All Reviews for Okinawa Snorkeling

As expected from a large tour company, it was great that reservations and cancellations were possible even the day before, providing a high level of flexibility, which made it reassuring to book considering the weather and other factors. Additionally, I took advantage of a campaign from VELTRA that offered one person free, making it more affordable.

The communication felt quite business-like, and it seemed they were following a manual diligently. I participated in a half-day kayak tour, and the hotel pick-up was smooth. There were five participants kayaking on the calm waters of the Urauchi River.

There seemed to be many guides available, and our guide was knowledgeable, explaining the names of various plants and allowing us to fully enjoy the nature of Iriomote Island. While I think kayaking and SUP tours in Ishigaki Island might be slightly cheaper, I believe that if you're going to do it, the more majestic nature of Iriomote Island is the better choice.

I deducted one star because, despite it being an unusually sunny day in winter on Iriomote Island with no strong winds, we were switched from the desired SUP to kayaking due to weather reasons. I could only think it was because we were the only participants for the SUP, and they wanted to consolidate us into one tour. This assumption was reinforced when I happened to meet local tour operators at an izakaya that night, who mentioned that it was a nice day and that they could have easily done the SUP.

Additionally, I was disappointed that not many personal photos were taken; there was one where someone had their eyes closed, and we only received one or two usable photos, which was very few. I hope that next time we can do the SUP.

大きなツアー会社さんだけあって前日でも予約やキャンセルが可能であり、柔軟性が高い点は、天候等を考えると安心して申し込むことができ、良かったです。
また、VELTRAからのキャンペーンで申し込むと1人無料になるので安くなるため、利用しました。
やりとりがかなりビジネスライクな感じでマニュアルに従って一生懸命されているようでした。
半日カヤックツアーに参加しましたが、ホテル送迎もスムーズでした。穏やかな流れの浦内川でのカヤックで5人参加していました。
沢山のガイドさんがいるようですが、ガイドさんの知識は豊富で植物の名前等よく説明して下さり、西表の自然を堪能できました。
石垣島でもマングローブでのカヤックやsupツアーはやや安くできると思いますが、折角なら自然がより雄大な西表島の方がいいかと思います。
星を一つ減らしたのは、風が全然強くなく、冬の西表島では珍しく晴天の日だったにもかかわらず、天候を理由に希望していたsupではなくカヤックにされてしまった事です。
sup参加者が私達だけで、一つのツアーにまとめて集約したいからなんだろうなとしか思えませんでした。というのも、この日の夜以前supツアーでお世話になった地元のツアー業者の方々に居酒屋で偶々お会いし、今日どこに行ったという話になったのですが、今日はいい天気で全然supできたよと皆さん言われていました。
また、個人写真をあまり撮って下さらず、1人が目を瞑っていたり、使える写真が1、2枚程度で非常に少なかったのでがっかりしました。
是非次回はsupができたらなと思います。

The arrival day was cloudy and felt a bit cold. I was worried about the snorkeling reservation, but once we got out to sea, the water was warm, and since we were wearing wetsuits and shoes, it was totally fine.

They put two wetsuits on my 9-year-old child, which was great because I was worried he would get cold. Thanks to that, he didn't feel cold at all and had a lot of fun.

The guide (Makocchan) explained the swimming points and precautions clearly, and I really appreciate it. During the return transfer, he talked about recommended island cuisine, which made the whole experience enjoyable.

When we tried the recommended restaurant, it was incredibly delicious, so I’m glad I joined the tour for that reason too. I would love to participate in another tour! 😊

到着日が曇っていて少し寒く感じました。シュノーケル予約したけど、大丈夫かな？と思いましたが、沖に出ると水温暖かくウェットスーツもシューズも履いてるので全然大丈夫でした。
9歳の子供にはウェットスーツを２枚着せてくれて子供は寒くなっちゃうからとありがたかったです。
おかげで寒くなく、すごく楽しかったと。
泳ぎのポイントや注意点などわかりやすく説明してくれて、ガイドさん（まこっちゃん）に感謝です。
帰りの送迎時はおすすめの島グルメの話などしてくれて終始楽しかったです。
おすすめのお店に行ってみたらすごい美味しくて、そうゆう点でもツアーに参加して良かったです(^^)
また違うツアーにも参加したいです

Unfortunately, we couldn't go to the Blue Cave due to the waves, but we were able to dive from a nearby beach and see the beautiful underwater scenery. The day before was cloudy, but on the day of our visit, it was sunny with great visibility, which made us very satisfied.

We didn't get to see any sea turtles that day, which was disappointing, but I would like to try again next time. I was a bit nervous about my kids wearing snorkeling masks for the first time, but our guide, Makocchan, skillfully guided them, and they were able to put them on smoothly without any issues, enjoying the experience.

Although my kids are a bit timid, there were safe floats available, so they felt completely at ease and had a lot of fun. We were very satisfied with the wonderful experience. Thank you so much! 😊

残念ながら青の洞窟は波の影響で行けませんでしたが、近くのビーチから潜って綺麗な海の中を見る事が出来ました。
前の日は曇っていましたが、当日は晴れてすごく透明度が高く、満足でした。
この日はウミガメに会う事ができず、それは残念でしたがまた次の機会にチャレンジしたいと思います。
子供達が初めてのシュノーケルマスクを着用するので大丈夫かドキドキしていましたが、ガイドさんのまこっちゃんが上手に誘導してくれてスムーズに装着が出来て、一度も失敗する事なく楽しめたようです。
少し怖がりの子供達ですが、安全なフロートもあったし、全然怖くなくすごく楽しかったと大満足でした。
素敵な体験をさせていただきありがとうございました(^^)

After making the reservation, I received a suggestion for the date and time considering the weather, which made me feel at ease about the request. At that time, they also checked the conditions of the points and guided us to a place where we wouldn't get seasick, and it was incredibly fun. We were able to take pictures with the corals and fish, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was also a pet-friendly tour. Thank you very much!

予約した後、天候を考慮し、日時の提案連絡があり、安心して依頼出来ました。
当時も、ポイントの状況を見てより波酔いしない所に案内して下さり、最高に楽しかったです。サンゴや魚との写真も撮って頂き、満喫出来ました。ワンコ連れにも優しいツアーでした。ありがとうございました。

Unfortunately, the weather wasn't great in the morning, but thanks to that (?), we had an exhilarating and thrilling canoe experience. The stories we heard about Iriomote Island during our travels and while on the canoe were very interesting and enjoyable. (Especially the stories about the traffic lights on the island and the mangroves and salinity.) In the afternoon, the weather improved, and we were able to relax and enjoy a soothing time on Yufu Island under a beautiful blue sky. Throughout the day, we fully experienced both the harshness and warmth of nature.

残念ながら、午前中はお天気には恵まれませんでしたが、そのおかげで（？）スリル満点なドキドキカヌー体験ができました。
移動中やカヌーの上で聞けた西表島に関するお話がとても興味深く、楽しかったです。（特に、島にある信号の話とマングローブと塩分の話）
午後には天候が回復し、きれいな青空のもと、由布島でゆったりとした癒しの時間が過ごせました。
一日で自然の厳しさも温かさもたっぷり堪能できました。

Despite the changes in weather, I was able to see the sea turtles, and the guide was friendly, which made it enjoyable. Thank you very much.

天候の変化にもかかわらず、海カメちゅんとみれたし、フランクなガイドさんで楽しかったです。ありがとうございました。

I participated with my family, and I rowed with my son. Since I hadn't engaged in active play with him for a long time, it was a refreshing experience that reminded me of the times when he was little.

家族で参加し、私は息子とこぎました。
息子とは長らくアクティブな遊びをしていなかったので、久しぶりに身体をはっての体験をし、彼の小さかった昔のことを思い出しました。

At the end of December, there were many days with bad weather, but on the day of the tour, the weather happened to be nice, and we were able to enjoy a pleasant stroll through the mangroves. It was our first time paddling a canoe by ourselves, but the guides were very patient, making it comfortable even for beginners.

12月末は天気が悪い日が多かったですが、ツアーの日はたまたま天気がよく、気持ちよくマングローブを散策することができました。自分たちでカヌーを漕ぐのは初めてでしたが、ゆっくり案内してくれるので、初心者でも安心でした。

You can paddle through a river surrounded by various types of mangroves in a kayak. It felt like being an explorer as we went under the mangroves and, during high tide, even entered caves.

Even for those who are kayaking for the first time, the guide provides thorough instructions, making it easy to paddle intuitively. Additionally, it's safe for families with small children since two people can ride together, allowing an adult to assist.

数種類のマングローブに囲まれた河をカヤックで進んでいきます。マングローブの下を潜ったり、潮位が高い時は洞窟の中にも入れるようで探検家になったような気分で楽しめました。
カヤックが初めての人でもガイドさんが丁寧に教えてくれるので、感覚的に漕いで進んでいけます。また小さな子どもがいても2人乗りで大人がフォロー出来るので安心です。

In winter, it seems that the ferry from Ishigaki Island to Uehara Port often gets canceled, but the tour company provided a thorough explanation about this in advance, which made it easy for us to participate. It was really helpful.

I wasn't expecting much from the canoeing due to the bad weather, but wearing a raincoat made it surprisingly enjoyable! The experience is quite different from a sunny day, and I liked that.

Yubu Island also had many unexpected attractions. The water buffalo were cute, but the botanical garden, where we could enjoy the tropical atmosphere, was really great.

冬は石垣島→上原港便が欠航になることが多いらしく、その辺りの対応含めて事前にツアー会社さんから丁寧な説明があり、スムーズに参加できました。本当に助かりました。
悪天候でカヌーも期待してなかったのですが、レインコートを着ていれば案外楽しめますね！晴の日とは違った感じも良いです。
由布島も意外と見所がたくさんあって、水牛も可愛いですが、南国感が楽しめる植物園がとても良かったです。

When traveling from Iriomote Island to Yufu Island by water buffalo cart, we were treated to a shamisen performance. Unfortunately, the day we participated in the tour was cloudy, but the shallow and calm waters of Okinawa combined with the sound of the shamisen were very pleasant!

The free time on Yufu Island was just right, allowing us to leisurely stroll around. The Yaeyama soba we had at a restaurant near Uehara Port, which wasn't listed on Google Maps, was also exquisite!

Since we were staying in the Uehara area, it was great that they provided transportation to our hotel.

西表島から由布島へ、水牛車に乗って行くとき、三味線を演奏していただきました。ツアーに参加した日はあいにくの曇りでしたが、浅く穏やかな沖縄の海と三味線の音色がとても心地よかったです！
由布島の自由時間もちょうど良く、のんびり散策することができました！
上原港近くの、Googleマップに載っていないお店で食べた八重山そばも絶品でした！
上原地区に滞在していたので、ホテルまで送迎していただけたのもよかったです。

I made a reservation for a day's activities, but unfortunately, the snorkeling in the afternoon was canceled due to strong winds. I only participated in canoeing, but it turned out to be a great experience. I'm glad I joined.

First, the day before → I received a phone call in the evening to confirm the time and location for participation. It was very polite. However, while asking for height was fine, asking for weight was a bit much... It would have been better to ask which size of life jacket (S, M, L) I preferred.

On the day → We gathered in front of the red post box 📮, and the meeting place was easy to find, so I didn't get lost. Foreigners and Japanese participants were separated into different groups. I was with only Japanese participants.

In the car, we used an app to register the consent form. Until we arrived, the guide provided information. During this time, the guide, Taishi, recommended delicious restaurants and menu items, which I actually visited. I'm really glad I got those recommendations. It was incredibly helpful advice.

During the activity → There were two guides for four groups of participants. I heard that some people might hurt their backs, which I thought was unlikely, but the position for getting into the canoe was quite tough 💦.

Along the way, the guide took pictures, and I received all the photos as data. They sent me about 20 pictures.

After the activity → I borrowed a free shower to change. I wonder if the shower room doesn't have a lock... that was a bit concerning.

Overall, the quality of the guides was high. The photo service was also good. The content and duration of the activities were just right. It was disappointing that the snorkeling was canceled, but I will definitely participate next time! I had a lot of fun.

1日のアクティビティに予約しましたが、残念ながら風が強くて午後のシュノーケルは中止になりました。
カヌーだけの参加となりましたが、すごくいい体験になりました。参加してよかったです。
まず前日→夕方に電話がかかってきて参加時間場所などの確認があり。すごく丁寧。ただ、身長はいいけど体重まで聞かれるのは…ライフジャケットはS.M.Lどれがいいかくらいの聞き方が良かった…
当日→赤いポスト前集合📮集合場所は分かりやすくて迷わず。外国人と日本人は別々のグループで分けてくれていた。同行は日本人のみ。
車の中でアプリを使って同意書の登録。到着まではガイドさんから案内。この時のガイドたいしさんから美味しいお店やメニューを教えていただいて、実際行きました。教えてもらってて本当よかった。めちゃくちゃありがたいアドバイスでした。
アクティビティ中→参加者4組に対してガイドは2人ついてくれた。
腰を痛める人もいるとかで、まさか〜と思ったけど、カヌーに乗る態勢ってなかなか辛い💦
途中ガイドさんが写真をとってくれて、写真はすべてデータでもらえます。20枚くらい送ってくれました。
解散後→無料のシャワーをかりて着替えました。シャワー室は鍵がついてないのかな…ちょっと不安ですね。
全体としてガイドさんたちの質が高い。写真撮影などのサービスもよい。アクティビティの内容も時間もちょうどいい。
シュノーケル中止は残念でしたが、次回ぜひ参加します！凄く楽しかったです。

In late December, I participated in a day trip from Ishigaki Island for a mangrove forest canoeing and buffalo cart tour on Yubu Island.

On the day of the trip, due to rough seas, the Uehara route was canceled, so we took the 7:30 ferry to Ohara Port and used the ferry company's bus to get to Uehara Port. (I heard that cancellations are common during this time of year.)

In the morning, we experienced canoeing in the mangrove forest. The strong winds made paddling difficult, but it felt like a jungle adventure, and it was a truly valuable experience.

For lunch, we went to a restaurant recommended by our guide and filled our stomachs with curry fried rice.

In the afternoon, we headed to Yubu Island. Although the sky was unfortunately cloudy, we enjoyed a performance of the sanshin (a traditional Okinawan instrument) while riding in the buffalo cart. On Yubu Island, we also had the opportunity to interact with the water buffalo, which was very satisfying.

Finally, we were taken back to Ohara Port. We participated as a family with two toddlers, but we thoroughly enjoyed the great nature of Iriomote Island.

Thank you to all the staff at pipi!

