A short boat ride to a sheltered reef where green sea turtles graze on seagrass in clear, warm water — led by a local dive shop, not a mass-market operator.
What to expect
After a gear fitting and safety briefing at the shop, a small boat takes you to a cove known for resident green turtles. Guides free-dive down to point out turtles resting or feeding, and you can spend long stretches quietly floating above them in visibility that regularly exceeds 15 meters. Between turtle sightings, the reef itself is worth exploring — soft corals and reef fish in shallow, calm water suited to all swimming levels. The operator also runs whale-watching in season and can tailor timing around ship arrival.
Good to know
Reserve directly by email or phone a few days ahead; tides affect turtle activity so ask which time slot the guide recommends. Bring reef-safe sunscreen — the shop enforces this.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Amami Oshima — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.