All Reviews for Okinawa Water Sports

This is my third time visiting Iriomote Island. I booked this tour because it includes a visit to Yufu Island. A friend from Australia, whom I met the day before, was able to join us at the last minute, and they were very accommodating. Our guide, Matsuko, was kind and although she has only been on Iriomote Island for a short time, she knew a lot and talked with us during the transfers.

The ferry to Uehara was canceled, so we had a morning tour to Yufu Island and an afternoon tour to Kura Falls, but the guidance was smooth, and I felt like I had the most satisfying day on my third visit. They took many photos and sent them to me right away via LINE.

I would like to request Pipisan again next time! Thank you very much.

西表島は3回目。由布島が組み込まれているツアーを探してここを予約しました。
前日に知り合ったオーストラリア人の友達も急遽いっしょに参加することになりましたが快く対応してもらえました。ガイドのまつこさんは優しくて、西表島歴はまだ短いそうですが色々なことを知っていて移動中もお話してくれました。
上原行きが欠航になり、午前由布島、午後クーラの滝ツアーとなりましたが、案内もスムーズで、3回目にして一番満足感のある1日を過ごした感じです。
写真もたくさん撮ってくれてすぐにLINEで送ってくれます。
次回もまたピピさんでお願いしたいと思います！
ありがとうございました。

It was rainy on the day of the tour, but that added to the jungle atmosphere, making it enjoyable in its own way. We participated as a family, and although my son fell behind while canoeing, he was very happy thanks to the guide's support. The trekking to the waterfall took just the right amount of time and was pleasant, with the guide's explanations along the way being easy to understand. It was a very enjoyable tour.

当日は雨模様でしたが、ジャングル感が増すのでそれはそれで楽しめます。家族での参加で、息子がカヌーで遅れをとる事もありましたが、ガイドさんのフォローのお陰で非常に喜んでいました。
程良い時間で滝へ辿り着けるトレッキングが心地よく、道中のガイドさんの解説も分かりやすく、非常に楽しいツアーでした。

I was worried about the rain and wind, but as the guide told us, the mangroves act as a windbreak, so it was very comfortable to canoe inside where there was no wind. I was able to enjoy it with my children without any worries.

雨と風で心配していましたが、マングローブは防風林になっているので、中は風が無いんですよーとガイドさんが教えてくれた通り、とても快適にカヌーが出来ました。子連れでも安心して楽しめました。

We rode water buffalo back and forth between Yubu Island and Iriomote Island. On the way there, it was Ichiro, and on the way back, it was Yumeno. It was interesting to hear about the characteristics of the water buffalo and the differences in their personalities. The grandfather who was the water buffalo handler played the sanshin beautifully. We were able to experience the nature and culture of Iriomote Island, making it the best memory of our family trip. Thank you!

由布島と西表間を水牛に乗って往復。
行きはイチロー君、帰りはユメノちゃんでした。
水牛の特徴や、その子その子の性格の違いが聞けて面白かった。水牛師のおじいちゃんの三線も最高でした。西表島の自然と文化に触れることができ、家族旅行の最高の思い出となりました。ありがとうございました!

I enjoyed hearing various trivia about Iriomote Island while traveling, so I wasn't bored. Thank you, and I want to go again.

移動中も西表島の豆知識を色々聞かせていただき退屈しませんでした。ありがとうございました、また、行きたいです。

In the morning, I went snorkeling, and in the afternoon, I experienced the water buffalo on Yubu Island.

In the morning, the instructor Kenken provided thorough guidance, allowing us to enjoy snorkeling safely and happily. He shared information about the fish and coral and took many great photos, which was fantastic! I also appreciated him recommending a lunch spot on the way back.

In the afternoon, Rikkun was our guide. During the car ride, he talked a lot about Iriomote Island and Yubu Island. The water buffalo were very cute, and I was able to touch them and take photos together, creating wonderful memories. The gelato shop is highly recommended.

It was a very fulfilling day. Thank you!

