Optional tours you can enjoy in Iriomote Island!

Hello everyone! This time, I would like to introduce optional tours in Iriomote Island. Optional tours are sightseeing tours and activities that visitors pay extra fees to participate in during their free time of the trip.

Iriomote Island has many playgrounds such as mountains, ocean, rivers, and jungle. Those who have visited Iriomote Island many times and are familiar with the climate, geography, and activities may know how to play, but those who visit Iriomote Island for the first time should be guided and assisted by someone who knows how to enter the jungle, how to do activities, how to use tools, where to go, and how to enjoy the island to the fullest. I am sure you will be able to enjoy the island to the fullest.

Optional tours are available to assist and guide you in this process. Also, playing in an unfamiliar place can be dangerous. Just having a local person with you gives you a sense of security. Especially in the mountains and jungles, if you have a guide, you can ask for information about animals and rare plant vegetation. This article introduces optional tours in Iriomote Island.

Click here for ferry reservations to Iriomote Island.

 

The Galapagos of the Orient! Tour to experience the great nature!

Iriomote Island is nicknamed the Galapagos of the East, and many tours are prepared for visitors to enjoy its magnificent nature. In the ocean, there are diving at Ishinishi Jagoko and Funauki, snorkeling at Barasu Island and Hoshisuna Beach, and swimming in the sea. In the mountains, there is caving and limestone cave exploration. For rivers, SUP and canoeing. For forests, trekking.

There are too many activities to list here to allow you to fully enjoy the great outdoors. You can enjoy all of them, or you can thoroughly enjoy your favorite activity. Let's enjoy Iriomote Island to the fullest by arranging a tour according to your own preference.

Popular Iriomote Island Tour (with Ishigaki - Iriomote ferry ticket) is here↓.

 

21 highly satisfying optional tours to enjoy Iriomote Island to the fullest

Yaeyama Remote Islands Tour

The remote islands of Yaeyama.Efficient SightseeingFor those who want to do so, a tour around the islands is recommended.

This tour allows you to fully enjoy the charms of Yaeyama's remote islands such as Iriomote Island, where 90% of the island is covered by jungle, Taketomi Island, where traditional townscapes remain, and Yubu Island, which is reached by a buffalo crossing the sea from Iriomote Island.

Unlike marine activities,Basically, it never gets wet.Therefore, it is also recommended for those who do not like the sea.

Click here to make a reservation.

Check out more Yaeyama Remote Islands Tour Plans!

 

Standard Course! Canoe & Trekking to Pinaisara Falls AM Course (with light meal)

First, we will introduce a canoe cruising & trekking tour to Pinaisara Falls in the morning in the refreshing Iriomote Island. You can experience the great nature with your whole body.

We started cruising by canoe from a spot near the mouth of the river, close to the ocean. The scenery changes as we gradually move toward the mountains with more and more trees, stirring our adventurous spirit. During the cruise, the mangroves that surround both banks of the river open up as you progress, and there are spots where you can get a panoramic view of the mangrove jungle. This is one of the sights you should definitely see on this tour.

During the trekking after cruising, enjoy watching the flora and fauna that can only be seen on Iriomote Island as they live and grow here until you reach the waterfall. When you arrive at the waterfall, you will be impressed by the largest waterfall in Okinawa Prefecture. Pinaisara Falls, the largest waterfall in Okinawa with a drop of 55 meters, is very powerful when seen up close. 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 after replenishing your energy to your tired body, you can play in the waterfall basin to refresh your stomach!

 

Discover the new charm of Iriomote Island! Explore subtropical jungle limestone caves (caving)!

This tour takes you around the limestone caves. You can enjoy authentic caving and feel the original power of limestone caves and the breath of nature. Iriomote Island is an island that was raised up by the sea bottom, so there are many limestone caves, and Iriomote limestone cave is the most popular one among them.

Iriomote limestone caves are characterized by three caves: the first is a large cave with a large entrance, the second is a smaller cave, and the third is a very narrow cave with an entrance that must be 100 meters in length. Especially the third one is a caving expedition where you have to bend down a little to walk in a pitch-dark place with no light on the way. Why don't you have an adventure in the limestone caves in Iriomote?

 

Power Recharge with Plenty of Morning Sunshine♪ Early Morning Retreat & Jungle Healing

If you want to enjoy Iriomote, you don't want to lose time in the morning. Why not make the most of your time and go trekking early in the morning? The trekking time is only about 20 minutes, so children and elderly people who are not sure about their physical strength can participate in this tour with ease.

