While some islands are now reachable by plane or are connected to the mainland with a bridge, ferries remain the only way to reach some of the most beautiful and amazing islands, hidden beaches, or other seaside destinations. Larger and slower car ferries carry vehicles and passengers around the world, but in certain cases, you will need to opt for a smaller yet faster express high speedboat or catamaran to reach your destination. While the latter does save you time, caution should be taken if you are prone to seasickness. When the sea is, rough high-speed boats which actually cut the waves are a better option than catamarans that ride the waves instead hence turning your journey into a rock-and-roll trip. To prevent or beat motion sickness, we recommend taking a special medication – consult your doctor prior to the journey. While on board, grab a seat on an open-air deck wherever possible.
Ferry trips offered by Yaeyama Kanko Ferry can be booked online – in an easy and hassle-free manner, without wasting your time visiting the booking office.
Here is a list of some of the main piers you can reach with Yaeyama Kanko Ferry ferries. Check the complete station guide before you go:
The most popular shipping routes covered by Yaeyama Kanko Ferry include but are not limited to:
High-speed fast ferries always hit the hardest on your pocket. If you need to save money, check whether some slower options are available on your route – usually the rates are much more affordable. It is a rule of thumb to check the length of the trip before booking. On longer routes, the difference in travel time can be huge. Note that not all ticket fares or classes are always available on any route. During peak seasons it is a good idea to make your booking in advance as the availability of more expensive private cabins is often limited. Opting for walk-in tickets on the most popular routes during these periods can result in long waiting queues. Some destinations have more than one pier or different piers for different ferry companies hence goes the recommendation to check the pier you leave from/dock at before your trip. Leave enough time before the departure to find your boat and check in. These procedures may take up to a couple of hours on international routes. Last but not least, some piers impose their own ‘pier fee’ on all arriving passengers. This fee is normally not included in your ticket price – keep this in mind.