午前中はシュノーケリング、午後は由布島水牛を体験しました。

午前中、インストラクターのけんけんがしっかり指導してくれ、楽しく安全にシュノーケリングをすることができました。魚やサンゴの情報を教えてくれたり、映える写真をたくさん撮ってくれて最高でした！帰りの車でオススメのランチスポットを教えてくれたのもありがたかったです。

午後は、りっくんがガイドしてくれました。車での移動中も、西表島や由布島のことなど、たくさん話してくれました。水牛たちはとてもかわいくて、島の中では触ったり、一緒に写真を撮れたり、素敵な思い出ができました。ジェラート屋さんがオススメです。

とても充実した1日でした。ありがとうございました！

I had a stand-up paddleboarding experience and went snorkeling at Balas Island! It was my first time on a SUP, but we moved slowly together, making it a fun experience! They also shared knowledge about the Iriomote wildcat and nature, allowing us to really connect with the environment!

While snorkeling, I was amazed to swim near a completely white island made of coral and in deeper waters, where I could see so many fish in the crystal-clear sea! I even got to take photos from underwater, which made me very satisfied! Thank you very much!

Sup体験とバラス島でシュノーケリングをしました！
初めてのsupでしたが、みんなでゆっくり進めたので楽しく体験できました！
イリオモテヤマネコや自然についての知識も教えてくださって、自然をいっぱい感じることができました！
シュノーケリングは、サンゴだけでできた真っ白な島の近くと、深いところで泳ぐことできて透明な海で魚をいっぱい見れて感動しました！海の中から写真も撮ってもらえて大満足です！
ありがとうございました！

The Iriomote Island mangrove canoe tour was a lot of fun as we enjoyed the scenery while canoeing, observing the butterflies and plants that inhabit Iriomote Island. Throughout the tour, the guide provided explanations about the butterflies and plants of Iriomote Island, as well as the lives of the local people.

The water buffalo cart ride to Yubu Island takes you across the water from Iriomote Island to Yubu Island. Yubu Island is a botanical garden, where we could also see butterflies and plants. On the way back, we rode the water buffalo cart back to Iriomote Island. Inside the cart, we were treated to traditional sanshin music, which added to the tropical atmosphere and was very enjoyable.

西表島マングローブカヌーツアーはカヌーをしながら景色をみて、西表島に生息する蝶や、植物をみながら楽しめるので非常に楽しかったです。ツアー中はずっとガイドの方が西表島の蝶や植物、西表島の人々の暮らしなど説明していただけます。
由布島の水牛車は水の上を水牛車で渡り西表島から由布島に向かいます。由布島は植物園になっており、ここでも蝶や植物をみることができました。帰りも水牛車に乗り西表島へ向かいます。水牛車の中では三線を引いて頂けるので南国らしさ満開でとても良かったです。

This was my second time snorkeling at SAP and Balas Island. No matter how many times I go, I'm always healed by the beautiful sea and the nature-filled jungle! The staff were very kind and took a lot of photos for us! I highly recommend it.

2回目のSAPとバラス島シュノーケリング。
何度行っても綺麗な海と自然いっぱいのジャングルに癒されます！
スタッフの方もとても優しく写真もたくさん撮ってくださいました！とてもおすすめです。

It was my first time on Iriomote Island, and it turned out to be an incredibly fulfilling day!

On the day of the tour, we left Ishigaki Island early in the morning, which was a bit tiring, but thanks to that, we were able to enjoy sightseeing without overlapping with other tour groups. The guide mentioned that starting the tour earlier than others allows us to visit the attractions first, which is a great advantage.

The weather was perfect that day, and I was able to take photos that looked like they came straight out of a guidebook! Our guide, Hoshi, took a lot of pictures for us, and we received them right after the tour ended, which made me very satisfied.

The Yaeyama soba we had at the top of the Pinaisara Falls was also exquisite. If I have the chance to participate in another tour on Iriomote Island, I would definitely like to request Kazeura.

初めての西表島でしたが、すごく充実した1日になりました！
当日は、朝早くに石垣島を出発したので少ししんどかったですが、そのおかげで他のツアーグループと時間が被ることなく、ゆっくりと観光することができました。
ツアーの開始時間を他より早く設定しているので、一足先に名所を周れるところが良いところだとガイドさんも話していました。
当日は天気もよくガイドブックみたいな写真が撮れました！ガイドの星さんもたくさん写真を撮ってくださり、ツアー終了後すぐにいただけたので非常に満足です。
ピナイサーラの滝上で食べる八重山そばも絶品でした。
また西表島のツアーに参加することがあれば、ぜひ風車さんにお願いしたいと思います。

This was my second time kayaking with my 6-year-old son, but he still struggled to paddle, and I ended up doing most of the work. We had quite a distance to cover, and with the wind pushing us, I paddled desperately, resulting in sore thighs and arms that night (laughs).

The trekking felt like climbing a bumpy mountain trail using my whole body. At this time of year, it wasn't enough exercise to break a sweat. I think it would be tough in the peak summer heat, but the view of the waterfall we reached and the misty water spray felt refreshing. Some other tour participants jumped into the plunge pool, but the water temperature was quite low, so I stopped at about waist-deep (laughs).

My son was a bit hesitant about joining the tour, but when I said, "Let's go on an adventure to find the elusive waterfall!" he seemed interested and was eager on the day of the tour. Surprisingly, he wanted to climb the rocky mountains and try entering the plunge pool, which made it fun.

If you're participating from Ishigaki Island, it might be better to either make a reservation at a restaurant or bring your own lunch. All the restaurants near Uehara Port were fully booked, and the supermarket was sold out of bento boxes.

The guide was very knowledgeable about the local area and introduced us to various plants and animals along the way. It was helpful that we could take a break at the shop while waiting for the return boat.

It was a valuable experience that you can't have back home. I would love to participate again if I have the chance.

6歳の息子とカヤックに乗るのは2回目でしたが、やはり息子はうまく漕げず、ほぼほぼ1人で漕ぎました。
結構な距離があったのと風に流されそうになり、必死に漕いだ結果その日の夜から太ももと二の腕が筋肉痛になりました（笑）
トレッキングもデコボコの山道を全身を使って登る感じでした。
今の季節であれば汗をかくほどの運動量ではなかったです。真夏は流石にキツいと思いますが、たどり着いた滝の景色と霧状の水しぶきが気持ちよかったです。他のツアーのお客さんは滝壺に飛び込んでいる方もいましたが、結構水温が低かったので腰くらいでやめておきました（笑）
ツアー参加にちょっと渋っていた息子ですが、「幻の滝を見つけに冒険に行こう！」というと興味が湧いたようで、当日は張り切っていました。
思いの外、自力で岩山を登ったり滝壺に入ってみたい！と積極的で楽しかったようです。
石垣島から参加の場合、昼食は予約が取れる店であれば予約をしておくか、石垣から持参しておいた方が良いかもしれません。上原港近くの飲食店はどこも満席で入れず、スーパーもお弁当類は売り切れていました。
ガイドの方は地元を知り尽くした方で、道中動植物の紹介もしてくれました。帰りの船の待ち時間もショップで休憩させてもらえて助かりました。
地元ではできない貴重な体験でした。また機会があれば参加したいと思います。

I was a bit anxious since it was my first time doing SUP and snorkeling, but the guide was very attentive and I had a great time! Even though I was the only one participating among many pairs, I had no issues at all. During the SUP, we were taken to a waterfall basin, which was deep enough that I couldn't touch the bottom, but I could swim and enjoy the waterfall experience! I was nervous about snorkeling for the first time, but I was able to get used to it while holding onto the guide's float board.

Bara Island was a bit painful to walk on due to the heels, but it was a stunning island made of rare coral, with only two in the world! The view was breathtaking! There were plenty of fish and coral, and the deep trenches expanded the underwater world for sure. I was really glad to participate, especially since it had been 3 to 4 weeks since the last landing! The guide took lots of photos and videos, so I could safely leave my smartphone in the car.

Next time, I’d like to try the limestone caves and sea turtle snorkeling as well! Thank you for your thoughtful care; I enjoyed every moment!

初SUP&初シュノーケリングだったので不安な気持ちがありましたが、ガイドさんが丁寧に教えてくださり楽しめました！
お二人組が多い中1人参加でしたが全く問題なく参加できました◎
SUPの途中滝壺に案内して下さり、足がつかないほど深いところでしたが泳いで滝行もできます！
初シュノーケリングで不安だったのでガイドさんの浮輪ボードにつかまりながら馴らせていけました！
バラス島は途中歩くところがかかとが痛いですが世界に二つしかない貴重な珊瑚でできた島とのことで絶景でした！お魚や珊瑚はもちろん深い海溝もあり世界観が広がること間違いなしだと思います。3〜4週間振りの上陸とのことで本当に参加できて良かったです！！
ガイドさんが沢山お写真や動画を撮って下さったのでスマホも安心して車内に置いていけます◎
次回は鍾乳洞や海亀シュノーケリング等も行ってみたいです！
細やかな気遣いをしてくださり終始楽しめましたありがとうございました！！

I experienced SUP for the first time, and it was so much fun!!! The guide's stories were interesting, and the weather was nice, allowing us to see the mangroves beautifully, making it a wonderful memory!

During the snorkeling in the afternoon, the sea was beautiful, and we saw many coral reefs and fish! Barasu Island was also incredibly beautiful!!

This is a recommended tour if you come to Iriomote Island!

初めてSUPを体験しましたが，めちゃ楽しめました！！！ガイドさんの話も面白く，晴れていてマングローブも綺麗に見れて最高の思い出になりました！
また午後に行ったシュノーケリングでは，海が綺麗でサンゴ礁や魚がたくさん見れました！バラス島も最高に綺麗でした！！
西表島に来たらオススメのツアーです！

Since the tour to Balas Island was canceled, I only participated in the morning mangrove canoeing. There were quite a few guests, and at first, I wondered if it would be okay, but the guides worked together efficiently and made sure that each guide team could rotate in an orderly manner. The transportation to the port was smooth, and all the guests were cooperative, making it a fun experience.

Guide R-kun constantly entertained the guests with interesting stories, ranging from jokes to serious jungle tales. At various points, he took photos of each guest, and when we managed to strike a good pose, everyone applauded, which was a lot of fun!

I intended to bring my waterproof camera, but I was told to leave it behind, so I complied. However, there were guests from other teams who brought their cameras, so I thought it would be even better if there was some consistency regarding that. Although I couldn't bring my camera, I was able to take many photos, and I received them via LINE at the end, which was great!

バラス島が催行されなくなったため、午前のマングローブカヌーのみ参加しました。
ゲストが結構な大人数で、最初は大丈夫かな〜と思ったのですが、ガイドのみなさんが仲良くテキパキ連携して、それぞれのガイドチームが順序よくまわれるよう工夫されていました。港への送迎もスムーズで、ゲストのみなさんも協力的で楽しくすごせました。
ガイドのRっくんは常にゲストを楽しませようとおもしろい話（ジョークから真面目なジャングルの話まで笑）をたくさんしてくれました。ポイントポイントで各ゲストごとに写真を撮ってくれて、良いポーズが撮れるとみんなで拍手したり、楽しかったです！
自分の防水カメラを持っていこうと思ったら置いていってほしいと言われたので、従ったのですが、持ってきてるチームのゲストもいたので、その辺り統一していただけるとさらに良いなぁと思いました。自分のカメラは持っていけませんでしたが、写真はたくさん撮って最期にLINEでもらえたので、よかったです！

We were guided almost like on a private tour. My wife was very happy to experience such an adventurous cave tour for the first time in our country.

ほぼプライベートツアーのように案内して頂きました。
初めての洞窟ツアーも国内でこんな冒険的な体験ができるのかと妻も非常に喜んでいました。

I participated in a canoe trip with my girlfriend. It seems that during winter, most ferries to Uehara Port are canceled, so we took the ferry to Ohara instead. We almost missed it because we woke up late.

From Ohara Port, there was a replacement bus to Uehara Port, where we met up with our guide.

The canoeing started quickly after a brief explanation. It was quite charming and enjoyable. The stand-up paddleboarding seemed challenging for the women when they came out of the river against the headwind.

It seems that many shops are often closed for lunch, so everyone was eating at one place. We made do with the bread we had bought.

The ox cart ride was only about 400 meters to the island, so it felt a bit short, but I felt lucky to hear the driver play the sanshin while singing.

The journey was not boring thanks to the guide's explanations! We were taken back to Ohara Port and were able to return on the 5 PM ferry. I had a great vacation! Thank you!

彼女とカヌーで参加しました。冬はほぼ上原港行きの便が欠航なようで、大原行きの便に乗っての出発。起きるのが遅れて遅れかけました
大原港からは代わりのバスが出ており上原港まで。そこでガイドさんと合流しました。

カヌーは説明もそこそこに早速ライドオン。なかなかに風情があって楽しかったです。SUPの方は川から最後出てくるときに逆風で女性の方は大変そうだったな。

昼は店が開いていないことも多いようで皆さん1つのお店で食べられていました。我々は買っておいたパンで済ましました。

牛車は島まで精々400m程度なので若干物足りませんでしたが、御者のおっちゃんの三線弾き語りが聞けて得した気分でした。

道中もガイドさんの説明もあり退屈しませんでした！
帰りは大原港まで送っていただき17時の便で帰ることができました。良いバカンスを楽しめました！ありがとうございました。

I rented a car and participated in a tour organized by a tour company. The company was very close to Uehara Port, but it was located one street back from the main road. When I called to confirm the location, they kindly came out to the main road to make it easier for me to find. The tour itself was enjoyable, with our guide, Hoshi, being very friendly and engaging, which made for a fun experience.

There are many tour companies on Iriomote Island, but this one is trustworthy and offers good services that match the price, such as changing rooms, shower facilities, and the rental of shoes and backpacks. I highly recommend it!

レンタカーを借りてツアー会社に調節伺い参加しました。上原港からすぐ近くですが表通りからは一本裏に入る場所にツアー会社はあったのですが、場所の確認で電話をしたらわざわざ表通りまでわかりやすい様に出てきてくださいました。ツアー自体もガイドの星さんがめちゃ気さくな形で会話も盛り上がり楽しく参加させて頂きました。
西表島はツアー会社も多いですが、このツアー会社は信頼も置け、着替えやシャワーの設備面、シューズやリュックの貸し出しなど金額に見合ったサービスも付随しているのでオススメです♪

The friendly instructor and the great outdoors were amazing! It was fun to learn about everything we touched and saw!

親しみやすいインストラクターの方と大自然で最高でした！触れるもの、見るもの全てに知識が豊富で楽しかったです！

I participated in a tour for the first time on Iriomote Island. The guide was kind, and I became friends with the other participants, making it a wonderful memory!

I enjoyed learning about plants, Okinawa's history, recommended restaurants, and many fun stories.

I would love to come back with the same group again! ✨

初めて西表島に来てツアーに参加しました。
ガイドのお兄さんも優しく、ツアーの参加者の皆さんとも仲良くなり最高の思い出になりました!

植物のこと、沖縄の歴史、おすすめのごはんやさん、楽しいお話たくさん楽しませていただきました

また同じメンバーで来たいくらいです✨

It was my first time on Iriomote Island, and thanks to this tour, it was a fulfilling experience. Since it was winter, there were fewer people, allowing us to fully enjoy the jungle cruise on the river. The guide's stories were entertaining, and I would love to visit again in a different season. The Yaeyama soba we had at the waterfall was very delicious. For those who want to go trekking, I recommend winter when it's neither too hot nor too cold.

