the memories of your underwater adventure.
For the best experience, consider visiting during the warmer months when the water is most inviting. Always use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate marine environment. Whether you're exploring the famous blue caves or drifting over a bustling coral reef, snorkeling in Ishigaki is an unforgettable highlight of any trip to Okinawa.
Getting Around Ishigaki Island
Public transportation on Ishigaki is limited, primarily consisting of buses that connect major towns and some tourist spots. While useful for getting between key locations, buses may not offer the convenience for reaching more secluded areas or adhering to specific tour schedules. Taxis are also an option, but can become costly for extensive travel.
For island hopping to places like Taketomi or Iriomote, ferries operate regularly from Ishigaki Port. This is the primary gateway for exploring the surrounding Yaeyama Islands. Planning your transportation in advance, especially if relying on public transport or ferries, is crucial for a smooth trip.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit