Kabira Bay: Turquoise Water and Green Islands in Okinawa
How to visit Kabira Bay on Ishigaki Island: glass-bottom boat rides, why you cannot swim there, the best viewpoint and getting there.
Quick answer
- What it is: a sheltered bay on the north coast of Ishigaki Island in Okinawa.
- Famous for: vivid turquoise water, white sand and small forested islands.
- Swimming: not allowed, because of boat traffic, currents and pearl farming.
- Time needed: 1 to 2 hours, including a glass-bottom boat ride.
- Best time: sunny days from April to October, around midday for the brightest colours.
Kabira Bay glows in layers of blue and green, with small islands rising from water so clear you can see the coral from the shore. It is one of the most beautiful places in Okinawa, and the view alone is worth the trip.
Why Kabira Bay is a wonder
The bay's colours come from its white coral sand and shallow water, which shift from pale aqua to deep blue as the depth changes.
Kabira Bay is part of Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. The calm water is also used to farm black pearls, which you can buy at shops near the beach.
Seeing beneath the surface
Since swimming is not allowed, the best way to see the coral and tropical fish is a glass-bottom boat. Rides last around 30 minutes, and you may spot sea turtles.
For the classic view, walk up to the small viewpoint near Kabira Park, where the islands are framed by trees.
Things to do
| Activity | What you see | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Kabira Park viewpoint | The classic view of the bay and islands | 15 minutes |
| Glass-bottom boat | Coral, tropical fish and sometimes turtles | 30 minutes |
| Beach walk | White sand along the edge of the bay | 30 minutes |
| Black pearl shops | Pearls farmed in the bay | 20 minutes |
| Sukuji Beach | A nearby beach where swimming is allowed | 1 hour or more |
When to go
- April to June: warm weather before the peak summer crowds.
- July to September: hot and busy, with a risk of typhoons.
- Midday: the sun brings out the brightest blues.
- Winter: mild and quiet, though colours are softer on cloudy days.
Our tip: Go swimming at nearby Sukuji Beach after seeing Kabira Bay. It is only a few minutes away and has calm, shallow water.
Getting there
- To Ishigaki: direct flights from Tokyo take around 3 to 3.5 hours, and from Naha about 1 hour.
- To Kabira Bay: buses from the Ishigaki bus terminal take around 40 minutes.
- By car: renting a car is the easiest way to explore the island.
Protecting the bay
- Do not swim in Kabira Bay. It is prohibited for safety and to protect the pearl farms.
- Do not touch or stand on coral.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen when swimming at nearby beaches.
- Take all rubbish with you.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Kabira Bay?
No. Swimming is not allowed because of boat traffic, currents and pearl farming. Try Sukuji Beach nearby instead.
How long is the glass-bottom boat ride?
Around 30 minutes.
How do you get to Kabira Bay?
Take a bus from the Ishigaki bus terminal, about 40 minutes, or drive.
When is the best time to visit Kabira Bay?
Sunny days from April to October, around midday for the brightest colours.
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