Let's experience the popular SUP in the "Tropical Resort" Iriomote Island!

SUP activity is rapidly gaining popularity around the world!

What is SUP Activity?

SUP stands for "stand-up paddleboarding," a marine activity in which you stand on a large board and use a special paddle to move around.Many people think that it might be difficult because it is similar to surfing, but in fact, it is not difficult at all. In fact, it is a relatively easy activity compared to canoeing, which is famous in Iriomote Island!

This is because the board is more stable than surfing. First-time SUPers start out standing on their knees, but after about 15 to 30 minutes, they are able to stand up and move the board as they wish. The low initial hurdle to start is another reason why SUP is such a popular activity! Using a paddle allows you to travel long distances and is enjoyed by people of all ages (from 5 years old)!

Click here for all SUP tour plans in Iriomote Island.

Beginning of SUP

Although there are many theories, it is said that the style of fishing originated with the paddle-paddling style of fishermen in Chan Chan, located in what is now the Republic of Peru and once the largest ancient city in South America, the gondolas of Venice, Italy, and beach boys on Oahu, Hawaii.

Then, in 2003, a new SUP category was added to the surfing competitions, which triggered an unprecedented SUP boom, as international celebrities began to use SUP as a fitness and activity. According to the STANDUP JOURNAL, the number of SUP enthusiasts in the U.S. is growing rapidly, reaching 1.36 million!

SUP is an activity that has exploded in popularity in Iriomote Island in the past few years. Iriomote Island in particular has become very popular due to its mild climate all year round, suitable ocean for SUP, and mangrove rivers.

A big boom all over the world!

SUP is a new type of activity that is exploding in popularity around the world! Numerous international celebrities and supermodels have been attracted by its ease of use and fitness benefits, and are reported to be doing SUP in their private time.The most popular reason for the popularity of SUP activities is their stylish appearance.The posture of the rowers as they paddle along the surface of the water looks extremely beautiful and blends well with the ocean, rivers, and lakes, allowing them to capture inspiring photographs in harmony with the great outdoors.

Iriomote Island is truly the best place for SUP activities. Every year, we receive more and more inquiries about SUP tours from customers who come to Iriomote Island for sightseeing.

Easy diet for beginners!

Easy activities for everyone

SUP is not as difficult as it looks and most people can be up on the board within 5 minutes. 80% of the participants are new to SUP, so we give them a good lecture. Some people are a little unsteady at first, so it's good to start out kneeling and then stand up once you get used to it. Of course, we will start with a low water level, but you will be wearing a life jacket so that you will be safe in case of an emergency.

The amazing weight loss benefits of SUP activities are a must-see for women!

SUP tours involve balancing on the board and paddling forward and backward to turn, which helps to strengthen all the muscles in the body, especially the core muscles (such as the abdominal and back muscles) Many people experience muscle aches in their abdominal muscles and arms the day after doing a SUP activity, which is whyMany people who do SUP have beautiful body lines! You can have fun and lose weight at the same time! This activity is perfect for such a hassle-free person like you!In any case, lose weight while having fun and doing activities!

Recommended! SUP YOGA!

SUP activities are very effective for weight loss, but there is an even more fun and effective way to lose even more weight! It is SUP YOGA, a brand new activity that combines SUP and yoga. It has become so popular in the U.S. that reservations are hard to come by!

The joy of successfully performing yoga poses on a SUP board is even greater than on land, and is said to be more effective than yoga on land! It is said to be more effective than yoga on land, and has been attracting attention in recent years because of its ability to achieve high results in a short time.

Since this activity is performed on the water, you will feel more at one with the nature of Iriomote Island than in a normal yoga class, which is expected to have a more relaxing effect!SUP YOGA is expected to have various effects such as weight loss and relaxation, etc. Most of the participants are new to both SUP and yoga! We will teach you some simple yoga techniques, so please feel free to join in the activity!

There are licensed yoga guides on Ishigaki Island, so if you want to be taught by a real yoga instructor. Both beach yoga and SUP yoga are available.

For more information, click here↓.
Ishigaki Island Yoga Experience

Enjoy the nature of Iriomote Island with SUP tour!

With the best sea of Iriomote Island!

When you come to Iriomote Island, you want to see the beautiful ocean! With SUP activity, you can cruise gracefully while looking at the beautiful ocean. It is also great to combine it with snorkeling to see colorful fish and corals!

SUP can be enjoyed not only during the daytime, but also in the morning and evening! Start your day with the sunrise, or relax your tired body with the sunset. Why don't you enjoy the proud sea of Iriomote Island?

Click here for SUP and Barasu Island snorkeling combination plan

Speaking of Iriomote Island, it is an unexplored island!

