Ishigaki rewards divers who treat the manta / channel boat as the itinerary, not a side quest.

Use JPFun Scuba · Okinawa pins for geography, then book a Yaeyama operator that matches season and experience.

Day 0 — Island settle

• Fly into Ishigaki; confirm tomorrow’s briefing and seasickness plan.
• Early sleep — channel mornings start early.

Day 1 — Primary boat

• Trust the shop’s site rotation; mantas are not guaranteed every tank.
• Log conservatively; save energy for day 2 if conditions stack.

Day 2 — Second chance or island soft day

• Another boat if weather and nitrogen plan allow.
• Cancel day: island food, light beach — not a forced shore dive in surge.

Day 3 — Fly buffer

• Respect no-fly intervals. Build the route so you are not racing the airport.

Route rule

Do not mix Ishigaki and a Kerama day-boat from Naha in one short trip — pick one island plan.