Iriomote Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a captivating adventure that seamlessly blends the tranquility of stand-up paddleboarding through lush mangrove forests with the excitement of snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs. This 6-hour tour, priced at $98.36 per person, provides an intimate experience for up to 9 participants, showcasing the island’s unique natural wonders. Knowledgeable staff guide guests through this well-organized outing, ensuring an unforgettable journey. But what really makes this experience stand out is the chance to explore Iriomote’s untouched beauty, a true marvel that’ll leave you…
Key Points
- Explore the mangrove forests of Iriomote Island via stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and snorkel in the vibrant coral reefs to see sea turtles.
- Experience a 6-hour tour with a maximum of 9 participants, priced at $98.36 per person.
- Tour includes transportation, equipment, and insurance, but food and drinks are extra.
- Tour operates rain or shine, but may be canceled due to weather conditions.
- Participants must be between 12 and 59 years old and wear life jackets.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Iriomote Mangrove SUP and Snorkeling tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the UNESCO Heritage Site of Iriomote Island, where 90% of the landscape remains untouched by humans.
Priced from $98.36 per person, the 6-hour experience accommodates up to 9 participants and includes activities like stand-up paddleboarding through mangroves and snorkeling in the ocean.
Guests may spot fish, corals, and possibly sea turtles, and visit a coral-pebble island visible only at low tide.
Transportation, equipment, and insurance are included, but food, drinks, and ferry tickets are extra.
Participants must be between 12 and 59 years old.
Looking for more options in Iriomote Ishigaki National Park? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Experience Highlights
Iriomote Island, a UNESCO Heritage Site, boasts an astounding 90% of its landscape untouched by humans, offering visitors a truly immersive experience. During this tour, guests will embark on a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) journey through the island’s mangrove forests, spotting a variety of marine life. Afterward, they’ll don snorkeling gear to explore the vibrant coral reefs and search for sea turtles. The highlight is a visit to the miracle island, a coral-pebble islet visible only at low tide. The order of activities may vary based on tide levels and wind conditions.
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| SUP | Explore mangrove forests |
| Snorkeling | Discover coral reefs and sea turtles |
| Miracle Island | Coral-pebble islet visible at low tide |
| Order of Activities | Varies based on conditions |
Inclusions and Requirements
This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, if selected, as well as all necessary equipment, a shower facility, liability insurance, and complimentary photos.
However, it doesn’t cover food, drinks, towels, or ferry tickets for those coming from Ishigaki Island. Participants must be between 12 and 59 years old, and life jackets are required for safety.
The tour operates rain or shine but may be canceled due to weather conditions. During the snorkeling portion, 30 minutes of boat travel is included.
Guests are advised to bring swimwear, towels, and drinks, and to avoid wearing jeans, high heels, and oversized luggage.
Important Information
Guests are advised to bring swimwear, towels, and drinks for the tour.
Jeans, high-heeled shoes, pets, oversized luggage, jewelry, alcohol, drugs, and electric wheelchairs aren’t allowed.
The tour operates rain or shine but may be canceled due to weather conditions.
Guests should inform their shoe size during booking.
The snorkeling activity includes 30 minutes of boat travel.
Safety is paramount, and life jackets are required for all participants, who must be between 12 and 59 years old.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Feedback
The Iriomote Mangrove SUP and Snorkeling tour has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 8 customer reviews.
Positive comments highlight the tour’s organization, helpful staff, and small group experience. Some feedback, however, noted a preference for shorter lunch breaks to extend the activity time.
The customer reviews paint a picture of the tour:
- Well-organized experience
- