On Iriomote's northwestern tip, Star Sand Beach is a pocket-sized paradise with excellent snorkelling. The sand contains the same star-shaped protozoa skeletons found on Taketomi-jima, but here the real draw is what lies beyond the beach. If you're a competent swimmer and the sea is calm, make your way past the reef edge and the coral and tropical fish become spectacular — vibrant and largely untouched. It's one of those rare spots where the beauty above water is merely a preview of what's below.