Manta Scramble
Quick Facts
- Location
- Japan, Okinawa
- Category
- Beach & Island
- Duration
- Half a day, 3-4 hours
- Opening Hours
- Daily 依海况与船期 · A dive site, not a land attraction: reach it by boat with a local operator; seas are calmer Apr-Nov, northerly winds from November often cancel trips, typhoons peak Jul-Sep
- Ticket Price
- {"note": "No entrance fee; divers pay a boat-trip package, commonly from JPY 19,800 for a half day with two dives"}
- Address
- Off Ishizaki, Kabira, Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan
- Coordinates
- 24.4500, 124.1800
Introduction
Manta Scramble lies off Ishizaki in north-western Ishigaki and is Japan's best-known manta dive site, one of the few places where reef mantas can be seen almost year-round. At only 10-15 metres with a mild to moderate current, its sandy bottom holds coral patches and cleaning stations where small fish pick parasites off the rays; the mantas circle repeatedly, and on a good day a dozen or more with wingspans of several metres pass overhead. Because it is shallow, snorkellers can meet them too, making this a rare manta site open to beginners and families. Encounter rates peak from July to October, with courtship behaviour in September and October; mornings from 8 to 11 bring the calmest water and visibility often above 20 metres. There is no gate or ticket: everything depends on a dive shop's boat schedule and the sea. Do not touch, chase or block the cleaning stations, and keep three to five metres away.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
Opening Hours
| Monday | 依海况与船期 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 依海况与船期 |
| Wednesday | 依海况与船期 |
| Thursday | 依海况与船期 |
| Friday | 依海况与船期 |
| Saturday | 依海况与船期 |
| Sunday | 依海况与船期 |
A dive site, not a land attraction: reach it by boat with a local operator; seas are calmer Apr-Nov, northerly winds from November often cancel trips, typhoons peak Jul-Sep
Transportation
Bus from Ishigaki Port to Kabira Bay, then a shop transfer
Kabira Bay parking or Ishizaki beach
Scuba needs Open Water; snorkelling needs none, but still by boat
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Manta Scramble?
Monday: 依海况与船期; Tuesday: 依海况与船期; Wednesday: 依海况与船期; Thursday: 依海况与船期; Friday: 依海况与船期; Saturday: 依海况与船期; Sunday: 依海况与船期; A dive site, not a land attraction: reach it by boat with a local operator; seas are calmer Apr-Nov, northerly winds from November often cancel trips, typhoons peak Jul-Sep
How much is the admission for Manta Scramble?
{"note": "No entrance fee; divers pay a boat-trip package, commonly from JPY 19,800 for a half day with two dives"}
How long should I spend at Manta Scramble?
A typical visit takes Half a day, 3-4 hours.
How do I get to Manta Scramble?
Bus: Bus from Ishigaki Port to Kabira Bay, then a shop transfer; Driving/Parking: Kabira Bay parking or Ishizaki beach