Morning in Iriomote is nice and clear with crisp and clear air. When you take a deep breath, you will feel the fresh air filling your lungs. Let's enjoy the early morning nature by trekking while basking in the sunlight that pours down on you as is typical of Iriomote Island. The chirping of birds and animal sounds in the quiet jungle will make you feel the great nature of Iriomote Island. It will refresh your body and mood.

You can enjoy the Iriomote jungle differently from daytime, evening, and nighttime. This tour allows you to join the trekking without getting tired, using the morning time from your hotel at 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Enjoy the morning activity in Iriomote Island. Let's use full time in the morning!

 

Star gazing & jungle night tours to secret spots!

People tend to think that Iriomote Island is generally known for activities to enjoy the sea and mountains during the daytime, but in fact, nighttime activities are also full of charm. In the jungle at night, you will be able to feel the breath of animals and plants close to you in the silence. Many nocturnal creatures, which are not found on the mainland, can be seen in the jungle at night.

A typical organism is the coconut crab! The coconut crab is a member of the large hermit crab family and is characterized by its large scissors. The power of its scissors is so strong that it can snap off a branch. So, please do not put your hands near them and just admire them.

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

 

Night SUP under a star-filled sky

This is another night canoe tour to enjoy the night of Iriomote Island. The jungle of Iriomote Island is almost untouched by human hands, and you can cruise through the jungle at night in the authentic subtropical zone. The jungle at night is really pitch-dark, and you will be thrilled and excited with a sense of fear and curiosity to experience the unknown.

In addition to canoeing, you should also enjoy the starry sky. As befits the name of a starry sky protection area, the star-filled sky is a sight that can only be seen here. Please come and see for yourself what photographs cannot capture.

 

Illumination of Nature! 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. Yaeyama fireflies are the smallest fireflies in Japan and are found only in the Yaeyama Islands. Tens of thousands of them fly in a swarm just off the ground, filling the ground with light. The glowing scenery is like a "carpet of light" suddenly appearing in the forest. The sight of countless fireflies flitting about, emitting a beautiful glow, as the sun goes down and the darkness falls, is a sight to behold and one that makes one lose track of time. Local guides will take you to the most beautiful spots depending on the time of year.

The Yaeyama fireflies are an unforgettable sight once seen, and the tours are very popular, with many repeat visitors. Please come and observe the carpet of light created by the Yaeyama fireflies with your own eyes.

 

May-July] Night tour to see the "fantastic flower" sagaribana in the jungle

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.

We will go to admire the jungle where such fantastic flowers are blooming. Be drawn by the sweet vanilla scent that drifts in from afar.

 

May to July] "Phantom overnight flowers" floating on the surface of the water, early morning Sagaribana SUP

This tour is also a tour of sagaribana. This is the tour to see the fallen flowers by SUP. 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 SUP, and you can also experience the sunrise feeling the power of Mother Nature. You will cruise along the mangrove river where the flowers of sagaribana have fallen in the mangrove of Iriomote Island at the time when moonlight is still visible and the dawn of the quietness is coming.

Of course, the sight of sagaribana in full bloom is beautiful, but the sight of them floating on the surface of the water is also atmospheric and evocative. The fragility and love of the sagaribana and its sweet fragrance wafting through the river is very magical. This is a perfect tour for morning activities where you can enjoy the sagaribana without paddling too much and without getting tired.

 

Snorkeling at the Miracle Island♪ Iriomote Island Popular Spots - Half Day Snorkeling

This is a standard tour that allows you to fully enjoy Barasu Island. Barasu Island is an island with a diameter of only a few dozen meters formed by the accumulation of white coral reef fragments washed ashore from Shihsi Lagoon, and its shape changes with the ebb and flow of the waves. Because it is made up of coral fragments, it is surrounded by colorful corals, and snorkeling tours around the coral-rich Barasu Island are very popular.

Near Barasu Island, where the current is so slow that coral is scattered and piled up, you can observe a rich and colorful coral reef with a wide variety of species. Many of the tropical fish that live around the coral reefs are also friendly, and you can even swim with them.

 

A lot of fun and satisfaction!" Barasu Island Snorkeling & Fishing Experience Tour

Since the shape of Barasu Island changes with each visit, many repeat visitors never get tired of the island. Snorkeling tours around the coral-rich Barasu Island are very popular. You will be amazed at the vivid colors of the coral in the colorful underwater coral snorkeling. Observe the jewel-like corals while snorkeling.