12月下旬、石垣島から日帰りでマングローブ林カヌー&由布島水牛車ツアーに参加しました。
当日は時化のため、上原航路は欠航、7:30の便で大原港へ向かい、上原港まではフェリー会社のバスを利用しました。（この時期は欠航になることが多いそう。）
午前中はマングローブ林カヌー体験でした。風が強く漕ぐのが大変でしたがジャングル探検感覚で大変貴重な経験ができました。
お昼はガイドの方に教えていただいたお店へ。カレーチャーハン？でお腹を満たしました。
午後は由布島へ。あいにくの曇り空でしたが水牛車の中では三線の演奏もあり楽しめました。由布島の中では水牛に触って楽しめる体験もでき、大満足でした。
最後は大原港へ送迎していただきました。
幼児2人連れのファミリーでの参加でしたが、西表島の大自然を満喫できました。
pipiのスタッフの皆様ありがとうございました。

In the morning, I experienced canoeing! The wind was strong, making it difficult to paddle, but the staff helped me out, which was a great relief. I also had my 3-year-old and 5-year-old children with me, and they had a lot of fun. We were able to see the mangroves up close, which made for a wonderful experience. I learned that there are various types of mangroves and gained insights into the different adaptations they have for survival.

In the afternoon, we rode water buffalo to Yubu Island. It was my first time being pulled by a water buffalo, and I was moved by their earnestness. The buffalo we had on the way there and back were different, each with their own unique personalities and ways of pulling, which was quite interesting. The sanshin music and singing were also lovely.

Thank you for the transportation service. It was a truly great experience.

午前はカヌー体験しました！風が強く、漕ぐのが大変でしたが、スタッフの方にお手伝いいただき、助かりました。また、3歳と5歳の子どもがいましたが、とっても楽しんでいました。マングローブを間近に見ることができ、とてもいい体験になりました。マングローブも色々な種類があるのですね。生きるための様々な工夫も勉強になりました。
午後は水牛に乗り由布島へ。水牛に初めて引っ張ってもらい、健気な姿に感動しました。行きと帰りで違う子でしたが、性格もそれぞれ違く、引き方もそれぞれ違く、面白かったです。三線と歌も素敵でした。
送迎もありがとうございました。
とてもいい体験でした。

I originally had a snorkeling reservation on a different island, but I received a cancellation notice the day before, and I was wondering what to do. That's when I found and booked this tour departing from Ishigaki Island with the same company. Due to the wave conditions, we couldn't go to the Blue Cave and had to change to snorkeling at the beach, but I was just grateful that they were able to hold the event since it was the main highlight of my trip.

The guide mentioned that there weren't many creatures around today, but I was able to see plenty of fish, and it was a lot of fun. I heard that there aren't many days in winter when you can go to the Blue Cave, so I would like to try again in a different season.

元々違う島でシュノーケリングの予約していましたが前日に中止の連絡があり、どうしようかなと思っていたところ同じ会社の石垣島発のこちらのツアーを見つけて予約しました。波の状況で青の洞窟には行けずビーチでシュノーケリングに変更になりましたが、旅のメインイベントだったので開催してもらえただけでもありがたかったです。
ガイドさんは今日はあんまり生きものいないなぁとおっしゃっていましたが、全然たくさんのお魚をみることができて楽しかったです。
冬は青の洞窟に行ける日があまりないとの事だったのでまた違う季節にリベンジしたいと思います。

I experienced winter activities in the mangroves of Iriomote Island. It was a clear day, with a pleasant breeze and no heat, making it very comfortable weather!

The atmosphere in the mangroves was quiet and calming, and it felt like time was flowing slowly, which allowed me to relax a lot. I thought to myself, "Isn't this the best time of year?"

Spending time leisurely in nature became one of the most memorable moments of my trip!

西表島のマングローブで、冬のアクティビティを体験しました。この日は快晴で、風も心地よく、暑さもなくとても過ごしやすい天気でした！

マングローブの中は静かで落ち着いた雰囲気で、時間がゆっくり流れている感じがして、とてもリラックスできました。「今が一番いい時期なんじゃない？」と思うくらい、ちょうど良いコンディションでした。

自然の中でのんびり過ごせて、旅の中でも特に印象に残る時間になりました！

This time, I booked a tour for mangrove canoeing and a visit to Yufu Island, and I had a really enjoyable time. Paddling through the mangrove forest felt wonderful and was also quite mystical. I was able to see water buffalo up close, which was very satisfying!!

Additionally, our tour guide, "Macchan," was a kind person of the same generation, which made the experience even better! We were able to share various personal stories, which enhanced our enjoyment of the tour. For lunch, he recommended several dishes, and I was thrilled to be able to try "squid ink yakisoba, soki soba, gulkun burger, coffee, and pineapple cake."

I highly recommend this tour, so if you're considering it, definitely go for it!!

今回はマングローブカヌーと、由布島観光のツアーを申し込み、とても楽しい時間でした。
マングローブの森の中をカヌーで進んでゆくのはとても気持ちが良く、また神秘的でもありました。
水牛も間近で見ることができ、大満足です！！
また、ツアーガイドの「まっちゃん」が同世代で優しい人柄で最高でした！
お互いの身の上話も色々とできて、より一層ツアーを楽しめました。
ランチもいろいろ教えてくださり、「イカスミ焼きそば、ソーキそば、グルクンバーガー、コーヒーにパイナップルケーキ」とたくさん食べることができて嬉しかったです。

本当におすすめのツアーなので、迷われている方がいればぜひ！！

I was moved by the incredibly kind guide! It was my first time kayaking and I was nervous, but they supported me so patiently that I got used to it quickly. Along the way, they encouraged me by saying, "You're doing great!" which made me feel really reassured.

優しすぎるガイドさんに感動した！　カヤックが初めてで緊張してたけど、丁寧にサポートしてくれてすぐに慣れた。途中で「いいペースですよ！」って声をかけてくれて、すごく安心した。

The blue cave where light shines through is truly mystical! The guide told us, "This is the most beautiful part," and the view when I looked up was like a scene from a movie. It was a series of breathtaking moments!

光が差し込む青の洞窟は本当に神秘的！　ガイドさんが「ここからが一番きれいですよ」と教えてくれて、見上げた景色がまるで映画のワンシーンみたいだった。感動の連続！

I was hoping to go snorkeling, but due to bad weather, it was changed. What a shame.

In the morning, I went on a mangrove canoe tour guided by Matsushita, also known as Macchan. We paddled up the river with mangroves on both sides. The current was gentle, and while listening to explanations about the island, we smoothly made our way forward, enjoying the magnificent nature. Before turning back, we landed on the shore to see some plants and a waterfall. On the way back, we relaxed and arrived at the estuary without having to paddle.

After a lunch break, in the afternoon, we went canyoning guided by Shogo. We walked over rocky areas, jumped in about three times, and slid down the stream. At the waterfall, we enjoyed being hit by the flow, going behind it, and fully experiencing the great outdoors! When climbing the rocks or jumping into the river, the guides carefully showed us where to place our feet, allowing us to play safely.

Canoeing and canyoning may seem difficult, but the guides pay close attention and teach you, so there were no injuries, and it's fine even for beginners. I think even elementary school students can do it. Since we came all the way to Iriomote Island, I believe it's better to leave it to the guides to fully enjoy the island's nature and play safely, plus they teach you various things about the island, which is very helpful.

This time it was winter, so unfortunately the weather wasn't great, but I was very satisfied. Especially canyoning is definitely worth doing at least once!

Also, they provide wetsuits, so it wasn't cold, and we could use the shower after the experience. We got to take a lot of photos as well. I was a bit anxious since it was an unfamiliar place and I was meeting the guides for the first time, but everything turned out to be great!

シュノーケリングを希望していましたが、荒天のため変更になってしまいました。残念。

午前中はまっちゃんこと松下さんのガイドの元、マングローブカヌーでした。マングローブを両サイドに見ながら、川を上っていきます。流れも穏やかで、島の説明を聞き、雄大な自然を見ながら、スイスイ進んでいきます。折り返し前に陸地に上陸し、植物を見たり、滝を見たり。帰りは漕がなくてものんびりしながら河口につきました。

お昼休憩を挟んで、午後は翔吾さんガイドの元、キャニオニング。岩場を歩いて、途中3回ほど飛び込みをしたり、沢を滑り降りたりしました。滝では、流れに打たれたり、裏側へ回ったり、大自然を満喫しました！岩場を登る時や川に飛び込む時も、足の置き場まで丁寧に教えてくださり、安全に遊べました。

カヌーもキャニオニングも難しそうに感じますが、ガイドさんが細かく見てくれ、教えてくださるので、怪我もないですし、初めてでも大丈夫です。小学生でも大丈夫だと思いました。
せっかく西表島に来るからには、島の自然を満喫でき、楽しく安全に遊べるよう、ガイドさんにお任せしたほうがいいと思いますし、島の色んなことも教えてもらえるので、とても助かります。
今回は冬だったので、あいにくの天気でしたが、大満足でした。特にキャニオニングは一度やる価値有りです！

あと、ウエットスーツは貸してもらえるので寒くはないですし、体験後シャワーも使えました。写真もたくさん撮ってもらえました。なんとなく、始まるまでは知らない土地だし、ガイドさんも初めて会うので不安でしたが、色々ハズレなし感でした。

In December, it wasn't too cold, and the sea in Miyako Island was very beautiful. I was very satisfied with the plan as I could do stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and snorkeling in half a day. It was my first time doing SUP, but the instructor, Takumi, taught me carefully, and I had a great time. I even got to see two sea turtles while snorkeling, and I was able to take beautiful photos as well. I definitely want to use this service again!

12月でも寒すぎず、宮古島の海はとっても綺麗で、半日でSUPとシュノーケリングができたので大満足のプランです。
SUPは初めてでしたが、インストラクターのたくみ君が丁寧に教えてくださり楽しめました☺️ シュノーケリングもウミガメを2匹も見れましたし、綺麗に写真も撮ってもらえます🐢📷
是非また利用したいです!

The Yaeyama Islands in December have relatively few tourists, making it a hidden gem season where you can enjoy a relaxed experience away from the crowds! Early December typically has relatively high temperatures, so just bringing a short-sleeved shirt and a light jacket is usually sufficient, allowing for comfortable winter days!

During the summer tourist season, visitors tend to concentrate, and ferries from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island can become fully booked, leading to difficulties in securing reservations for desired departures or long waiting times. In contrast, December offers more flexibility for travel and activities, making it a great time for family trips where you can easily plan your itinerary without feeling rushed!

On Iriomote Island, we had a kayaking experience in one of Japan's largest mangrove forests! The course follows a gentle river, making it suitable for beginners and families with children! In December, there are days when the north wind blows strongly, and during those times, you may need more strength to paddle than you might expect! However, while kayaking, you wear a life jacket and are constantly moving, so you hardly feel the cold! The guide provides support based on the weather and the participants' physical condition, so you can join with peace of mind! If you find it physically challenging and can’t paddle anymore, the guide will tow you! By the way, this time, Shogo from Pipi Iriomote Island was our guide, and it turned out to be a very enjoyable kayaking tour!

Additionally, the weather on Iriomote Island can change rapidly, and the weather forecast may not always be reliable! It’s recommended to bring rain gear, such as a raincoat, in case of sudden rain! Even with a little rain, enjoying the natural atmosphere is one of the unique charms of Iriomote Island!

After the kayaking experience, we took a lunch break and then traveled by bus to ride a water buffalo cart to Yufu Island! It’s a wonderful experience to cross the sea while listening to the sound of the sanshin! This winter tour of Iriomote Island is highly recommended for families who want to avoid crowds and cherish their time in nature!

Please note that the meeting point for this tour is Uehara Port. In December, due to strong winds, ferries to Uehara Port may be canceled, and in such cases, you will need to take a local bus for about an hour to reach Uehara Port after arriving at Ohara Port. You will need to use the ferry departing from Ishigaki Port at 7:30 AM, so for those who are not early risers or are traveling with small children, an overnight stay on Iriomote Island is recommended!

12月の八重山諸島は観光客が比較的少なく、混雑を避けてゆったりと過ごせる穴場シーズン！12月上旬は気温も比較的高く、半袖に薄手の羽織ものを1枚用意する程度でちょうど良い日が多いため、冬でも快適に過ごせます！

夏の観光シーズンは観光客が集中し、石垣島から西表島へ向かうフェリーが満席となり、希望する便の予約が取れない場合や長時間の待ち時間が発生することもあります。その点、12月は移動や現地での行動に比較的余裕があり、家族旅行でも落ち着いて旅程を組みやすい時期かと思います！

西表島では、日本最大級のマングローブ林でカヤック体験を行いました！穏やかな川を進むコースのため、初心者の方やお子様連れの方にもおすすめです！12月は北風が強く吹く日もあり、その際は想像以上にカヤックを漕ぐ力が必要となる場合があります！体験中はライフジャケットを着用し、常に身体を動かしているため、寒さを感じることはほとんどありませんでした！天候や参加される方の体力に応じて、ガイドさんがサポートしてくれますので、安心して参加ができます！体力的にきつくなってしまい漕げなくなってしまった場合はガイドさんが牽引してくれるそうです！ちなみに今回はpipi西表島のパワー担当勝吾さんがガイドをしてくれてとても楽しいカヤックツアーになりました！

また、西表島は天候が変わりやすく、天気予報が当てにならない場合もあります！急な雨に備え、レインウェアなどの雨具の持参をおすすめします！多少の雨でも自然の雰囲気を楽しめるのが、西表島ならではの魅力かと思います！

カヤック体験後は、お昼休憩後、バスで移動して水牛車に乗って由布島へ！三線の音色を聞きながら海を渡る素敵な体験ができます！混雑を避け、自然と向き合う時間を大切にしたい家族におすすめの、冬ならではの西表島ツアーでした！

尚、こちらのツアーの集合場所は上原港です。12月は強風の影響で上原港行きフェリーが欠航となる場合があり、その際は大原港到着後、路線バスで約1時間移動して上原港へ向かいます。石垣港7:30発のフェリー利用が必要となるため、早起きが苦手な方や小さなお子様連れの方は、西表島での前泊をおすすめします！

This experience is enjoyable and safe for everyone, from elementary school students to adults, making it perfect for families!

On Iriomote Island, we had a kayaking experience around a river that features one of Japan's largest mangrove forests! The calm river flows gently through the mangroves, allowing even beginners to participate without difficulty. However, the river leading to the mangrove forest is open, so depending on the wind speed, it can be more physically demanding than expected. A guide accompanies you and provides easy-to-understand explanations about the mangrove ecosystem and its inhabitants, making it a great opportunity for nature learning!

After the kayaking experience in the morning, we took a lunch break before riding a water buffalo cart to Yubu Island! Crossing the sea while listening to the sound of the sanshin (a traditional Okinawan musical instrument) is a truly memorable experience! On the island, you can stroll through a subtropical botanical garden and leisurely enjoy the tropical flowers and nature.

This tour is perfect for family trips, allowing you to enjoy both "experience" and "relaxation" all at once!

