Kayaking in Mangroves
Enjoy kayaking in the mangrove forests whenever you want! It’s a flexible tour you can easily book to fit your schedule of your trip on our island.
Come see the peaceful mangroves up close for yourself.
While paddling leisurely along the gentle currents of Urauchi River, you’ll have the chance to observe the mangroves up close and search for fish and other island creatures inhabiting them, as we aim for a tributary surrounded by mangroves.
Why not get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life to unwind, listening to the sounds of birds and paddling, drifting in the backdrop of the slowly changing scenery of mangroves?
★ For those new to kayaking: have no fear. We’ll give you a very simple tutorial on how to ride kayaks so that you can enjoy the experience without any problems.
If you’re looking to enjoy kayaking, “”Iriomote Island””, so abundant with nature, is a must-see!
Have you ever kayaked before? Kayaking is a popular activity among people of all ages regardless of gender. We’d like to introduce more details about the highly recommended “”kayaking in Iriomote Island””.
【 What kind of activity is kayaking?!】
The kayaks used to play in the mangrove forests have wide open decks, so they are made to be small yet stable. It’s possible to lie down and relax while enjoying the scenery or even do some fishing on-board. We paddle kayaks using “”double-bladed paddles””, or paddles with blades on both sides of the handle, to move straight or change direction.
【Why is Kayaking So Popular in Iriomote Island?!】
Do you know what kind of place Iriomote Island is? Iriomote Island is located west of the main island of Okinawa. With a subtropical climate, it stays temperate all year round, with about 19℃ even in winter. It is well-known as an island of mangroves abundant with nature. In fact, the biggest mangrove forest in Japan resides in Iriomote Island. It is unique, being the only place where all the various species of mangroves found in Japan can be found in a single forest. Even rare species growing exclusively in Iriomote Island exist! Kayaking in our precious island features kayaking among mangroves – an exquisite rarity in Japan. By exploring the island on a kayak, expect to encounter flora and fauna that reside only in subtropical regions. So why is Iriomote Island so popular, you ask? All the nature adventures you can’t experience on just some ordinary island hold the key.
【Tell Me About the Joy of Kayaking on Iriomote Island!!】
• Nature adventures you just can’t experience in everyday life!
When you gaze at the rich panorama of the nature spreading all around from the mangrove river, you can experience firsthand the vitality of nature you just can’t get a taste of living day-to-day. Imagine listening to the sounds of the river and animals living in their natural habitat, surrounded by plants…all elements sure to help you fully experience the splendor of nature. Take your time soaking up the nature all around you with your 5 senses, immersing yourself in a world you simply can’t experience in your daily life.
• It’s a great way to get in touch with nature!
Compared to other outdoor sports, kayaking is an activity even beginners can enjoy while sitting back and enjoying the nature at a leisurely pace. Have a blast paddling in the great outdoors through the mangrove forest with your own two hands (arms). You get to take your time observing the world of mangroves for a satisfying nature-watching experience. Another merit of kayaking? It’s a relaxing activity full of surprise discoveries and pleasant encounters.
Summary of Kayaking Tours in the Mangroves
Kayaking in Iriomote Island is one rank, or even two ranks up from ordinary kayaking experiences. It’s a great way to experience an extraordinary world you just don’t get to in our daily lives. Come learn how fun being in nature can be. If you are looking for a new kayaking experience, or want to try out kayaking for the first time, why not come explore the subtropical mangroves with us on Iriomote Island?
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Recommended Period
All Year Long
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Tour Schedule
Duration: About 2.5 Hours
Time: from 8:00 AM to about 2 hours before sunset -
Number of Participants
At least 1 person
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Suitable Age
Over 5 years old
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Fee
Adult ¥8,000 (¥16,000 for single participants)
Child ¥7,000
Toddler ¥6,000
※Price Includes
Kayak equipment (kayak, paddle, life jacket), canoe shoes※, waterproof bag, transportation
※Canoe shoes are only available in the following 3 sizes: S, M, and L. Only available upon request. -
What to Wear・What to Bring
Kayaking in Mangroves at Sunset
A Kayaking Tour to Enjoy the Mangroves at Sunset
Kayaking leisurely along the Urauchi River, known for its gentle currents, we spend a quiet evening reveling in the dreamlike sky slowly moving towards night, in the backdrop of mangroves.
★ For those new to kayaking: have no fear. We’ll give you a very simple tutorial on how to ride kayaks so that you can enjoy the experience without any problems.
【””Iriomote’s Kayaking””: Kayaking You Can Enjoy Even From Sunset】
The image many of you may have of kayaking might be kayaking during the daytime while it’s still light out to fully enjoy the nature. In reality, you can enjoy “”kayaking during sunset”” in Iriomote Island. Of course, you can also kayak to your heart’s content during the daytime. And there’s fun in that, as well. But, kayaking from sunset into the evening has its own special charm you can only experience during this time of the day.
• What’s so fun about kayaking in the mangroves at sunset?
①【Watching the Mangrove Illuminated by Sunset!】
Mangrove forests are overflowing with natural sources of negative ions. You can enjoy a leisurely “”walk on water”” with the sunset gently illuminating the great outdoors. Kayaking during sunset in Iriomote Island feels like you’ve entered an alternative universe of dreamy paintings in gorgeous, vivid colors unfolding right before your eyes. Time flows at a pace different from the daytime, here.
②【Enjoy the Sunset!】
When you kayak from sunset in Iriomote Island, you can enjoy panoramic views of nature lit by sunset and moonlight. Moving from the mangrove forest towards the sea, you can watch the sunset from the perfect vantage point. The wind will gradually weaken come sunset, calming the surface of the river water into a mirror-like state. Watch as the sunset beautifully reflects off of such surface, giving you a great sense of the beauty of nature.
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Recommended Period
All Year Long
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Tour Schedule
Duration: About 90 Minutes
Tour Starting Time: about 1.5 hours before sunset -
Number of Participants
At least 1 person
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Suitable Age
Over 5 years old
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Fee
Adult ¥7,000 (¥14,000 for single participants)
Child ¥6,000
Toddler ¥5,000
※Price Includes
Kayak equipment (kayak, paddle, life jacket), canoe shoes※, waterproof bag, transportation
※Canoe shoes are only available in the following 3 sizes: S, M, and L. Only available upon request. -
What to Wear・What to Bring
Kayaking in Mangroves at Night
Would you like to challenge yourself to an ethereal kayaking tour through the mangrove forest at night? You just might get to encounter a Yaeyama flying fox or Ryukyu scops owl while paddling around.
You can observe such beautifully lit starry skies here in Iriomote Island that the island is even designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Especially in the summer, the rate of encountering clear night skies is high. Spend a romantic time gazing up at the starry sky. You just may even have a chance to see the Milky Way and shooting stars.
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Recommended Period
All Year Long
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Tour Schedule
Duration: About 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Tour Starting Time: about 30 minutes before sunset (may vary) -
Number of Participants
At least 1 person
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Suitable Age
Over 6 years old
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Fee
Adult ¥9,000 (¥18,000 for single participants)
Child ¥8,000
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What to Wear・What to Bring