This whole island is protected. Bring nothing on, take nothing out, stay on the path, are the main rules you need to follow.
This island is one of the places where sea turtles lay their eggs, and feels like all of the archipelago's boobies set up their nests here. you can find fluffy babies in the rocks, and teens and parents observing you from a distance.
From the top of the island, you can also spot the famous Heart Rock while taking in the unbelievably stunning surroundings.
The way to Minamijima - the South island - is already a lot of fun as it is. You will take a small boat to go there, that will take you around smaller, uninhabited islands, and you may even get lucky and spot sea turtles, dolphins or even whales depending in the season
By going to the top of the island, you can spot the famous Heart Rock while taking in the oh-so-blue sea all around you. You will also have a breathtaking view of the white sand beach and small creak in which you can take a dip and enjoy this very special place.
We were first blessed with the sight of an enormous sea turtle snacking in the distance while on our very first snorkeling morning. We thought we were incredibly lucky, but before we knew it, we were joined by another adult sea turtle on our boat ride to Minamijima, and even got the chance to see a baby turtle reach the sea and swim away.
Ogasawara also has a sea turtle rescue center, where you can go see them and feed them a bit of lettuce during snack time.
We talk a lot about the animal residents of the island, but vegetation must not be ignored. Many flowers, trees, bushes and various types of moss are endemic to the Ogasawara archipelago. Some of them even appearing on one or two islands only.
Varieties of fruits and vegetables are also native to the islands and made into ice cream, cookies and various sweets by local shops on Chichijima.