The Iriomote Mangrove River Canoe and Snorkeling tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Japan’s lush coastal ecosystems. Paddling through serene mangrove waterways and snorkeling at Barasu Island‘s vibrant coral reefs, adventurers can enjoy the natural wonders of this remote island. With experienced guides and eco-friendly practices, the tour promises an unforgettable family-friendly experience for nature enthusiasts. But what makes this journey truly remarkable is the chance to uncover the hidden gems of Iriomote’s diverse marine life.

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Key Points

Iriomote Mangrove River Canoe and Snorkeling tour offers a 4.5-hour excursion to explore mangrove forests and snorkel at Barasu Island’s coral formations.
The tour is family-friendly and eco-friendly, led by experienced instructors and includes equipment and liability insurance.
Participants can choose between canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding through the mangroves and snorkeling at the coral island.
The tour is available in English and Japanese, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Customers have praised the variety of marine life, the eco-friendly approach, and the overall satisfaction with the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The Iriomote Mangrove River Canoe and Snorkeling tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the lush mangrove forests and pristine coral reefs of Iriomote Island.

Priced from $98.36 per person, the 4.5-hour excursion includes canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding through the mangroves and snorkeling at Barasu Island, known for its coral fossils.

The tour is available in English and Japanese, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Participants will enjoy family-friendly, eco-friendly activities led by experienced instructors, along with snorkel equipment, life jackets, and liability insurance.

Looking for more options in Japan? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Experience Highlights

Canoe or Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) through the lush mangrove forests, with safe exploration led by an experienced instructor.

This family-friendly kayaking trip offers an eco-friendly and sustainable way to discover the largest variety of fish species in Japan found in mangrove habitats.

Snorkel at Barasu Island, a unique coral fossil island, and marvel at the vibrant marine life.

Tours may adjust their order based on tide and wind conditions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

With included equipment and liability insurance, this activity is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Iriomote Island.

Tour Details

Although the tour order may change based on tide and wind conditions, the activity includes canoe or stand-up paddleboard equipment, snorkel gear, life jackets, liability insurance, and photo data.

There’s an additional charge of 1000 yen for prescription snorkel masks.

After the tour, participants can use the provided shower area to clean up.

Please note that the tour may be canceled due to weather-related issues.

Meeting Point and Directions

Where does the tour meet? The meeting point is at the vending machine outside the main entrance of the port. After disembarking, participants should proceed straight to the vending machine to meet the group.

Weather Conditions	Cancellation Policy
Possible	Weather-related

Participants should follow the directions provided, as the tour order may change based on tide and wind conditions. In the event of a weather-related cancellation, guests can expect a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

More Great Tours Nearby

Canoe Adventure Through Mangrove Forests

Participants embark on an immersive journey through the lush mangrove forests of Iriomote, gliding peacefully in sturdy canoes or stand-up paddleboards led by experienced instructors.

Navigating the intricate waterways, they discover a diverse ecosystem teeming with life. Towering mangrove trees, their roots reaching into the water, provide a natural sanctuary for an array of fish, birds, and other wildlife.

The serene experience allows visitors to appreciate the fragile beauty of this unique environment while learning about the importance of mangrove conservation.

Throughout the activity, safety is paramount, with all necessary equipment and life jackets provided.

There's plenty more to explore in Japan

Snorkeling at Barasu Island

After seeing the serene mangrove forests, participants make their way to Barasu Island, a unique destination known for its entirely coral-fossil composition.

There, they don the provided snorkel gear and explore the vibrant underwater world. The shimmering waters teem with the largest variety of fish species found in Japan’s mangrove habitats.

Snorkelers marvel at the diverse marine life, from schools of colorful fish to the rugged coral formations.

This eco-friendly excursion offers a chance to discover Iriomote’s natural wonders while supporting sustainable tourism practices.

Family-Friendly Nature Experience

This family-friendly nature excursion offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore Iriomote’s serene mangrove forests.

Experienced guides lead canoers or stand-up paddleboarders through the lush green waterways, pointing out the diverse wildlife along the way. The tour is suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it an ideal activity for families.

Key highlights include:

Safe, supervised exploration with skilled instructors
Immersion in Iriomote’s unique, eco-friendly mangrove ecosystem
Opportunity to spot a variety of fish and other marine life
Snorkeling at the nearby Barasu Island coral fossil site
Convenient amenities like showers and liability insurance

Feedback and Ratings

Customers have given the Iriomote Mangrove River Canoe and Snorkeling tour high praise, with an overall rating of 5 out of 5 based on one review.

In this positive feedback, a customer from the Netherlands noted that the activity was "great overall" but suggested a shorter break between the canoe and snorkeling portions or providing advance notice about the timing.

The tour’s eco-friendly approach, family-friendly nature, and the variety of marine life found in the mangrove forests and at Barasu Island have clearly resonated with participants, resulting in a highly-rated experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Age or Height Requirement for the Activity?

The activity doesn’t seem to have any specific age or height requirements. It’s described as family-friendly, suggesting it’s suitable for a wide range of participants. However, it’s always best to check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines.

Can We Bring Our Own Snorkeling Gear?

Guests can bring their own snorkeling gear, but the tour provides snorkel equipment as part of the package. Using the provided gear ensures it’s properly fitted and in good condition for the activity.

Is There a Maximum Number of Participants per Tour?

The tour does not specify a maximum number of participants. However, the activity is described as "family-friendly," suggesting it accommodates a reasonable group size for a personalized experience. The exact capacity may depend on availability and logistics.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Charges Not Mentioned?

The only additional fee mentioned is 1,000 yen for prescription snorkel masks. Otherwise, the tour price includes all necessary equipment, liability insurance, and photo data, with no other hidden charges noted in the activity details.

Can We Request a Specific Departure Time for the Tour?

Customers can’t request a specific departure time for the tour. The tour’s schedule is set based on tide and wind conditions, and may change accordingly. However, the meeting point instructions provide details on where to meet the guide.

The Sum Up

The Iriomote Mangrove River Canoe and Snorkeling tour offers an unforgettable journey through Japan’s lush mangrove forests and stunning coral reefs. With experienced guides, eco-friendly practices, and a family-friendly atmosphere, this 4.5-hour excursion promises a memorable experience for nature enthusiasts of all ages. Whether canoeing the serene waterways or snorkeling the vibrant Barasu Island, this tour provides an opportunity to take in the beauty of Iriomote’s natural wonders.