After snorkeling, a fishing experience tour is offered on a cruise ship. 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.

Fun to fish. Fishing tours that are fun to eat. Come and experience it for yourself.

 

Sunset at "Miracle Island" Barasu Island! 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. The sunset on Barasu Island, a floating island, is especially spectacular. In the evening, when the island is less crowded and quiet, you can enjoy 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.

 

Ida Beach Sea Kayak & Picnic Snorkel 1 Day Tour - Lunch Included

This tour visits "Ida no Hama" in Funauki village, which is called "the most unexplored region of the unexplored region" in Iriomote Island, and you can enjoy beach play and kayak activity at Ida no Hama. It is one of the most beautiful ocean spots in Iriomote Island, and is also famous as a coral reef viewing spot. The water quality and underwater scenery here is one of the best in Iriomote Island.

Such Ida beach is cut off from the land route of Iriomote Island such as Uehara area, and is an isolated island on the land that can be reached only by boat. However, you can go there by sea kayak of this tour. Please enjoy cruising for about one hour one way to the beach of Ida. While cruising, you can enjoy the emerald green sea, primary green mangroves, mountains, and other scenery typical of Iriomote Island using all your senses.

After arriving at Ida beach, enjoy snorkeling in the pristine, clear water. The reefs are protruding so that you can observe colorful corals and tropical fish without having to dive deep into the sea.

After snorkeling, it is time for lunch. The lunch surrounded by the great nature will give you a sense of freedom and will be an unforgettable memory of Iriomote Island.

 

Iriomotejima Island Experience Diving 1 Dive Course - No Diving License Required

The sea around Iriomote Island is one of the clearest in the world, and the variety and number of fish and the underwater scenery of corals are top class. Many of you may be interested in diving such a sea.

You want to try diving, but you think it will be difficult to learn how to remove your ears and breathe. But don't worry. In this experience diving tour, you will first learn how to swim with a snorkel, and even how to remove your ears, so even if it is your first time, you will be fine. For those who do not have a diving license, one instructor for every two divers will dive with you, so you can enjoy diving without worrying. Iriomote Experience Diving Tour takes about 30~40 minutes per dive, which is a reasonable time.

If you are able to visit Iriomote Island, please enjoy the sea of Iriomote Island, which is one of the clearest in the world. Anyone can easily try diving. After diving, you can enjoy drinking at a bar exclusively for divers. It is good to make a plan to get a license next time while drinking.

 

Super Exhilarating Canyoning & Leisurely Yubu Island Sightseeing Set Plan

This is a special package plan that includes a canyoning experience on Iriomote Island, an unexplored region of great nature, and sightseeing on Yubu Island, a remote island 15 minutes from Iriomote Island by water buffalo car.

In the morning, enjoy a canyon ring. Canyon rings are natural athletic activities that take advantage of the inclination, flow, and depth of the river, such as river rafting, waterfall dives, and water slides in a natural setting. The natural waterslide from the rocks is both thrilling and exhilarating. Jump up and down with a splash and a cheer. You will feel refreshed.

After having a great time by canyoning, we went sightseeing in Yubu Island. Yubu Island, adjacent to Iriomote Island, is a small island made only of sand deposited by ocean currents, and the whole island is a botanical garden called "subtropical botanical paradise.

In Yubu Island, there is a shellfish museum which exhibits many shellfish living in the sea around Iriomote Island, such as coconut crabs and sea turtles, and a butterfly garden which mainly keeps the largest butterfly in Japan, the giant tiger butterfly, which is nicknamed "the lady of the tropics". The butterfly garden, which is home to Japan's largest butterfly, the "Lady of the Tropics," is a great indoor activity.

This is a tour where you can enjoy a full day of fun and exercise in the morning and then relax and enjoy sightseeing in the afternoon.

 

Standard canoeing at a World Natural Heritage candidate site

This tour is a standard canoe or kayak cruising tour on Iriomote Island, which is a candidate for registration as a World Natural Heritage site. The guide will carefully select the best field from the best condition on that day, so you can have a real cruising in the primeval forest of the great nature.

This is a very satisfying tour that offers not only cruising, but also trekking and playing with waterfalls.

 

Great Nature Athletic Experience! Omija Falls, stream climbing & waterfall play - half day course -.

One of the best parts of Iriomote Island in summer is playing in the river. Omija River is the most famous river in Iriomote Island. In Omija River, you can enjoy river climbing (shower climbing) and playing with waterfalls.

