20 half-day tours you can enjoy in Iriomote Island!

Hello everyone!

Iriomote Island, rich in nature, is full of various activities and popular tours are offered. In order to enjoy Iriomote Island in a limited time, we recommend you to take a half-day tour! Since you can participate only in the morning or afternoon, it is easy to arrange your schedule, so please use the half-day tour. This article introduces half-day tour in Iriomote Island.

 

Click here for ferry reservations to Iriomote Island.

 

20 Half-day Tour of Iriomote Island

1. Standard course! Canoe & Trekking AM course to Pinaisara Falls

This plan includes canoe cruising and trekking to Pinaisara Falls in the morning in refreshing Iriomote Island. This is the perfect tour to experience the great nature with your whole body! Pinaisara Falls is the largest waterfall in Okinawa with a drop of 55 meters, and it is very powerful when you see it up close. The scenery changes as you go from the mouth of the river near the sea to the mountain with more trees, which will stir your adventurous spirit.

On the jungle cruise, there is a spot where you can see the mangroves that surround both banks of the river, and as the cruise progresses, the view opens up to give you a panoramic view of the mangrove jungle. After the cruise, you can enjoy trekking to the waterfall, which is home to flora and fauna that can only be found on Iriomote Island. When you arrive at the waterfall, you will surely be impressed by the highest drop of the waterfall in Okinawa Prefecture. Shrimps and fish swim in the waterfall basin, and you can relax in the beautiful clear water.

Coffee, tea, and snacks are included in this course, so you can play in the waterfall basin again after replenishing your energy to your tired body!

 

2. Star gazing & jungle night tours to secret spots!

People tend to think that marine activities are generally enjoyed under the blue sky during the daytime in Iriomote Island, but in fact, nighttime activities are also full of attractions. The jungle at night is quiet and the sound of animals and leaves rustling in the wind is very atmospheric.

There are many nocturnal creatures that are not found on the mainland, and you can also see some rare species. The coconut crab is a typical example! The coconut crab is a large hermit crab with scissors so strong that they can snap off a branch. So, please do not approach them with your hands and only admire them!

While enjoying the nocturnal creatures such as coconut crabs, you can also enjoy the star-filled sky. The starry sky of Iriomote Island was the first starry sky protected area in Japan, and you can see a magnificent view. You can clearly see shooting stars and the Milky Way, so please feel the fantastic night of Iriomote Island.

 

3. Jungle trekking tours that children can easily enjoy!

Although this is a full-scale trekking tour in the jungle, the course takes about two hours round trip, so it is easy to join! The course is not strenuous and can be enjoyed by children and the elderly. During the trekking, you can see the modama tree that appeared in "Jack and the Beanstalk," a rare tree with a flat root plate, and a large leaf of the kuwazui potato that Totoro used as a rain umbrella.

 

4. Iriomotejima Island Experience Diving 1 Dive Course - No diving license required

There is experience diving in Iriomote Island in which you can participate without a diving license. In the sea around Iriomote Island, there is Ishinishi lagoon, the largest coral reef area in Japan, where you can observe more than 400 species of corals, tropical fishes, sea turtles, and other creatures. Of course, you can observe them by snorkeling, but diving allows you to dive for a longer time and go deeper, which increases the range of creatures you can observe!

You may be worried about whether or not you can breathe properly underwater, whether or not you can remove your ears, and whether or not you can clear your mask, but don't worry. You will be given a detailed lecture before diving and will be followed up by the instructor during the dive, so you can enjoy the dive without a license.

For those who do not have a diving license, one instructor is assigned for every two divers. At the beginning of the diving experience, you will learn the rudiments of snorkeling, such as how to swim and how to remove your ears, before moving on to diving. Each dive lasts only 30 to 40 minutes, so you can explore the underwater safely! The tour fee includes all the necessary equipment and towels for diving, so all you need is a change of clothes and a swimsuit.

You can see colorful fish and schools of fish with unusual shapes that you cannot see on the mainland, so please enjoy diving for as long as you like!

 

5. You can enjoy the beautiful ocean immediately after arrival at Iriomote Island! Fun Diving 1 course

The next diving courses introduced below are those requiring a license. If you have a license, you can dive to deeper depths than in the trial diving. This course is designed for those who are interested in diving in the shallow water, and is a great way to see creatures that cannot be seen in the shallow water, which makes diving even more appealing. This course includes one 60-minute dive in the afternoon, so it is recommended for those who want to have fun as soon as you arrive at Iriomote Island.

The area around Iriomote Island is one of the best diving spots in Japan in terms of transparency of the sea, variety of fish, and quality of coral reefs. Not only corals and fishes, but also dynamic underwater topography can be explored and you can enjoy diving in a wide range of depths! You may also see schools of large fish and deep-sea fish, which are not easily seen in experience diving.