初めての西表島でしたが、このツアーのおかげで充実したものになりました。冬場なので人が少なく、川を独占してジャングルクルーズを満喫できました。ガイドのお兄さんの話も楽しく、また違う季節に再訪したいなと思います。
滝の上で食べた八重山そばがとても美味しかったです。トレッキングをしたい方には、暑くも寒くもない冬場がおすすめです。

First of all, the person who guided us was calm and attentive, which made for a very enjoyable time. Thank you very much.

As for the details, we participated in the tour from Ishigaki Island and returned to Ishigaki Island. Another group stayed on Iriomote Island.

We took the 7:10 AM boat from Ishigaki Port to Iriomote Island and were picked up at Uehara Port around 8:00 AM. Since we purchased the boat tickets ourselves, there was a discount available when we made a reservation online.

They provide shoes and bags for rent, so as long as you have a change of clothes, drinks, and towels after getting wet or swimming, you can participate.

This applies to everyone, not just those on this tour, but there are only portable toilets, so I had a tough time since I drank too much the day before... However, since it was February and there were few people, I managed. (It might be tough during busier times.)

The quiet time spent canoeing and the trekking while relying on the roots was really enjoyable.

まずは、ご案内いただいた方が穏やかで気配り上手な方でしたので、とても楽しい時間を過ごせました。ありがとうございました。

内容としては、私達は石垣島からツアー参加、石垣島に戻るコースでした。
もう一組は西表島に宿泊されてました。

石垣港から７時１０分の西表島への船に乗って８時ごろに上原港でピックアップしてもらいました。船は自分で購入して行くのでネット予約したら割引もありました。

靴もカバンも貸出してくれるので、濡れたり泳いだあとの着替えと飲み物、タオルがあれば参加できます。

これはこのツアーではない方も全員ですが、携帯トイレのみなので、前日飲みすぎた私は大変でしたが、、、２月で人も少なかったので何とかなりました。（人が多い時期はつらいかも）

すごく静かなカヌーの時間と、根っこを頼って歩くトレッキングが楽しかったです。

The guide was kind, polite, and cheerful. I was able to enjoy the mangroves at a leisurely pace, which really refreshed my spirit. I learned a lot about various things like birds and moss, and I found it fascinating! I thought this might be my first and last time visiting Iriomote Island, but I definitely want to come back and participate again! It became a wonderful memory; thank you so much!

親切丁寧で明るいガイドさん。ゆったりマングローブを楽しみながら巡ることができて心が浄化されました^_^
鳥や苔など色々な情報をたくさん教えていただき、ハマりそうでした^_^（笑）
西表島に来るの最初で最後かなと思っていましたが、是非また来て参加したいと思いました、、！！
とってもいい思い出になりました、本当にありがとうございました！

I received a very polite explanation over the phone the day before, which made it easy to understand and feel reassured about participating. I quickly got the hang of stand-up paddleboarding, and it was a lot of fun. Although we couldn't go snorkeling due to the wind, we enjoyed sightseeing on Yufu Island, which was also very enjoyable.

前日のお電話でもとても丁寧に説明していただきわかりやすく安心して参加できました。初体験のサップもすぐに乗れるようになり楽しかったです。シュノーケリングは風の影響でできなくなり、由布島観光になりましたがとても楽しかったです。

This was my first time on Iriomote Island, and I was able to fully enjoy the dynamic nature! The guide's explanations were very helpful, and the lunch at the waterfall was delicious. It seems there are various trekking tour courses available, so I would like to participate again.

初めての西表島です、ダイナミックな自然を満喫できました！
ガイドの方の説明もためになりましたし、滝上でのランチはとても美味しかったです。
トレッキングツアーは色々なコースがあるようですので、また参加したいと思いました。

The guide was kind, and I was glad to participate as they provided detailed information about the history and animals of Iriomote Island! The scenery, including the mangroves, was also very satisfying during the stand-up paddleboarding! The guide on the water buffalo cart to Yubu Island sang with a shamisen, creating a wonderful atmosphere! Overall, I’m really glad I participated!