Shower climbing is an activity that involves climbing up waterfalls against the flow of water. The water pouring down from the falls is just like a shower. You can fully enjoy both canyon rings, where you can enjoy natural pools and water slides and jump into a slightly deeper waterfall basin, and shower climbing, where you can make full use of ropes to go through the rapid current. Enjoy river activities in the unexplored region of Iriomote Island with your friends, family, or couples and return to your childhood.

 

"Canoe & Yubu Island Sightseeing Tour

The tourist attractions and power spots that are often visited by tours are places where the locals come to pay their respects. The waterfalls are loved by the locals and are famous as a tourist attraction, and are not only solemn but also a good place to take pictures.

Yubu Island is a small island made only of sand deposited by ocean currents, and there are indoor activities such as a building called "Shell House" which exhibits many shells living in the sea around Iriomote Island such as coconut crabs and sea turtles, and a butterfly garden which mainly keeps the largest butterfly in Japan, the giant sesame tree butterfly. There are a variety of indoor activities.

The buffalo cart is the highlight of sightseeing on Yubu Island, and the buffalo pulls the cart across the island. The ride across the island is a blissful experience.

 

Taste the sunrise! Sunrise Canoeing

Morning is the time when not only humans but also animals and plants start to wake up. Let's enjoy cruising in the morning in the great nature of Iriomote Island, a candidate for registration as a World Natural Heritage site, soaking up the morning sun and enjoying the precious morning time.

The refreshing atmosphere of the jungle in the morning is different from that of noon, and can only be experienced by visitors. As the dim sky gradually becomes brighter and the sun shines through, the morning mist that covers the area begins to clear away, giving visitors a refreshing and invigorating feeling.

The river current is slow 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.

 

Satisfaction from Lunch to Night♪Iriomote Island Fun and Fulfillment Course - For Iriomote Island Guests

This course is recommended for those who want to fully enjoy Iriomote Island from the day of arrival.

After arriving at Iriomote Island and enjoying a stylish lunch, we will cruise through the mangrove forest by SUP or canoe to refresh our stomachs. You can feel the subtropical jungle atmosphere of Iriomote Island where untouched virgin forest covers the island. After cruising, we will go caving. Iriomote Island has many limestone caves, and the limestone caves in the jungle will tickle your adventurous spirit. In the meantime, time goes by and night falls. At night, we will go out for a night tour to see the full night sky which Iriomote Island boasts and the creatures of the jungle of Iriomote Island.

This plan allows you to enjoy Iriomote Island to the fullest from the day you arrive, and the tour is packed with the best of Iriomote Island's great nature play.

 

One day charter in Iriomote Island! Charter Tour

This tour can be used for various situations from small groups to group tours such as graduation trips, company trips, families, and couples. You can combine your favorite parts of Iriomote Island with your favorite activities because we can arrange your desired tour on a completely private basis. Time is an important resource for you to commemorate your trip or special day, and to enjoy it to the fullest. Therefore, why don't you make the best memories by "private charter"?

Why don't you charter the subject plan of your choice, such as jungle SUP/canoe cruising, star sand snorkeling, canyoning, trekking, etc. in the nature of Iriomote Island. However, there is no need to worry if it is a charter. Since it is a charter, naturally the priority is high, and the guide will guide you at your pace, so you can enjoy the essence of Iriomote Island without having to fit in with others.

 

A set plan including a ferry ticket is also recommended!

On Iriomote Island, where 90% of the island is covered by jungle, you can enjoy a variety of activity experiences.

To Iriomote Island, from Ishigaki IslandferryIt can only be reached by

Ferry Tickets and Activitiesset planYou can easily enjoy a tour in Iriomote Island if you are

Rather than booking the ferry and activities separatelyeconomicaland no separate ferry ticket purchase is required.

Click here for popular Iriomote Island tours (set plan)

Check out more details about Iriomote Island tours from Ishigaki Island!

 

summary

How was it? Iriomote Island is one of the most pristine islands in Japan, surrounded by nature. You can enjoy snorkeling and diving, which come to mind when you hear the word "southern island," as well as trekking through virgin forests, caving at waterfalls, shower climbing, and river cruising. Many other nature and activities are waiting for you such as trekking through virgin forests, caving out of waterfalls, shower climbing, river cruising, and so on. If you visit Iriomote Island, please take an optional tour to explore the island.

Thank you for reading to the end.

 

Click here for ferry reservations to Iriomote Island.