Iriomote Island is a secluded SUP activity in a wilderness that has been recognized as a candidate for World Heritage!You will enjoy a relaxing cruise while observing the unique flora and fauna of Iriomote Island, which you can never see in the city. Witnessing the incredible power of Iriomote Island's nature will surely be your best memory!Oh my god!!!

Also, what makes SUP in Iriomote Island different from others is that at the goal of the cruise, you can see world-famous waterfalls, which gives you a sense of adventure!

Click here for recommended related tours

Completely different scenery just by shifting the time

Although it is limited to Iriomote Island guests, you can enjoy different ways of SUP by shifting the time, such as "Sunrise SUP" by getting up a little earlier than usual, "Sunset SUP" to watch the sun set over Hatoma Island and the horizon, and "Night Mangrove SUP" with the thrill and excitement of wearing lights on your body. You can enjoy SUP in different ways just by shifting the time of day. There are even people who do sunset SUP again to see the sunset even though they did SUP in the morning.

This is what happens at SUP!

SUP FISHING

SUP FISHING is also popular in Iriomote Island. The board is very stable, so once you get used to it, you can relax on the board, having a cup of tea or reading a book. Of course, it is also an excellent means of transportation.SUP can easily go through the unexplored mangrove areas of Iriomote Island that are too far to reach by swimming or too narrow to enter by boat.SUP FISHING takes advantage of this advantage!SUPs are super convenient when you want to go a little further out to sea, even when you can't reach places that are almost impossible to reach from shore. Plus, there is room on the board for all your fishing gear.

FISHING activity at your own pace while relaxing on a SUP in the warm "tropical resort" Iriomote Island! How about it?

Two, three, or more!

Because SUP boards are large, usually one person, but two, three, or even more can ride on one board!Many families and couples participate in the activity together, and if they get tired, they can take turns to enjoy the SUP activity, making it a recommended ride for those who are not confident in their exercise skills.Whether you ride alone, with two people, or with three or more people (with weight restrictions), each ride is different and fun.

SUP is also available on Ishigaki Island, so if you have time, please try them all.

Related columns are here↓.
9 recommended SUP spots in Ishigaki Island

10 recommended tours for SUP in Iriomote Island

1. lucky waterfall SUP or canoe & limestone cave exploration & "miracle island" landing tour

This tour is recommended for those who want to enjoy Iriomote Island as much as possible in a day or day trip. This is a very luxurious plan that allows you to enjoy 5 activities in one day, such as SUP, waterfall water play, jungle exploration, limestone cave exploration, and landing on Barasu Island, a miraculous island, in just one day.

First, paddle a SUP on the very popular mangrove river and cruise through the trees. You can choose between SUP or canoeing as your mangrove activity. If you and your partner are going together, you can take turns on the way to and from the mangrove, or you can enjoy it in cooperation with each other. You will be able to fully enjoy the different subtropical environment that you would not be able to enjoy in everyday life.

After enjoying SUP in the mangroves, head to Koola Falls, which is said to bring good luck, and take a vigorous dip in the slightly cool Koola waterfall basin. After a swim in the waterfall basin and a waterfall bath to soothe your burning body on the mangrove cruise, an exploration of mysterious limestone caves awaits.

There are three limestone caves deep in the jungle of Iriomote Island. There are various shapes of limestone caves, and you will fully enjoy the experience of caving in a limestone cave, which you may not have a chance to encounter.

Finally, we will head to Barasu Island, the miracle island you have been waiting for.

Barras Island is a small island made entirely of coral fragments that only appear near low tide. The spectacular view here will be a memory that will last a lifetime, so why not have the island all to yourself as it changes its shape from time to time?

2. unexplored jungle cruise & trekking & limestone cave experience tour in Iriomote Island

This tour is highly recommended because you can experience a part of the above tour and enjoy a lot of contents in a reasonable time of about 3 hours and 30 minutes. This tour includes a SUP or canoe cruise on the popular Koura River in Iriomote Island, followed by a 15 to 20 minute trek to Koura Falls, which is called "Lucky Falls". After enjoying water sports at Koola Falls, you will explore three limestone caves in Iriomote Island, and you can enjoy four activities in one tour, cruising by SUP or canoe, jungle exploration, waterfall play, and limestone cave exploration, and you can have a lot of fun in about half day from 9:30am to 1:00pm. The plan is a half-day tour from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Start with a SUP or canoe from the ocean on the Cura River, which is considered a mangrove athletic river.

If two people join the tour, they can enjoy both going to and returning from the trip by SUP and canoeing, respectively. The mangroves of the Kula River are narrow, and the mangrove trees are pushed out toward the river, making it a natural athletic activity. After the Koola River cruise, a short trekking tour awaits you.

As you are trekking, you will be surrounded by greenery all around, and the area is full of photo opportunities. The area is full of flora and fauna that cannot be seen in the mainland, and during the jungle trekking, a commemorative photo at the modama tree, which is said to be able to carry 10 people and not break, has become very popular.

When you arrive at Koola Falls, which is said to be a waterfall of good fortune, you can swim or relax in the waterfall basin at Koola Falls, which is filled with negative ions.

After the activities at Clark's Falls are over, return the way you came and finish with the limestone cave caving experience you have been waiting for.

There are three stalactite caves with completely different shapes and sizes in the immediate vicinity of Iriomote Island, so you can go and have fun right away. There are various types of caves from wide limestone caves to long and narrow ones with a depth of about 100 meters, so you can have a precious experience through this tour.

3. soak your body in the morning sun and recharge your energy! Iriomote Island Sunrise SUP

This tour is a SUP cruise to the most spectacular spots, surrounded by the magnificent sunrise of Iriomote Island and enjoying the relaxing time and silence. The sky of Iriomote Island on a clear day is crystal clear, and it is the best spot to see the sunrise. The sea breeze you feel while rocking on the SUP on the beautiful sea will give energy to your freshly awakened body.

This SUP tour is guided by a guide to the most suitable location depending on the weather and sea conditions of the day. For the best start of the day, you can be surrounded by the overwhelming nature of Iriomote Island, greet the calm sunrise on the SUP, and relax your mind and body with the great nature and sunrise.

Observe creatures that you can only encounter early in the morning, and enjoy the various faces of Iriomote Island and its dynamic breath of life as you cruise leisurely on the still sea. Why not take this opportunity to fully enjoy the morning SUP cruise of Iriomote Island, a tropical resort?

4. cruising toward the sunset by popular SUP! Iriomote Island Sunset SUP

Contrary to the above tour, this SUP cruising can be enjoyed in the evening instead of the morning. This tour is the best way to end the day, and to welcome the moving moment when Iriomote Island goes to sleep on the SUP. This time when the cobalt blue sea of Iriomote turns into madder red is like a painting, and you can experience the moment that moves your heart beyond words.

As you are surrounded by the quiet sound of the waves, your heart will gradually fill up and you will experience the emotion of becoming one with the earth in the twilight. The sea of Iriomote Island is one of the clearest in the world in terms of sea clarity, and the sight of the sun being absorbed into the horizon in the sea can only be experienced here. It is recommended for those who still have not enough fun on the day of arrival in Iriomote Island or after the noon tour, and it is a great point that you can do the sunset SUP tour.

The plan includes a lecture for beginners and is enjoyable for both beginners and experienced divers. Since the plan takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes including transportation, it is highly recommended for those who want to have a little fun and enjoy both the ocean and the mountains. Come and join the SUP tour and enjoy the divine sunset of Iriomote Island at the end of the best day.

5. Sangala Falls Mangrove SUP & Trekking & Waterfall Pool Water Activity - Half Day Course

Cruise along the Nishida River (Sangala) by SUP and trek through the jungle to the unexplored Sangala Falls. This half-day course is great for families and can be easily enjoyed. Unlike other fields, there are few people and the unexplored nature is very attractive.

First, enjoy a mangrove cruise by SUP! You can enjoy the mangrove river with full of realistic sensation. After the mangrove cruise, go trekking in the jungle covered with subtropical virgin forest, which is unique to Iriomote Island! Arrive at the unexplored waterfall "Sangara Falls"! The waterfall is not high but 30 meters across and wide. The charm of Sangara Falls is that you can play in the waterfall basin and enter the back of the waterfall.

6. family recommended ♪ star sand snorkeling & mangrove SUP

The plan allows you to play in the subtropical mangrove jungle and the ocean at the beach, where you can be impressed by the pristine nature. Star Sand Beach is made of star-shaped sand and has shallow water, so it is safe for small children and families can also enjoy.

The most interesting thing is that there are an abundance of colorful fish, and if you bring bait such as fish sausages, you will be surprised at how many fish will come close to you. There is also a coffee shop on the beach, so you can take a rest at the coffee shop when you get tired of swimming. In the afternoon, the cruise in Iriomote Island with its magnificent nature and rare flora and fauna is what you have been waiting for.

Even if you are new to SUP, kayaking, or Iriomote Island, you can rest assured that you will be guided by an experienced guide.

After the mangrove cruise, head to Koola Falls, which is said to bring good luck. Take a refreshing dip in the cool Koola waterfall basin, swim, and soak your body healed from the mangrove cruise while being battered by the waterfall.

7. Sangala Falls Mangrove Canoeing (SUP) & Yubu Island Buffalo Car Sightseeing to unexplored areas

This is a popular plan that takes you to Sangara Falls, an unexplored waterfall in Iriomote Island, and sightseeing in Yubu Island, where you can cruise elegantly in the mangrove, which is a candidate for registration as a World Heritage site in 2020, and cross the sea by buffalo car to the tourist attraction Yubu Island in the afternoon.

In the morning, let's start with cruising by kayak or SUP from near the mouth of the ocean through Sangara (Nishida River). The mangrove cruise in the magnificent primeval forest of Iriomote Island is a true jungle cruise that cannot be experienced on the mainland. On the way, leave your kayak or SUP on the river and start trekking.

During the trekking, you will walk slowly while observing subtropical plants such as nipa palms and kudzu potatoes. After about 30 minutes of trekking, we will go to Sangala Falls.

When you finally arrive at the unexplored waterfall, Sangara Falls, you can enjoy playing in the water and diving. In addition, the unique attraction of Sangara Falls is that you can enter the back of the waterfall, so you can enjoy the wide width of the waterfall and the waterfall basin, which is rare in Iriomote Island.

In the afternoon, we went sightseeing in Yubu Island. You can ride on a buffalo cart to the sea between Iriomote Island and Yubu Island, and you will feel the tropical atmosphere as an old man plays sanshin (Okinawan traditional three-stringed instrument) for you on the way.

On Yubu Island, you can observe bougainvillea, which is in bloom all year round, and subtropical flora and fauna. This plan is highly recommended to feel tropical time surrounded by subtropical flora and fauna unique to Iriomote Island.

8. mangrove SUP (canoeing) & canyoning - 1 day course

This tour is a one-day course that includes a mangrove cruise and canyoning down a clear stream. The sensation of cruising along the narrow mangrove river surrounded by subtropical jungle is indescribably exhilarating and allows you to enjoy the unique nature of Iriomote Island.

After cruising by SUP or canoe, we will go on a light trekking tour. The flora and fauna along the way will make you feel like you are adventuring in a subtropical jungle, and since the trekking is similar to hiking with few height differences, even small children and elderly people can enjoy it easily without getting tired. On the way, you can take a picture on the modama tree, one of the largest trees in Iriomote Island. You can also play in the waterfall basin, so you can heal your body near the waterfall after a tiring day of SUP.

Changing the location, canyoning in the Omija River is very pleasant and enjoyable if you dive into the cool water in the summer of Iriomote Island, where the sun is much stronger than in Honshu.

9. night mangrove SUP under a star-filled sky

Among the SUP activities that are very popular nowadays, night SUP is the most popular among Motomu. If you have come all the way to Iriomote Island, I recommend this night SUP as well as the unexplored SUP in the jungle. The reason why we recommend this activity is that there is almost no light at night in Iriomote Island, and you can see beautiful starry sky.

This tour is currently very popular because you can enjoy star bathing and forest bathing while having fun. The charm of Iriomotejima Night Sap is not only the beautiful sight of swimming, but also the safety support.

We use the latest SUP boards so that even first-time SUPers can stand up quickly, and especially since this activity is done at night, life jackets and nature guides are available to support you so that you can enjoy it safely even at night. Try to look at the sky during night SUP.

The starry sky of the Yaeyama Islands, including Iriomote Island, may be the first in Japan to be recognized as a starry sky protected area, so if the weather is good, you can see the starry sky from the top of your SUP without the need for lights. Why not try night SUP and see the starry sky?

10. iriomotejima SUP Tour - Experience Course

This tour allows you to experience SUP, an activity that is rapidly gaining popularity and can be enjoyed as soon as you arrive at Iriomote Island. Since the SUP experience takes only about 1.5 hours, it is especially recommended for those who have little time for a day trip or those who want to try various activities little by little.

The location of the activity area depends on the conditions of the day, as the activity is held in a safe area unaffected by the wind. It depends on the day, but it is often held at Hinai Beach, a beach near Uehara Port in Iriomote Island. It is a perfect location for when you have some time to spare immediately after arriving from Ishigaki Island or returning from Iriomote Island.

Even if you are a beginner, the guide will give you a detailed lecture, so it is highly recommended for those who want to try SUP casually first.

summary

How was it? There are many more SUP activities you can do in Iriomote Island. If you want to experience a little bit different SUP, please contact us! Please contact us if you are interested.

Click here for all SUP tour plans in Iriomote Island.

Click here for recommended Iriomote Island full day trip packages that you can also enjoy SUP.

All the fun in Iriomote Island is here↓.
Iriomotejima Tours