小学生から大人の方まで、ご家族そろって安心して楽しめる内容です！
西表島では、日本最大級のマングローブ林が広がる川周辺でカヤック体験を行いました！マングローブ林の中は穏やかな流れの川をゆっくり進むため、初めての方でも無理なくご参加いただけますが、マングローブ林に行く途中にある川は遮るものがないため風速次第では想像以上に体力をつかいます…。ガイドさんが同行し、マングローブの仕組みや生き物について分かりやすく解説するため、自然学習の機会としてもいいと思います！

午前中にカヤック体験をした後は、各自でお昼休憩をとったあとに水牛車に乗って由布島へ！三線の音色を聞きながら海を渡る時間は、とっても思い出深い体験となります！島内では亜熱帯植物園を散策し、南国の花々や自然をゆったりと楽しめます！
「体験」と「癒し」を一度に味わえる、家族旅行に最適なツアーです！

I experienced mangrove kayaking and snorkeling in Ishigaki Island. While kayaking, I listened to the guide's thorough explanations as we navigated through the tranquil mangrove forest, surrounded by the sounds of nature, which was very soothing. I was able to observe plants and creatures that are not usually seen, feeling the unique charm of Ishigaki Island. During snorkeling, the clear sea was filled with colorful fish and coral, and it was a continuous series of breathtaking moments. There was support available to ensure even beginners could enjoy it safely, and they took photos for us, creating wonderful memories. I had a bit of trouble with water entering my nose, which made me anxious, so I held onto the guide's floating ring, but I still had a great time. This is an activity I highly recommend experiencing if you visit Ishigaki Island.

石垣島でマングローブカヤックとシュノーケリングを体験しました。カヤックでは、ガイドさんの丁寧な説明を聞きながら静かなマングローブ林を進み、自然の音に包まれてとても癒されました。普段なかなか見ることのできない植物や生き物も観察でき、石垣島ならではの魅力を感じられます。シュノーケリングでは、透明度の高い海に色とりどりの魚やサンゴが広がり、感動の連続でした。初心者でも安心して楽しめるようサポートがあり、写真も撮ってもらえて良い思い出になりました。私は鼻のところに水が浸入してきてしまうトラブルがあり不安だったので、ガイドさんの引っ張る浮き輪（？）につかまっていましたが、それでも充分に楽しめました。
石垣島を訪れるならぜひ体験してほしいアクティビティです。

Canoeing was my first experience, but it was more stable than I expected, allowing me to enjoy it without any anxiety. On the way to the mangrove forest, we faced a strong wind while crossing a large river, which made it a bit challenging to progress, but the view we reached was breathtaking. As we moved through the mangrove tunnel, I was able to enjoy a special scenery that can only be seen from a canoe, making it a very satisfying tour.

I rented a car at Ohara Port and consulted in advance about participating in the afternoon and being able to return on the last ferry. They confirmed it was fine, so I joined the tour, but I decided on my own to skip the shower before heading back. It was quite thrilling in various ways, but I had a lot of fun!

カヌーは初めての体験でしたが、思ったより安定感があり不安なく楽しむことができました。
マングローブの林を目指す途中、大きな川を渡る場面では風が強くてなかなか進まず少し苦戦しましたが、辿り着いた景色は圧巻でした。マングローブのトンネルを進み、カヌーからでしか見ることのできない特別な景色を楽しむことができてとても満足できるツアーでした。

大原港でレンタカーを借り、午後から参加して最終のフェリーで帰れるか事前に相談、大丈夫ということで参加しましたが、自己判断でシャワーを浴びずに帰ることにしました。
いろいろスリル満点となりましたが、楽しかったです！

Dear Staff,

Thanks to everyone's kind support, I was able to have a wonderful experience without any worries, and I really enjoyed it. I am grateful.

The on-site lectures were great, and the staff who assisted me over the phone were also very kind. Although my preferred course had to be changed to another activity due to weather conditions, I had a fun experience thanks to everyone's warm personalities. Thank you very much.

By the way, I noticed that on the page introducing the courses, there are titles and photos of experiences that are not actually part of the courses. This can be confusing when considering options, so I would appreciate it if you could look into this to make it easier to choose.

I wonder when I can visit the remote islands again. My excitement has increased! I would also like to participate in other activities.

スタッフ様 皆様の優しいご対応で
不安なく 良い体験ができ とても気に入ってしまいました。感謝です

現地でのレクチャーはもちろん、お電話で都度 ご対応くださいましたスタッフ様も お優しく 接して下さり
希望コースが天候の影響で 別のアクティビティに変更の案件となりましたが
皆様のお人柄で 楽しく体験させて頂きました。ありがとうございました。

ちなみに…
コースのご紹介 をされていらっしゃるページで、実際にコースに入っていない体験のタイトルや写真が採用されているものがあるので 検討の際 わかりにくいので ご検討頂けますと選びやすいとかんじました。

また離島にいつ来れるかな
楽しみが増えました
他のアクティビティも参加してみたいです。

It was a windy day, but I was guided on a special course that suited the conditions, and I had a great time. The guide also provided a thorough explanation about the mangroves, allowing me to truly experience the unique nature of Iriomote Island. I felt reassured by their flexibility in responding to the weather, and I'm really glad I participated.

