Nakanoshima Beach Shimoji
A snorkeling paradise on Shimoji Island, Nakanoshima Beach (Kayaffa Beach) offers vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life in crystal-clear waters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm seas, best visibility
Nakanoshima Beach Shimoji
Best Time
Calm seas, best visibility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A snorkeling paradise on Shimoji Island, Nakanoshima Beach (Kayaffa Beach) offers vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life in crystal-clear waters.
"Best snorkeling yet. As soon as you enter the water sealift is abundant. Must see."
🤿 Bring Water Shoes!
The beach is rocky; water shoes are essential for comfort and safety.
🐠 Respect the Coral
Avoid touching or standing on coral to protect this fragile ecosystem.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Coral Reefs
Underwater
Explore a kaleidoscope of corals and diverse fish species. A must-see for snorkelers and divers!
Anemonefish Encounters
Underwater
Spot playful pink and Clark's anemonefish in their natural habitat. A delightful sight for all ages.
Serene Sandy Shores
Beachfront
Relax on soft, golden sand with clear turquoise waters and lush green surroundings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Snorkel Ready: Gear Up for Kayaffa Beach
Respect the Reef: A Fragile Ecosystem
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤿 Bring Water Shoes!
The beach is rocky; water shoes are essential for comfort and safety.
🐠 Respect the Coral
Avoid touching or standing on coral to protect this fragile ecosystem.
🐡 Snorkel Gear Recommended
Abundant marine life makes snorkeling here a top experience.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The sun can be intense; bring sunscreen and consider renting an umbrella.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤿 Bring Water Shoes!
The beach is rocky; water shoes are essential for comfort and safety.
🐠 Respect the Coral
Avoid touching or standing on coral to protect this fragile ecosystem.
🐡 Snorkel Gear Recommended
Abundant marine life makes snorkeling here a top experience.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The sun can be intense; bring sunscreen and consider renting an umbrella.
🚫 No Bathrooms Onsite
Plan accordingly as there are no public restroom facilities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nakanoshima Beach is celebrated for its spectacular snorkeling, boasting abundant marine life and vibrant coral reefs. Visitors praise the clear waters and the chance to see diverse fish species. However, the rocky terrain and quick drop-off require caution, and the lack of facilities like restrooms is a notable drawback.
"Nakanoshima Beach is a lovely little spot with fantastic snorkeling — lots of fish and clear water. Just a heads-up: it gets deep pretty quickly, so be prepared if you're not a confident swimmer.
The area is quite rocky, so I definitely recommend wearing water shoes. Also, please be mindful of the coral — we saw some people standing on it, and the man renting out umbrellas had to shout at them. It's a fragile ecosystem, so best to float and not touch anything.
All in all, a quiet, scenic place for snorkeling, especially if you're respectful of nature and prepared for rocky terrain."
Ákos Győrváry
"Nakanoshima Beach, also known as Kayaffa Beach, on Irabu Island is a coastal gem that captivates with its pristine sandy shores. The beach offers a serene retreat with its soft, golden sand and clear turquoise waters. It's an ideal spot for those seeking a tranquil escape, whether you're looking to bask in the sun, take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, or enjoy a refreshing swim.
The natural beauty of Nakanoshima Beach is complemented by the surrounding lush greenery, creating a picturesque backdrop. The beach's relatively secluded atmosphere adds to its charm, providing a peaceful setting for relaxation. For beach enthusiasts looking to unwind in a serene and unspoiled environment, Nakanoshima (Kayaffa) Beach is a delightful destination worth exploring."
Darsshan Parmar
"Highly recommend to do snorkeling here!There are so many corals and fishes. It was the best spot to do snorkeling in Miyakojima and I would like to back here again if I come back to Miyakojima."
Yuka K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nakanoshima Beach, also known as Kayaffa Beach, is located on Shimoji Island. Access typically involves traveling to Shimoji Island and then finding local directions to the beach. Renting a car or using local transport services are common ways to reach the island.
