Introducing Barrier-Free Marine Sports, Beaches, and Ocean Leisure Activities Enjoyable for People with Disabilities

There are plenty of marine sports and leisure activities that wheelchair users can enjoy at the sea and beach.

This time, we will introduce barrier-free marine sports, beaches, and sea leisure activities that wheelchair users can enjoy.

At Ayumi, we have previously introduced "5 Barrier-Free Beaches Nationwide! ~Enjoy the Sea to the Fullest~" in past articles, so if you're interested, please read the article from

1. Can wheelchair users enjoy marine sports and beach activities?

There are many places nationwide where wheelchair users can enjoy marine sports and beach activities. All these facilities have various innovations and ideas to create a space where people with disabilities can enjoy themselves with peace of mind.

In the summer, people with disabilities from all over the country visit these facilities, and many repeat visitors are delighted with their experiences.

2. Barrier-free specialized facility for enjoying marine sports: "Zero Gravity"

Zero Gravity is a specialized facility in Amami Oshima, Kagoshima Prefecture, where people with disabilities can enjoy marine sports with peace of mind.

Created by the owner with the desire for "wheelchair users to enjoy the sensation of floating while diving," Zero Gravity offers a safe, barrier-free design where users can experience diving, snorkeling, SUP, banana boating, and other marine sports, attracting many users each year.

Not only in summer, but whale watching is also conducted from January to March, allowing you to experience the precious moment of seeing whales up close.

In the facility's pool, you can not only play but also practice diving and snorkeling before heading to the sea. At night, the pool is lit up, allowing you to enjoy a different atmosphere.

Activities come with dedicated staff and instructors who provide careful guidance, so even first-timers can enjoy themselves with confidence.

Additionally, Zero Gravity also has an accommodation facility, allowing you to fully enjoy the sea of Amami Oshima at your leisure. Besides activities, there is also cruising, making it a facility where you can enjoy both above and below the sea.

Reference: Amami Oshima Zero Gravity "Shimizu Villa"

3. Enjoy swimming even in a wheelchair at "Universal Beach"

So far, we have introduced facilities where wheelchair users and people with disabilities can enjoy themselves with peace of mind. Now, we will introduce Universal Beaches where wheelchair users and people with disabilities can enjoy themselves.

We will explain in detail where they are and how you can enjoy the beach and nature, so please take a look.

3-1. What is a Universal Beach?

Many wheelchair users and people with disabilities, as well as their families, give up going to the sea due to concerns such as wheels getting stuck in the sand or not being able to enter the sea safely.

Universal Beaches are beaches that have been made barrier-free so that not only wheelchair users but also the elderly and families with small children can enjoy swimming, allowing everyone to have a great time.

For example, by laying a long sheet called a beach mat on the sand, wheelchair users and those with small children in strollers can move over it.

Additionally, there are amphibious outdoor wheelchairs called Hippocampe, allowing you to enjoy entering the sea.

Universal Beaches also have changing rooms and multipurpose toilets that can be used for free by people with disabilities, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience.

3-2. Are there Universal Beaches in 24 prefectures nationwide?

Universal Beaches are spreading across Japan. As of August 2022, they have been introduced at 30 beaches in 24 prefectures, making them accessible in more than half of the prefectures nationwide and becoming more familiar spots.

However, there are many challenges to introducing Universal Beaches, such as the cost of preparing beach mats and amphibious wheelchairs and the difficulty of ensuring safety due to the relatively low number of lifeguards on duty in Japan compared to Western countries.

Facing these challenges, the NPO Suma Universal Beach Project is working on introducing Universal Beaches. They partially cover the introduction costs and aim to expand the universalization of beaches nationwide.

Reference: Addressing the Challenge of "Introduction Costs" for Barrier-Free Beaches: Partial Coverage to Start the "Universal Beach Plan" Nationwide｜PR TIMES

4. Enjoy the Okinawan sea and stunning views from the sky with "Motor Paragliding"

Paragliding, where you can enjoy the feeling of freedom as you ride the wind over the sea, is a popular activity in Okinawa.

Motor paragliding, a sky sport where you can fly from flat ground with a propeller-equipped engine on your back, allows wheelchair users to fly using specialized equipment.

When a wheelchair user takes off with a paraglider, the pilot assists with the transfer and flies together with the user. They provide support to ensure safe flying at all times, allowing you to enjoy the experience with peace of mind. Motor paragliding is a perfect activity to enjoy a panoramic view of Okinawa's sea and beaches, so why not savor the beautiful scenery from the sky?

Reference: Blue Sky Okinawa｜Sky Sports Planning Blue Sky

5. Points to consider when enjoying marine sports and beaches

There are a few points to consider when enjoying marine sports and beaches in a wheelchair.

・Confirm with the facility in advance
・Maintain good health
・Take sun protection measures
・Do not overexert yourself

While marine sports and beaches are fun, they also come with risks. Make sure to confirm with the facility in advance if it is accessible for wheelchair users, and ensure you are in good health before enjoying the activities.

Also, take sun protection measures, and if you feel even slightly unwell, do not push yourself.

6. In conclusion

As we approach the peak of summer, the season for fully enjoying the sea and beaches to escape the heat is upon us. We hope that the facilities and barrier-free beaches and activities we introduced that are accessible for wheelchair users will help you enjoy the summer to the fullest.

Finding a hotel or inn for after enjoying marine sports is also important. Toyoko INN's Heartful Room is a hotel with comprehensive barrier-free measures available nationwide. We hope you have a comfortable time by checking out

We hope you have a great time playing at the sea and beach and create wonderful memories.