A Unique Semi-Submersible Experience
The highlight of Amanbo is its underwater observation cabin. When the boat reaches an observation area, passengers descend a staircase from the deck into the cabin, where a fascinating underwater world appears beyond the large viewing windows.
The waters around Ama Town are known as one of the notable diving areas along the Sea of Japan. The clear water supports a rich variety of marine life, creating the feeling of looking into a natural aquarium.
Depending on conditions, visitors may see schools of black sea bream, striped beakfish, red sea bream, yellowtail, damselfish, and many other fish swimming around the boat. Seaweed sways gently in the current, creating an atmospheric underwater landscape.
The experience can feel like taking a walk beneath the sea, and it is sometimes compared to a journey into the legendary underwater palace of Ryugu-jo. Children are naturally fascinated by the fish and underwater scenery, while adults can enjoy the experience just as much.
See the Famous Saburo-iwa Rocks Up Close
The cruise also takes passengers close to Saburo-iwa Rocks, one of Ama Town’s most recognizable natural landmarks. Three enormous rocks rise from the sea, creating an impressive scene that has become a symbol of the local landscape.
From the open deck, passengers can feel the sea breeze while taking in the expansive scenery of the Dozen Caldera and the intricate coastline. Emerald-green water, rugged rock formations, and green-covered islands combine to create a spectacular landscape characteristic of the Oki Islands.
If you are lucky, you may also spot flying fish skimming across the surface of the sea or cattle grazing along the coastal landscape. These encounters add to the feeling of being immersed in the natural environment of a remote Japanese island.
An Enjoyable Cruise for Families
Amanbo cruises last approximately 50 minutes, making them an easy activity to include in a family itinerary. The boat has benches with tables where passengers can sit comfortably while enjoying the scenery, making it suitable even for young children who may be taking a sightseeing boat for the first time.
Guides also provide explanations about the fish, seaweed, and natural environment of the Oki Islands. Rather than simply looking through the windows, passengers can learn about what they are seeing as the cruise progresses.
Near the end of some cruises, the captain may feed the fish. When the fish suddenly gather around the boat, the scene can become surprisingly lively, with large numbers of fish swimming energetically through the water right outside the viewing windows.
A Magical Night Cruise
Amanbo also offers a fascinating night cruise, when the character of the sea changes completely. At night, marine plankton known as bioluminescent plankton can produce flashes of light when disturbed.
As the boat moves through the darkness, blue-white points of light may appear in the water, creating an extraordinary scene that resembles a star-filled night sky beneath the surface.
Normally, observing such a phenomenon beneath the sea would require diving. Amanbo provides an opportunity to experience this mysterious natural display from the comfort of a sightseeing boat.
The darkness, quiet sea, and shimmering lights create an especially atmospheric experience that is quite different from the daytime cruise. The night cruise can be enjoyed by families as well as couples and groups of friends looking for a memorable evening activity.
A Journey into the Natural World of the Oki Islands
Amanbo is more than a sightseeing boat. It also provides an opportunity to learn about and experience the natural environment, geology, and marine ecosystem of the Oki Islands.
The Oki Islands were shaped by extensive volcanic activity, creating distinctive geological formations and a complex coastline. Ocean currents and varied coastal environments support a remarkable diversity of marine life.
Through the boat’s underwater windows, visitors can observe seaweed forests, rocky seabeds, and schools of fish in their natural environment. Seeing this underwater landscape directly can provide a deeper appreciation of the rich marine ecosystem surrounding the islands.
For travelers accustomed to life in the city, the chance to look beneath the surface of the sea while surrounded by open ocean and island scenery can become one of the most memorable experiences of a trip to Oki.
Using the Amanbo Sightseeing Boat
Amanbo departs from Hishiura Port. Registration is available at the Ama Town Tourism Association office located close to the port, making it easy to include the cruise in a day of sightseeing.
Regular sightseeing cruises generally operate with a minimum of two passengers, while night cruises generally require a minimum of five passengers. Operations and schedules may change depending on weather and sea conditions, so checking the latest information before your visit is recommended.
Access
Transportation: A short walk from Hishiura Port.
Parking: Free parking is available at Hishiura Port.
An Unforgettable Underwater Adventure in Ama Town
Underwater Observation Boat “Amanbo” offers a rare opportunity to experience the sea of Ama Town from both above and below the water. Clear waters, schools of colorful fish, underwater seaweed forests, and the dramatic Saburo-iwa Rocks reveal the extraordinary natural beauty of the Oki Islands from a unique perspective.
A daytime cruise offers refreshing views of the sea and islands, while a night cruise can reveal the mysterious glow of bioluminescent plankton beneath the boat. Each offers a different way to experience the same remarkable marine environment.
When visiting Ama Town, step aboard Amanbo and discover the fascinating underwater world surrounding the Oki Islands without ever having to put on diving equipment.