While direct public transport to the beach itself might be limited, you can usually reach Shimoji Island via bus or taxi from Miyako Airport or the main island. From there, local buses or taxis can get you closer to the beach area.
Many visitors rent a car or scooter to freely explore Shimoji Island and its various attractions, including Nakanoshima Beach. This offers the most flexibility.
Information on dedicated parking is scarce, but it's common for visitors to find informal parking spots near the beach access points. Arrive early to secure a convenient spot.
Yes, Nakanoshima Beach is an excellent destination for a day trip, especially if you are staying on Miyako Island or Shimoji Island. You can easily spend several hours snorkeling and enjoying the scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Nakanoshima Beach is a natural public beach, so there are no entrance fees or tickets required to access it.
As a natural beach, Nakanoshima Beach is open 24 hours a day. However, the best time for snorkeling and enjoying the scenery is during daylight hours.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, it's common for popular snorkeling spots to have rental services available nearby. It's advisable to check locally or bring your own gear.
The main restriction is to respect the natural environment. Visitors are strongly advised not to stand on or touch the coral to preserve the reef.
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks. However, it's crucial to take all your trash with you to keep the beach clean.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
The water is clear and turquoise, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. However, it gets deep quite quickly, so be prepared if you're not a strong swimmer.
You can expect to see a wide variety of colorful fish, vibrant corals, and anemonefish. Some videos even highlight pink anemonefish and Clark's anemonefish families. 
Absolutely! It's frequently cited as one of the best snorkeling spots in Miyakojima, with abundant marine life right from the shore.
Unfortunately, there are no restrooms or showers available at Nakanoshima Beach, so plan accordingly.
Light clothing, swimwear, and most importantly, water shoes are recommended due to the rocky terrain. Sun protection like hats and sunscreen is also essential.
📸 📸 Photography
The crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life offer fantastic underwater photography opportunities. The colorful fish and anemonefish are particularly photogenic.
Many creators use GoPro cameras with underwater housings and lighting accessories for capturing high-quality underwater footage and photos.
Pink anemonefish, Clark's anemonefish, raccoon butterflyfish, and sixbar wrasse are frequently featured in underwater shots. The colorful coral formations are also a highlight.
Morning hours often provide the best light for both above and underwater photography due to calmer seas and clearer visibility.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local ordinances regarding drone usage in protected marine areas before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+3 Practical tips for families: Bring water shoes for everyone to navigate the rocky areas safely.
🐠 Budget Travelers
To maximize your experience without breaking the bank, consider visiting during off-peak hours for a more serene experience.
If you're on a tight budget, investing in a good pair of water shoes is essential for comfort and safety, rather than relying on potentially costly rentals. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+3 Focus on capturing the anemonefish in their natural habitat, as they are a major draw and incredibly photogenic. +2 Tips for photographers: Utilize GoPro cameras with underwater housings and lighting for the best results.
+2 Shoot during morning hours for optimal light and water clarity. Remember to be respectful of the environment; capture stunning images without disturbing the marine life or coral. The unique underwater scenery offers a chance to create truly breathtaking portfolio shots.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Underwater Wonders: Snorkeling and Diving
+3 The clarity of the water, especially in the mornings, offers excellent visibility, allowing for truly immersive experiences. Remember to bring or rent appropriate gear and always practice responsible tourism by not touching the coral. Many visitors highlight the abundant sealife as a major draw, with some describing it as the 'best snorkeling yet.'
For those looking to capture these underwater spectacles, underwater photography is highly recommended. Creators often use GoPro cameras with specialized lighting to document the vibrant colors and intricate details of the reef and its inhabitants.
+2 The experience is described as healing and beautiful, making Nakanoshima Beach a must-visit for nature lovers and underwater enthusiasts. +1Navigating Nakanoshima Beach: Practicalities
When it comes to enjoying the beach, respecting the delicate coral ecosystem is paramount. Many visitors have witnessed people standing on the coral, prompting reminders from locals to float rather than touch.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit