Shiraho reef
白保サンゴ礁24°21′ N 124°15′ ESnorkel
Shiraho reef on Ishigaki's east coast holds one of the largest blue coral communities in the northern hemisphere, according to WWF Japan, with more than 120 coral species and 300 kinds of fish; the reef flat drains at low water, so the tide sets the plan.
Photo 松岡明芳 · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
An IUCN survey in 1987 found that the blue coral at Shiraho ranks among the largest stands in the northern hemisphere, and the long fight over an airport planned for this coast made Shiraho known across Japan. WWF Japan opened the Shiraho Sango-mura coral reef conservation centre in the village in April 2000. In April 2021 it handed the building to the Shiraho community hall, and the local NPO Natsupana now runs the conservation work.
The reef flat drains and fills with the tide, so ask at Shiraho Sango-mura about the right hour before you go in. WWF's surveys named red soil washing off farmland as a major problem for the reef and sampled it four times a year.
Before you swim
- Tide decides everything: the reef flat drains at low water
- No lifeguards
- Loggerhead, green and hawksbill turtles nest on Shiraho's beaches; WWF surveyed them from April to September
December to March
The east coast takes the winter north-easterly side-on, so calm days are fewer from December to March. JMA's 1991–2020 normal for the sea south of Ishigaki sits at about 23 °C in February.
Snorkelling · 4/5
One of the largest blue coral communities in the northern hemisphere, more than 120 coral species and more than 300 fish species (WWF Japan)
Our ratings
- Swimming
- Snorkelling
- Sunset
- Quiet
- Families
- Scenery
Worth knowing
- Let the tide set the plan; the reef flat drains at low water.
- Visit Shiraho Sango-mura in the village before you go in the water.
FAQ
Quick answers about Shiraho reefよくある質問
What is special about Shiraho reef?
Shiraho reef has one of the largest blue coral communities in the northern hemisphere, found by an IUCN survey in 1987, along with more than 120 coral species and 300 fish species, according to WWF Japan.
Is there a visitor centre at Shiraho?
Yes. Shiraho Sango-mura, the coral reef centre WWF Japan opened in April 2000, has belonged to the Shiraho community hall since April 2021, and the local NPO Natsupana runs its conservation work.
Can you swim at Shiraho reef?
Shiraho reef has no jellyfish net.
Is Shiraho reef worth visiting in winter?
The east coast takes the winter north-easterly side-on, so calm days are fewer from December to March. JMA's 1991–2020 normal for the sea south of Ishigaki sits at about 23 °C in February.
Is Shiraho reef good for snorkelling?
We rate the snorkelling at Shiraho reef 4 out of 5. One of the largest blue coral communities in the northern hemisphere, more than 120 coral species and more than 300 fish species (WWF Japan).
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