11 popular local tours of Iriomote Island!
Iriomote Island attracts many tourists as a remote island where even adults can fully enjoy. You can enjoy sightseeing by making your own plans, but you can feel the charm of Iriomote Island even more by taking a local tour. This time, we will introduce 11 popular local tours in Iriomote Island.
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What is Iriomote Island?
Iriomote Island is an island surrounded by nature and the sea in the southwestern part of Okinawa. It takes about 40 to 50 minutes by ferry from nearby Ishigaki Island.
The beautiful clear waters are perfect for swimming as well as diving. The island is also home to many tropical creatures and plants, such as the Iriomote wild cat, and you can enjoy the unique scenery of a tropical island. When you come to Iriomote Island, it is recommended to join a local tour with plenty of knowledge that only a local guide can provide.
11 Popular Local Tours in Iriomote Island
snorkeling
Around Iriomote Island, there are about 400 kinds of coral reefs. By snorkeling, you can view beautiful coral reefs. Of course, we provide rental equipment for snorkeling tours so that you can experience it easily. Instructors also explain how to swim, so even those who have never tried snorkeling before can easily participate.
There are several snorkeling spots in Iriomote Island, and each spot has its own charm. Some tours are designed for children so that the whole family can enjoy snorkeling together. However, be sure to take precautions against sunburn, as the environment is more prone to sunburn than that of the mainland.
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Barasu Island, the Island of Miracles
There is a small island called Barasu Island floating offshore of Iriomote Island. You can actually visit the island, and it takes about 10 minutes by boat. The reason why it is called "Miracle Island" is because the atmosphere of the island changes depending on the tide and time of day.
During the day, you can dive into the sparkling ocean, enjoy leisurely fishing, and many other activities. The staff will cook the fish you catch on the spot, allowing you to taste the freshness of the fish. Meanwhile, at sunset, as the sun goes down, the sea glows orange and you can clearly see the sunset. The sunset is especially romantic because there is nothing to block the view. It is also a great opportunity for photography.
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SUP Tour
SUP stands for stand-up paddle surfing. While surfing may sound like it requires a lot of practice, SUP involves standing on a stable board and using a paddle to leisurely move through the ocean or river. Therefore, it is an activity that anyone can easily enjoy. In Iriomote Island, SUP can be experienced not only in the clear ocean but also in the lush green mangroves. It is an activity that can be enjoyed at any time of the year, regardless of the season, which is also an attractive point.
SUP Yoga, a combination of SUP and yoga, is also popular. Maintaining balance in nature while performing yoga poses uses the entire body, making it a great core training workout. Therefore, it is a perfect core training.
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kayak
For those who want to enjoy nature in a more relaxed manner, a kayak tour is recommended. It is popular as a standard activity in Iriomote Island, and you can enjoy the nature of mangroves leisurely while paddling.
Since up to two people can be on board at a time, it is easy to enjoy the tour with children or a favorite person. Safety is also emphasized in the tours, as stable canoes are used and rivers with calm currents are chosen. Of course, you can rent everything, including equipment, so you can join a tour empty-handed.
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Night Tour
Iriomote Island is attractive not only during the daytime but also at night, and you can experience the beauty of Iriomote Island at night during the one-hour night tour. During the tour, you can see various nocturnal creatures, among which coconut crabs are definitely worth checking out. Designated as an endangered species, they stay in their nests during the daytime, but come out to feed when the sun goes down.
In addition, you can take a peek at the spawning grounds of sea turtles, gaze at the starry sky that cannot be seen in the city, and enjoy the spots recommended by the nature guides. If you are lucky, you may even see shooting stars or fireflies.
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diving
Iriomote Island is a very suitable diving spot because of its beautiful ocean and numerous colorful fish. Therefore, this activity is so popular that tourists not only from Japan but also from overseas visit the island. The warmer sea compared to that around Honshu Island makes it possible to dive regardless of the season. The underwater is also crystal clear, so you can clearly catch glimpses of clownfish, sea turtles, manta rays, and other life forms.
When you hear the word "diving," you may think that you need a diving license, but there are also diving tours that beginners can enjoy without a license. Instructors teach you gently, so it is recommended to try diving during sightseeing in Iriomote Island.
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trekking tour
Trekking tours on Iriomote Island make you feel like an adventurer. Most of the island is covered with subtropical virgin forest, and you can enjoy nature with both your eyes and ears, from the sounds of living creatures to the wind shaking the trees. Some of the tours include visits to waterfalls, limestone caves, and other sights that have been created over a long period of time. Both of these spots are cool, making them perfect for the hot summer months.
Since the tour proceeds with a guide who lives on Iriomote Island, you can not only see but also learn about nature. There are also tours that include both trekking and snorkeling, so you can join the tour according to your own plan.
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Yubu Island Sightseeing
Yubu Island, located near Iriomote Island, is so small that you can visit the island in about one hour, but it has charms that are as attractive as those of Iriomote Island. First of all, when you go from Iriomote Island to Yubu Island, you will take a buffalo car. In the car, detailed information about Yubu Island and songs using sanshin (Okinawan traditional three-stringed instrument) are provided to make your travel time enjoyable. A popular spot for sightseeing on Yubu Island is the botanical garden. Colorful subtropical plants are grown in the garden, including boukenvillea and palm trees.
When you want to join a tour for sightseeing in Yubu Island, we recommend that you choose a tour that includes SUP and snorkeling.
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limestone caves & waterfalls
For the curious, we recommend tours that include limestone caves and playing with waterfalls. The limestone caves, formed over a long period of time, are cool and refreshing, making them a perfect spot to visit during the hot summer months. Since the tour explores two different types of limestone caves, you will feel as if you are opening up an unknown world.
On the other hand, Iriomote Island is dotted with a number of waterfalls, from Pinaisara Falls, which has the highest drop in the prefecture, to Koola Falls, which is known only to locals, etc. Each person can enjoy different ways of taking pictures that will be popular on SNS or playing in the water with children.
Seasonal Activities
Some of the activities that can be enjoyed on Iriomote Island are seasonal. For example, from February to May, a tour to see the fantastic sight of Yaeyama fireflies is available. Later, from May to July, visitors can join a tour to view the sagaribana, which bloom and fall in a single night. Both of these tours are valuable and limited in time, but can be enjoyed alone or with the family.
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canyoning
Canyoning is an activity in which one descends from the top of a canyon to the bottom. Of course, it is not just a descent, but a number of fun activities are provided, such as diving into a waterfall basin or sliding on a slide created by nature. Before canyoning, the guide will give you a lecture on precautions to take in case of any accidents. You can also rent safety equipment such as helmets and life jackets.
Tours are available from full-day tours to easy half-day tours, so consider your physical condition and stamina when participating.
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summary
How was it? Local tours are very popular in Iriomote Island, which has great nature. Please join a local tour when you visit Iriomote Island.
All the fun in Iriomote Island is here↓.
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