 

6. Canoeing & Trekking & Waterfall Play - PM Course

Iriomote Island is the Galapagos of the East, where 901 tp3t of the island is covered by jungle. This plan allows you to enjoy such a great nature that is listed as a candidate for registration as a World Natural Heritage site! You will go canoe cruising & trekking to the waterfall.

First, we will pick you up at Uehara Port or the hotel where you are staying. Then, after a briefing and preparation of the canoes at the mouth of the river, we will start cruising upstream. It is very atmospheric and even looks like dinosaurs are about to emerge.

After canoe cruising, we will trek towards the waterfall! Continue through the jungle while observing subtropical plants such as nipa palms and modama trees!

 

7. Authentic great nature even from PM! Canoeing & Trekking to Pinaisara Falls PM Course

This plan allows you to enjoy canoe cruising and trekking toward Pinaisara Falls from noon. Since the tour starts in the afternoon, you can join it even if you arrive at Iriomote Island at noon from Ishigaki Island, so you can enjoy it with enough time to spare. Pinaisara Falls, the largest waterfall in Okinawa Prefecture with a drop of 55 meters, is very powerful!

It is getting hot after noon, but the breeze you feel while canoe cruising is very comfortable. After cruising and observing the mangroves, we will trek to the waterfall basin. You will see huge trees that cannot be seen on the mainland and the ivy of the world's largest bean, the modama tree, which looks like a swing.

When you reach the waterfall basin, you will feel the negative ions from the waterfall splashing down from 55 meters above. Let your body cool down while playing with water in the waterfall basin! You will be healed by the great nature of Iriomote Island.

 

8. unprecedentedly popular♪ Hatoma blue sea! Hatoma Island" snorkeling

Belonging to the Yaeyama Islands, Hatoma Island is a very popular tourist spot located in the northern part of Iriomote Island. The clear blue sea is called Hatoma Blue because of its lapis lazuli color, and the island itself is called Ruri no Shima (Island of Lapis). In this course, you will snorkel on a hidden beach that is rarely visited, so you will feel as if you have the island all to yourself!

Since Barasu Island, called a miraculous island, is located on the way to Hatoma Island from Iriomote Island, the surrounding sea is rich in coral reefs and tropical fishes. If you are lucky, you can even encounter sea turtles! Why not try the best snorkeling experience on Ruri no Shima?

 

9.[May-July] Early Morning Sagaribana Kayak & Nala Falls Tour - Breakfast Included

Early morning Sagaribana kayak & Nala Falls tour is held only for Iriomote Island guests. This tour is held only from May to July because Sagaribana blooms only in summer season.

Sagaribana is a seasonal tour because it blooms and falls overnight. The buds begin to bloom after sunset and the petals fall off in the early morning. Therefore, if the timing is right for the early morning tour, you can enjoy two scenes: one where the white and pink petals are in full bloom, and the other where the river is stained by the fallen petals. The sweet vanilla-like fragrance of the flowers can be enjoyed in a very pleasant state.

After finishing the sagaribana canoeing, we will canoe cruise and trek to Nala Falls. Nala Falls is a staircase-shaped waterfall with a drop of about 20 meters, and is a mysterious and unexplored spot. You can play in the waterfall basin by hitting or jumping into the waterfall.

It is very pleasant to do activities in the fresh morning air! Breakfast is also included, so you can enjoy a very tasty meal after exercising.

 

10.[May-July] "Phantom Overnight Flowers" floating on the water surface: Early Morning Sagaribana SUP

Early morning sagaribana tours can also be experienced by SUP cruising. At the beginning of the tour, you will practice riding the SUP, and when you get used to it, you can enjoy it while lying down or doing yoga. Enjoy the beautiful blooming flowers and sweet fragrance in a stylish way while SUP cruising. Cruising while watching the vivid petals of the sagaribana floating on the surface of the water will be a great experience.

 

11. Savor the sunrise♪ Sunrise Canoeing

Morning is the time when not only humans but also animals and plants begin to wake up. This is the time when you can hear fish jumping and birds chirping. Let's enjoy the precious morning time in the great nature of Iriomote Island, a candidate for registration as a World Natural Heritage site, soaking up the morning sunlight. The atmosphere of the jungle, which is different from that of the daytime, creates an atmosphere that only visitors can experience.

As the dim sky gradually becomes brighter and the sun shines through, the morning mist that covers the area starts to clear away, and you can feel a refreshing and invigorating sensation. The current is light and the water is relatively shallow, so it is safe and easy to paddle, and anyone can join in. You can choose between two-person or one-person canoeing, so couples, couples, and children can try tandem paddling together.