ガイドさんが親切で、西表島の歴史や動物の話が詳しくて参加して良かったです！サップ中もマングローブなどの景観がよく満足でした！由布島にいく水牛車のガイドさんが三味線で歌を唄ってくれて雰囲気が最高でした！とにかく参加して良かったです！

I was able to experience the nature of Iriomote Island by getting up close to the mangroves in a canoe and walking along the mountain path to the waterfall. I'm glad I chose the tour that allowed me to enjoy both the top and the basin of the waterfall.

カヌーでマングローブを間近に見たり、滝まで山道を歩いたり、西表島の自然を体感することができました。滝上・滝壷両方を楽しむツアーを選んでよかったと思いました。

I wanted to go mangrove canoeing on Iriomote Island and snorkeling at Barasu Island, so I made a reservation the day before despite the questionable weather. On the same day, I received a call informing me that due to bad weather, the activity at Barasu Island was canceled, but I could choose between a free cancellation or just the mangrove experience. On the day of the tour, the wind on Iriomote Island was strong, but the mangrove area was calm, and I was able to fully enjoy the mangrove canoeing in nice weather. The guide taught us a lot about the wildlife and plants, and even took photos for us, making it a very satisfying tour.

西表島でマングローブカヌーとバラス島でシュノーケリングをしたくて天候が怪しい中申し込みを前日にしたところ、その日のうちにお電話いただき天候不良の為、バラス島でのアクティビティは中止ですが、キャンセル(無料)かマングローブのみを選ぶことができました。当日は西表島の風は強かったですが、マングローブはおだやかでいい天気の中マングローブカヌーを満喫することが出来ました。 ガイドさんが生物や植物について色々と教えてくださったり、写真撮っていただけたのでとても満足できるツアーでした。

We gathered at the meeting point after arriving by rental car. There, the tour guide suggested that we could visit Yufu Island individually in the afternoon, and they would adjust the price to that of a half-day course.

In the end, going to Yufu Island on our own was absolutely fine, and we managed to keep the costs quite low, so I was glad for the suggestion. The person in charge of the tour was very enjoyable and explained everything well, and the children warmed up to them. My 73-year-old mother was with us, and I had some concerns, but since she regularly plays tennis, she was able to enjoy the trekking without any issues. When we faced strong headwinds while kayaking, the guide helped us by pulling and assisting us.

We were able to fully enjoy Iriomote Island and had a very fun time.

レンタカーで集合場所まで行ってからの参加でした。
そこでツアー担当の方からの提案で、午後の由布島へは個人でいかれたらいかがでしょうか。とのことでした。料金も半日コースの料金にしていただけるとのことで。
結果、由布島に自分達だけで行くのも全く問題なかったですし、料金もかなり抑えられたので、提案していただき良かったです。
今回ツアーを担当してくれた方が、とても楽しく説明もお上手で、子どもたちもなついていました。73才の母もいて少し不安もありましたが、普段からテニスをしているだけあり、トレッキングも問題なく楽しめました。カヤックで向かい風がひどく進めないところは、担当の方が引っ張って補助してくれました。
西表島を存分に楽しめて、とても楽しい時間を過ごすことができました。

After kayaking through the mangroves, we went for a bit of canyoning to Nara Falls. We swam across the pool with a lively family. We had a fantastic time listening to our guide Kaede talk about the nature of Iriomote Island, the Iriomote wildcat, and the crested serpent eagle.
In the afternoon, we leisurely crossed to Yufu Island while being rocked by water buffalo. The gelato was exquisite. They didn't have that 30 years ago when I came. I hardly felt the passage of time; it truly is a World Heritage site.

マングローブをカヤックで進んだ後、ちょっとしたキャニオニングでナーラの滝へ。滝壺を泳ぎ渡る元気なご家族連れとご一緒しました。ガイドのカエデさんから西表島の自然やイリオモテヤマネコやカンムリワシの話を聞きながら、最高に楽しい時間を過ごしました。
　午後はゆったりと水牛に揺られて由布島に渡る。ジェラートが絶品。30年前に来た時にはなかったな。あまり時間の流れを感じなかったのが、さすが世界遺産。

Since it was a time of year with a lot of rain during the New Year holidays, I was concerned about the weather, but perhaps due to my usual conduct, we were not troubled by rain at all. Overall, I was able to create very enjoyable memories and am writing this experience report wrapped in a pleasant sense of fatigue.

