Imagine this: you’re snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and playful Indo-Pacific Bottlenose dolphins swim right up to you, curious and eager to interact. This isn’t a dream, it’s a reality on Miyakejima and Mikurajima, two islands in the Izu chain, known for their friendly dolphin population.
These islands are home to a large family of over 200 dolphins, who live wild and free yet are exceptionally comfortable around humans. This rare phenomenon allows visitors to experience these incredible creatures up close and personal in their natural habitat. As you swim with them, you might encounter small family groups, including mothers, young adults, and adorable babies.
This is definitely an experience you’ll want to capture on camera!
A Campsite Adventure Awaits
Our adventure begins at a beautiful beachside campsite with excellent facilities. You’ll be surrounded by stunning views and have easy access to the beach right outside your tent.
An Unforgettable Journey
Our journey begins at Takeshiba Ferry Terminal in Tokyo. We’ll board a comfortable ferry with reserved spaces for our gear and a dedicated area for relaxation and socializing.
As the ferry sails through Tokyo Bay, you can enjoy the spectacular views, make new friends, and even have a little fun on the deck!
Once we arrive on Miyakejima, we’ll hop on a bus to our campsite. Set up camp, relax, and catch up on some sleep.
Then, it’s time for some island exploration!
Dolphin Encounters and More
We’ll embark on a charter boat to Mikurajima where the friendly dolphins await. We’ll have plenty of time to swim and play with these magnificent creatures.
Later, we’ll enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner at the campsite, followed by a relaxing campfire with good times and laughter.
The next morning, we’ll enjoy breakfast at the campsite before heading out for more island adventures. Snorkeling, swimming, and relaxation are on the agenda.
After a fun-filled day, we’ll pack up camp and make our way to the ferry port for our journey back to Tokyo.
As we cruise through the beautiful Izu islands and into Tokyo Bay, we can relax, enjoy the scenery, or keep the party going!
Preparing for Your Dolphin Adventure
Full-length wetsuits, snorkel & mask, swim fins, and boots are required for this trip. You can bring your own, or rent them on the island for a small fee.
It’s important to have experience snorkeling in open water to participate in this trip. If you are a beginner, you can take part in a training session on the island prior to the dolphin swim.
The dolphin swim part of the tour may be held on Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning, depending on weather and sea conditions.
A Trip You Won’t Forget
Our experienced guides will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, providing clear communication and taking care of all the details.
Even if you’ve never snorkeled before, don’t worry! A short beginner’s course will equip you with the skills you need to confidently enjoy your dolphin encounters.
The dolphin swim is a truly unforgettable experience, lasting about two hours.
Beyond the dolphins, you’ll have a chance to relax and have fun with your fellow travelers, enjoying a BBQ, games, and good company.
Our partners on the island are extremely helpful, especially for those who are new to snorkeling in the ocean. Even experienced swimmers will have a blast, as you can free dive with the dolphins!
The campsite has a beautiful beach right outside, and the surrounding reef is home to a variety of marine life, including turtles, parrot fish, and trumpet fish.
The guides are excellent at coordinating activities and keeping everyone informed. They are also amazing cooks, ensuring delicious meals and even creating ingenious tarps to keep everyone dry in case of rain.
This trip is truly special, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime. You’ll want to come back again and again!
Tips:
- Bring drinks and an extension cord for the boat ride.
- Pack a game for the campsite.
- Most importantly, bring your excitement for the adventure ahead!