This tour is recommended for those who want to enjoy the jungle and nature of Iriomote Island easily and in earnest in the morning time. Let's make the most of the morning of Iriomote Island.

 

12. Recharge your energy with plenty of morning sun! Early Morning Retreat & Jungle Healing

To make the morning in Iriomote more fulfilling, you should still be active in the morning. Why don't you make the most of your time and go trekking early in the morning? The trekking time is only about 20 minutes, so children and the elderly who are not sure about their physical strength can participate in this tour without any worries.

The morning in Iriomote is nice and clear with crisp and clear air. Let's enjoy the early morning nature by trekking while basking in the sunlight that pours down in a typical Iriomote Island way. The chirping of birds and animal sounds heard in the quiet jungle will reaffirm that you are exploring the great nature of Iriomote Island. You can also see waterfalls, and the morning waterfalls will refresh your body. You can fully enjoy Iriomote jungle which is different from daytime, evening, and nighttime.

This tour allows you to join the trekking without getting tired, using the morning time of 8:00 a.m. from your hotel at 6:00 a.m. Enjoy the morning activity in Iriomote Island. Let's use full time in the morning!

 

13. Recharge your body with the morning sun! Iriomote Island sunrise SUP !

This plan includes a SUP cruise to the most spectacular spots of Iriomote Island, surrounded by the magnificent sunrise and enjoying the relaxing time and quietness typical of the southern islands. On a clear day, the sky of Iriomote Island is fresh blue and clear, and it is the best spot to see the sunrise. The beautiful sun climbing up from the horizon and the sea breeze you feel while rocking on the SUP on the sea will give vitality to your fuzzy head in the early morning. For the best start of the day, let's welcome the peaceful sunrise on the SUP surrounded by the overwhelming nature of Iriomote Island. You can relax your mind and body with the great nature of Iriomote Island and the morning sunrise.

Sunrise SUP is the most popular early morning tour, and the sight of the sea of Iriomote changing from darkness to wonderful colors by sunrise is a sight to see.

 

14. Enjoy fishing while watching the sunset! Iriomote Island Sunset Fishing Tour

This is an easy tour where you can enjoy fishing while watching the spectacular sunset of Iriomote Island. The sunset viewed from offshore is bigger and redder than that seen on land. The color of the sunset is reflected by the sea and changes every moment as the sun goes down. Fishing while watching the sunset is a luxury that can only be found here.

The staff will assist you with everything from assembling a rod to baiting, so even beginners can enjoy fishing without hesitation. Try the fish you catch for dinner. Fishing is fun. Fishing tours are fun to eat. Please try it!

 

15. Sunset Star Sand Snorkeling

This tour will be a relaxing sunset snorkeling at the popular Hoshisuna Beach in Iriomote Island. Hoshisuna Beach is famous for more than 100 kinds of tropical fishes in Iriomote Island, even though it is a shallow beach. Also, coral reefs are close to the reef, so you can enjoy underwater. Please enjoy swimming in the sea while enjoying the color of the sky that gradually changes to Akane-iro at Hoshisuna Beach, which even small children can enjoy. You can heal your body while bathing in the sea. It is also a great place to relax and unwind from the day's work while floating in the water.

Hoshisuna Beach, located in the west of Iriomote Island, is a popular sunset spot in Iriomote Island. Why don't you enjoy the most healing time before or after dinner with Hoshisuna Sunset Snorkeling?

 

16. "Miracle Island" Barasu Island for a spectacular sunset! Sunset Snorkel & Cruise Tour

Barasu Island is a small white island that can be seen offshore from the Uehara area. It is also called the "Phantom Island" because it is small and does not appear on any maps. The island is one of the most beautiful in the world. Barras is an island only a few dozen meters in diameter, made up of pieces of white coral reef, and its shape changes with the ebb and flow of the waves. Snorkeling tours around the coral-rich Barras Island are very popular.

The sunset on the floating Barras Island is especially spectacular. In the evening, when the island is less crowded, you can enjoy relaxing snorkeling and sunset viewing on Barasu Island. The sea is not only crystal clear, but you can also observe colorful coral reefs in addition to a wide variety of fish swimming around you.

This tour allows you to see many of the sights that you must see when you come to Iriomote Island. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can even forget about the time passing by and spend a little adult luxury time. Please enjoy the best sunset time.

 

17. Silent sunset...Sunset kayak tour in Iriomote Island

Canoeing experience to enjoy the sunset leisurely and leisurely at the time when Iriomote Island begins to be surrounded by tranquility. The Iriomotejima sunset kayak tour is the best way to see such a sunset in its most fantastic and beautiful form. You will be fascinated by the way Iriomote Island changes from bright and fresh daytime to the dusk with a little mysterious atmosphere.

Take a kayak out to the sea of Iriomote Island and watch the sun set after a long day. The sky and the sea are dyed from blue to golden and then to madder red, giving off a somewhat divine atmosphere, a sight that can only be seen here. Please inscribe this sunset canoe tour, which can create great memories in a short time, on a page of your precious Iriomote memory!

 

18.[February to May] Nature's Illumination! Yaeyama Himebotaru Firefly Viewing Tour

The Yaeyama Firefly, which glows only a few hours after sunset, is the earliest firefly that can be seen in Japan. The Yaeyama Firefly is the smallest firefly in Japan, with a body length of only about 5 mm, and is found only in the Yaeyama Islands. The sight of tens of thousands of them glowing in groups is like a "carpet of light" suddenly appearing in the forest. The fireflies are not high up, but just above the ground, so they fly slowly around low to the ground. Such a large number of fireflies can be seen only in Iriomote Island, where nature still remains.

The beauty of the harmony of light created by the Yaeyama fireflies is so overwhelming that you will be at a loss for words. When the sun goes down and it gets dark, countless fireflies emit beautiful light and fly around, making you lose track of time. Local guides will take you to the most beautiful spots depending on the time of year.

The tour of Yaeyama fireflies is very popular and many repeaters come back to Iriomote Island for this tour. There are even people who come to Iriomote Island again for this night tour. Please come and observe the carpet of light made by Yaeyama fireflies with your own eyes.

 

19. Encountering the unknown in nature at night! Iriomote Island Night Jungle Canoeing

Iriomotejima Night Canoeing is a tour unique to Iriomotejima Island, where you can canoe through the river at night flowing through the subtropical jungle. The jungle of Iriomote Island is almost untouched by human hands, and you can cruise through the authentic subtropical jungle at night. The jungle at night is really pitch-dark, and you will be thrilled and excited with a sense of fear and curiosity to have an unknown experience.

When you hold a light from your canoe up to the river bottom, you can see fish jumping in response to the light. You can also hear the sound of flying foxes as they fly over you during the cruise, and see up close tropical creatures such as the cuyuna, mullet, giant bamboo shoots, yellowtail crabs, and the endangered coconut crab. If you listen carefully, you can sometimes hear the distant cry of a crested serpent eagle.

On the way back, you can also enjoy a star-filled sky, befitting the name of a starry sky protection area. The lights of Hatoma Island in the distance also look very beautiful. Please come and see with your own eyes a sight that cannot be experienced through photographs.

This tour is a night cruising by canoe, a standard activity that you cannot miss when you come to Okinawa. Please enjoy this extraordinary experience that you can only have in Iriomote Island.

 

20.[May-July] Mystery! Early morning canoeing tour to see the "mysterious flower" sagaribana

Have you ever heard of the sagaribana flower? Sagaribana is a tree that lives in a place called back mangroves, and it produces beautiful white or pale pink flowers on ivy that grows from the tree. One of the characteristics of the sagaribana is its sweet vanilla-like smell. This smell attracts many insects and people to the flowers.

Sagaribana is a night-blooming flower that begins to bloom around 8:00 p.m. and reaches full bloom at midnight. The flowers fall and disappear around 5:00 a.m. when the sun rises. Since it is a fleeting flower that falls in a single night, it is also called the "phantom flower.

This is a tour that kills two birds with one stone: you can appreciate the "fantastic flower" sagaribana, which is said to be the most beautiful flower in Iriomote Island, while paddling a canoe, and you can also experience the power of nature in the morning sun. You will cruise along the river where the flowers of sagaribana in Iriomote Island have fallen at the time when moonlight is still visible and the dawn of silence is coming. It is very fantastic with the fragility and loveliness of the sagaribana and its sweet fragrance wafting in the river. Since it is a short course in the early morning, it is one of the few plans in Iriomote Island where you can enjoy the sagaribana without paddling too much and without getting tired.

Sagaribana cruising with saps is also available upon request. The tools used are high-grade products that can be easily ridden even by beginners and children! Enjoy an elegant canoe cruise in the early morning.

 

summary

How was it? Iriomote Island is dotted with many sightseeing spots, and if you have come all the way for sightseeing, you would like to visit all of them, wouldn't you? In such a case, you can rely on this half-day tour. I think you will be able to fully enjoy the major spots and sights of Iriomote Island in a short time. When you visit Iriomote Island, please use the tour and tour around the island efficiently.

Thank you for reading to the end.

 

Click here for ferry reservations to Iriomote Island.