We explored the mangrove wetlands by canoe, and for the first time, I experienced how the canoe could be unexpectedly swept away by strong headwinds. Everyone in the tour passed through safely without capsizing or crashing into the mangrove forest. The jungle trekking was cautious due to unstable footing from the rain the day before, and we proceeded carefully. After about a 25-minute march, we could see the roaring Pinai Sara Falls. The water volume had significantly increased due to the previous day's rain, and as we got closer, we were drenched by the spray, creating a waterfall-like atmosphere. Our guide took some wonderful commemorative photos for us. Originally, we planned to have our lunch at the base of the waterfall, but we changed our plans to eat after returning to the shop, and the warm miso soup provided by the staff was comforting.

Even though I was fully equipped for waterproofing, I ended up soaking wet at Pinai Sara Falls (but this became a good memory), and honestly, I felt like giving up when heading to the caving. Upon entering the cave, the water level had risen to waist-deep due to the previous day's rain, and I had to bend down to keep my face just above the water's surface while moving forward. I worried whether I could finish safely, but I heard that the beginning was the toughest part, so I switched my mindset and continued while admiring the fantastical sights of stalactites and stalagmites. At the final destination, even though it was winter, we were enveloped in the warm, divine light of the tropics, and the fulfilling one-day activity made all my fatigue disappear.

Thank you to our tour guide, Yabu. Not only did you provide explanations about the sightseeing spots along the way, but you also included academic discussions about the characteristics of the flora and fauna and why they have changed into their current forms. I learned about the preciousness of Iriomote Island's nature, which I could never have known from a guidebook, and I was extremely satisfied.

　年末年始の雨が多い時期の参加でしたので天候が懸念されましたが、普段の行いのせいか、雨に見舞われる事もなく全体としては非常に楽しい思い出を作ることができ、心地よい疲労感に包まれ体験記を書いています。
　カヌーでマングローブの湿地帯を探検、向い風が強いタイミングではカヌーが思いのほか流される事を始めて体験しました。ツアー全員が転覆する事もマングローブの林に突撃する事もなく無事通過。
ジャングルトレッキングは前日の雨で足場が不安定で滑るため慎重に歩を進めました。約25分の行軍の先に轟音を立てて流れ落ちるピナイサーラの滝が見えてきました。ここも前日の雨で相当水量が増えており、近づくと水しぶきでびしょ濡れとなり滝行の様相を呈していましたが、ガイドさんに素敵な記念写真を撮ってもらいました。本来は滝つぼでお弁当の予定でしたが、お弁当はショップに戻ってから摂る事に予定変更、スタッフさんが提供くださった温かい味噌汁が身体に染み込みます。
　完全防水のいで立ちで臨んだものの、ピナイサーラの滝でびしょ濡れ（でもこれが良い思い出になりました）になり、正直ケービングに向かうときは心が折れそうになっていました。洞窟に入るといきなり前日の雨の増水で腰の深さまで水嵩が増えており、腰をかがめると顔が水面スレスレまで近づきつつの前進で、無事完走できるか？心配がよぎりましたが、最初が一番の難関と聞き、気持ちを切り替え鍾乳石や石筍等の幻想的な光景を見ながら前進再開です。終着地点では冬とはいえ暖かく射し込む南国神々しい光に包まれ充実した１Dayアクティビティで最後は疲れが吹き飛びました。
　ツアーガイドのヤブさんありがとうございました。道中観光スポットの解説にとどまらず、動植物の特性やなぜこの様な形状に変化したのかと言った学術的なお話も盛り込んで解説頂き、絶対ガイドブックでは知ることができない西表島の自然の尊さを知ることがで大満足です。