Spring Fun & Recommended Activities on Mizuna Island

springtime mating of sailors (haiku term)

Many people think of cherry blossoms when they think of spring.

Cherry blossom season in Okinawa peaks from January to February, when a variety known as hikanzakura (scarlet cherry blossoms) are in full bloom.

And the spring season, from March to May, is a popular time for those who do not like the heat, as the weather is more comfortable.

Let us introduce you to such a pleasant spring on Mizuna Island.

 

Spring weather, temperature, water temperature, and precautions

The average temperature in April is 21.4 degrees Celsius, so it is safe to wear short sleeves during the day.

It is not uncommon for the heat to reach 25 degrees Celsius or higher, making it truly the first summer of the year.

The weather is relatively stable and there is not much precipitation, but when cold air arrives, the pressure troughs can cause heavy rainfall.

Evening squalls can occur, so you may want to bring a folding umbrella.

The water temperature will be around 22 degrees Celsius, and the opening of the sea will begin in mid-March or later in many areas.

Many people enjoy swimming in the sea and scuba diving, but since the water temperature is still low and you will get cold after being in the water for a long time, it is a good idea to have a wet suit.

Because the temperature is not that high, it is easy to neglect UV countermeasures, but in fact, UV rays in Okinawa have already become stronger this season.

Therefore, please take UV protection even on cloudy days.

Some people may worry about typhoons when it comes to Okinawa, but rest assured that typhoons rarely hit the island until around May due to the low sea water temperature.

 

Advantages of Traveling in Spring

The advantage of traveling during this time of year is the pleasant climate and the lively blooming of hibiscus and other tropical plants, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the bounty of nature.

And since whale watching ends in early April, be sure to visit at this time if you want to see humpback whales.

Also, the peak tourist season is from July to September, so by visiting in the spring, when there are relatively few tourists, you should be able to do a variety of activities as you wish.

 

Spring Fun

If you visit Mizuna Island in the spring, try strolling the streets wearing a Kariyushi.

Houses have wide frontage and are often open on all sides to create air circulation.

Many shisa are placed on the roofs, so be sure to walk around and look at those areas as well.

Many open-air cafes exist in Okinawa, including on Mizuna Island.

If you visit in summer, the heat will make you want to go to an air-conditioned place, but in spring, you can sit on the terrace and talk to your friends to your heart's content while drinking tropical fruit juice or Orion beer.

And since it is surrounded by the sea, you will feel the sea breeze from the ocean.

 

Recommended activities to enjoy in spring

Because this is the time of year when there are few tourists, you will be able to enjoy the activities to your heart's content.

In summer, many tours are organized at popular beaches and tourist spots, and the time slots overlap, making it difficult to relax and enjoy yourself.

On the other hand, we do offer tours in the spring as well, but not many people participate.

Since the locals are so busy visiting the nearby beaches and ocean, you can take a lot of pictures and visit places that only locals can go.

Now, I would like to show you what kind of activities are available.

 

snorkeling

Many people think that diving in the ocean requires extensive preparation.

However, if you are snorkeling, you can see beautifully colored fish up close simply by putting on underwater glasses and placing your face in the water.

And since many of the beaches on Mizuna Island have shallow waters, children and adults alike can enjoy the island safely.

You can also swim faster and a little farther if you wear fins, which are your foot fins.

If you are new to wearing fins, it may take some getting used to at first.

But once you get used to it, you will never forget the exhilarating feeling of being able to swim as if you were a fish.

 

Recommendations

Mizuna Beach is probably the safest place to go snorkeling on Mizuna Island.

Since it is a bathing beach, there are also lifeguards on duty.

There are free showers, toilets, changing rooms, and a store, so you will not be inconvenienced.

If you have snorkeling experience, Konan Beach and Nishi no Hama Beach are also recommended.

Nishi no Hama Beach is on the opposite side of the beach from Seagull Rock Beach, but it is almost completely deserted, giving it the feel of being a private beach.

However, it may be a bit dangerous for children to go there alone, as there are a few rocky areas.

Konan Beach is located just off the ship at Suina Harbor, so it can be enjoyed immediately.

Life jackets are also available for rent, especially if you have children.

 

diving

I am sure you all have many things you are looking for in a trip.

There is no end to the list of healing, stimulation, and stress relief, but the appeal of diving can be summed up in one word: a sense of the extraordinary.

There is a world at the bottom of the ocean where humans do not exist, and observing the creatures that live there provides an experience that is not normally possible.

You will also feel as if you are swimming but flying.

 

Recommendations

A spot called "Popeye" on the east side of Mizuna Island is recommended.