風が強い日でしたが、状況に合わせて特別なコースを案内していただき、とても楽しめました。
ガイドさんがマングローブについても丁寧に説明してくださり、西表島ならではの自然をしっかり感じることができました。
天候に柔軟に対応してもらえて安心感もあり、参加して本当によかったです。

During the phone confirmation the day before, I was told that due to bad weather, we wouldn't be able to go to the Blue Cave and would instead be snorkeling at a different location. I really wanted to go to the Blue Cave, but I decided to switch my mindset and enjoy my first snorkeling experience at the age of 50. My friend also had their first snorkeling experience at 50 and couldn't swim! However, they managed to participate until the end by holding onto a float. It was my first time too, but I was able to swim and see a lot of fish. We even encountered a sea turtle, and I had a great time creating wonderful memories. I believe this was all thanks to our guide. Thank you very much!

前日の電話確認で、明日は青の洞窟へは天候不良な為行けませんと言われ別の場所でのシュノーケリングすることになりました。
青の洞窟には行きたかったですが、
せっかくなので、気持ちを切り替えて、50歳にして初のシュノーケリングを堪能してきました。
友達も50歳で初のシュノーケリングで泳げない！！でもフロートにつかまって最後まで参加出来ました。
私も初めてでしたが泳いでたくさんのお魚たちを見ることができました。
ウミガメさんにも遭遇し楽しく時間を過ごすことができ良い思い出作りができました。
これもガイドさんのおかげだと思っています。ありがとうございました。

This time, I invited a friend who was visiting Okinawa for the first time to join me in Miyako Island. 😃

First of all, the winter sea was incredibly beautiful! I’ll include comments from my friend who participated with me.

It was my first time snorkeling in Miyako Island. Since it was December, I was worried about the cold, but the water was actually warmer than expected. The sea was so clear that you could see for miles. Following Yume-chan, I started swimming and immediately encountered a sea turtle! Its leisurely swimming was adorable and truly moving. I had a bit of trouble taking photos because the turtle was so focused on the seaweed, but I was dedicated to capturing underwater shots, considering the lighting to take beautiful pictures. ✨

As we swam through the coral reefs, we moved slowly, and it was amazing to see various fish swimming right next to us! The instructor provided detailed guidance, which made me feel safe while swimming, and the explanations about the fish were interesting. I got to swim a lot, took pictures with cute clownfish, and was very satisfied. After finishing, they prepared warm water for us, leaving us with warm feelings both physically and emotionally.

In the afternoon, we moved to a different location for a SUP tour. My friend was new to SUP, but the instructor, Gen-chan with the beard, gave clear explanations, and my friend was able to stand on the board right away. We even lay down on the board, and it felt so pleasant with the wind blowing. When we passed through the rocks, it was exciting. We enjoyed SUP almost exclusively in a cove. Fish were swimming below the board, and I was once again amazed by the clarity of the water that allowed us to see them from above. We had a great time, took lots of pictures, and created wonderful memories!

今回、沖縄自体が初めての友達を宮古島に誘い出し参加させてもらいました😃
まず、冬の海の中はとてもキレイでした！今回、一緒に参加した友達からのコメントも含めて書かせていただきます。

宮古島でのシュノーケリングは初めてでした。
12月ということで、寒さなど心配でしたが海の中のほうが暖かいくらいでした。
海はとっても綺麗で、どこまでも見える透明度。
ゆめちゃんに続いて、泳ぎだすと直ぐにウミガメとご対面！
ゆったり泳ぐ姿は可愛くて感動しました。写真撮影は、海藻に夢中のうみがめさんにちょっぴり苦労しました笑
けど、水中での写真撮影にこだわりをもってて、光の加減も考えてキレイな写真を撮っていただきました✨
サンゴ礁を泳ぎながらゆっくり移動。手の届くような身体のそばをいろんな魚が泳いで行くのは感動です!
インストラクターさんが細かく声かけしてくれるので安心して泳げますし、魚の解説も面白かったです。
たくさん泳げましたし、可愛いクマノミとも写真が撮れ、大満足でした。
終了後もお湯を準備してもらい、心も体も温かい気持ちで終えられました。

午後は場所を移動してのSUPツアー。
友達はSUPは初めてでしたが、イントラの髭男げんちゃんの説明がわかりやすく、ボードの上に直ぐ立つことが出来てました。
ボードの上に寝転んでもみましが、風に吹かれてとても心地よく、岩の間を潜り抜けたときは、わくわくしました。
入江をほぼ貸切でSUPを楽しむことができました。
ボード下を魚が泳いでおり、それが上から見える透明度の高さに再び感動です。
楽しい時間を過ごせました。
写真もたくさん撮ってもらい、良い思い出になりました！！

I visited in early December, and the weather was just right—not too hot and not too cold—so I was able to enjoy it very comfortably! Fortunately, the weather was also great. Thank you very much! I'm glad I had the experience!

12月の上旬に行きましたが気候もちょうど良く、暑くも寒くもないくらいでとても快適に楽しめました！
お天気も幸いにも恵まれよかったです。
ありがとうございました！
体験できてよかったです！