Manta ray · Japan
Where to see manta rays in Japan
About this list
A common trap when looking for places to see manta rays in Japan is a trip sold as if the sighting were certain. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the manta ray as a target species, 5 of them. Places that only mention a chance sighting are left out. Regions on record: Ishigaki & Yaeyama and Kerama & Zamami. Encounters are split into snorkeling, scuba diving and boat-based watching. Two "manta ray tours" can differ completely in rules and price when one watches from the boat and the other puts you in the water. All 5 operators on this list publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare them directly. Estimated prices are not shown. The manta ray season in Japan is year-round, according to Ishigaki Island Diving Tours (tour booking site, Ishigaki) (checked Sep 14, 2026). The source singles out Jun–Oct. Manta rays can be seen at Ishigaki Island all year, but most encounters are from June to October. No operator can guarantee a wildlife sighting, and rules on approach distance and in-water permits differ by country.
Manta ray season in Japan
Year-round
- JanJanuary: in season
- FebFebruary: in season
- MarMarch: in season
- AprApril: in season
- MayMay: in season
- JunJune: in season, singled out
- JulJuly: in season, singled out
- AugAugust: in season, singled out
- SepSeptember: in season, singled out
- OctOctober: in season, singled out
- NovNovember: in season
- DecDecember: in season
Months the source singles out: Jun–Oct
Manta rays can be seen at Ishigaki Island all year, but most encounters are from June to October.
Source: Ishigaki Island Diving Tours (tour booking site, Ishigaki) · A Guide to Manta Ray Diving & Snorkeling on Ishigaki Island · checked Sep 14, 2026
5 listed operators
Japan · Ishigaki & Yaeyama
Aqua Color’s
Scuba divingSnorkelingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- ¥15,000
- Checked
- Official website
Japan · Ishigaki & Yaeyama
Blue Dive Ishigaki
Scuba divingSnorkelingFamily & kids- Season
- Ask the operator
- Price
- ¥10,000
- Checked
- Needs checking
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Japan · Ishigaki & Yaeyama
Ishigaki Island Sunset Beach
Scuba divingSnorkelingBeach & water play- Season
- Ask the operator
- Price
- Adults from ¥9,800
- Checked
- Needs checking
Japan · Ishigaki & Yaeyama
Manta Holic
Scuba divingSnorkelingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- ¥15,000 (tax included)
- Checked
- Official source
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Japan · Kerama & Zamami
Diving Team Ushio
Scuba divingSnorkelingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Jan–Mar
- Price
- ¥15,400
- Checked
- Official source
Manta ray season
Manta rays in other countries
Other marine life in Japan
Activities in Japan
Frequently asked questions
Where can you see manta rays in Japan?
5 operators name the manta ray as a target species. Main regions: Ishigaki & Yaeyama and Kerama & Zamami.
Do you have to get in the water to see manta rays?
Formats on record: snorkeling, scuba diving and boat-based watching. Boat-based watching stays on the boat; snorkeling, swimming and freediving put you in the water. Some countries ban getting in the water altogether, so check the format in the program details.
When is manta ray season?
The manta ray season in Japan is year-round, according to Ishigaki Island Diving Tours (tour booking site, Ishigaki) (checked Sep 14, 2026). The source singles out Jun–Oct. Manta rays can be seen at Ishigaki Island all year, but most encounters are from June to October.
Will I definitely see them?
No. Manta rays are wild animals, and whether you meet them depends on their movements and the sea. Maptlantis does not use wording that promises a sighting, and cancellation and refund terms follow each operator's policy.