There are beautiful coral reefs in the shallows, and as you go offshore, you can see schools of small fish swimming in the water, and migratory fish chasing after them.

 

whale watching

Humpback whales return to the waters of Okinawa every winter to breed.

Whales can also be seen in nearby waters, so the chances of encountering them are quite high.

Humpback whales are so close to us that there are even tours that offer a full refund in case you don't see one.

 

Recommendations

There are many whale-watching tours available, and you can select one based on time and location.

They can often be seen off the coast of Mizuna Island and Sesoko Island, and the tour guides will explain where to find them.

 

SUP

The ability to float on the ocean for long periods of time is what makes SUP so popular.

Especially around Mizuna Island, there are many days with relatively calm waves, so you can ride with your children.

Taking two-shot photos with your children on the blue ocean will surely be a memory that will last a lifetime.

 

Recommendations

It can be done off the beaches located on both sides of Suina Harbor.

Since the entire island is not large, you can go around from there along the land, or you can go offshore and look at the coral reefs from directly above.

 

Canoe/Kayak

For those seeking speed, canoes and kayaks are recommended.

It is fun to compete with friends and family for the goal, especially since there are not that many people around this time of year.

Fishing gracefully while riding a kayak is also a good idea.

 

Recommendations

We recommend clear kayaks.

Because the bottom is crystal clear, you can feel as if you were a fish when you see brightly colored fish swimming just below you.

 

Recommended Sightseeing Spots on Mizuna Island

Mizuna Island has places that everyone knows about, as well as some hidden spots known only to repeat visitors and locals.

Here are some recommendations for places to visit.

 

Suina Beach

This beach is located near Suina Harbor.

It is famous as a safe beach with many people and few dangers.

 

Recommendations

Swimming is great, but how about a lively barbecue with family and friends under the blue sky?

Barbecues on the beach are available by advance reservation.

It is fun to "eat and swim," but be careful not to go into the ocean after drinking alcohol, as it can be dangerous.

 

Directions from Mizuna Port

It is just a short walk from the boat landing, so you will not get lost.

Walk towards the harbor pier as a landmark.

And if you look far out to sea, you can see Ie Island and Motobu Peninsula.

Beach below the lighthouse

One of the hole-in-the-wall beaches is the beach below the lighthouse.

You can find it by walking to the lighthouse.

If you have eaten too much Okinawan food and need a little exercise, why not take advantage of this long beach and try your hand at beach flags?

 

Recommendations

If the ocean is a bit too much for you, I recommend this beach.

The sandy beach is nice and sandy, and there are few people around, so you can spend your time relaxing.

 

Directions from Mizuna Port

Once you get off at Suina Harbor, proceed to the left and walk the rest of the way along the ocean.

You can walk straight through the bushes, but you may encounter dangerous creatures such as hubs, so we recommend that you go a little farther, but with the beautiful ocean at your side.

Seagull Rock Beach

On the other side of the island is another popular spot, Seagull Rock Beach.

 

Recommendations

This beach consists of sand and rocks, and when the tide is low, you can see fish and other animals stranded on the rocks.

And there are sometimes octopuses among the rocks.

If you take the time to observe the rocks one by one, you may come across unusual creatures.

I would recommend this place to anyone who wants to play on such a rocky shore.

 

Directions from Mizuna Port

Walk in the direction of the lighthouse and further on will be the beach at Seagull Rock.

There is often diving and other activities going on offshore, so if you are diving first, you can check the location from there.

Three tours recommended for spring

We would like to recommend three marine activity tours for spring.

 

Snorkeling at Mizuna Island! (No.604)

A very popular boat entry snorkeling plan where you can see colorful corals and fish!

Boat entry takes you directly to the point by boat, so you can enjoy a bit of a cruising sensation while snorkeling at your leisure.

 

Experience diving in Mizuna Island! (No.605)

With the support of your instructor, dive into a world of excitement!

Clear waters, beautiful corals, and vivid fish welcome you.

Boat entry allows you to dive directly to the dive site by boat, so you do not have to walk around with heavy equipment on your back.

 

Summer Only] Mizuna Island Swimming Free Plan (with parasol) (No.613)

Let's make your own original plan by combining your choice of different types of swimming at Mizuna Island!

Of course, you can apply for swimming only! We can make a plan according to your travel schedule.

 

summary

Many people may imagine summer when they think of Okinawa, but unlike in Honshu, it is no exaggeration to say that summer in Okinawa starts around April.

In addition, the climate is just right and there are still few tourists, so you can enjoy the area to the fullest.

Visit Mizuna Island to enjoy summer ahead of everyone else!

Thank you for taking the time to read this to the end.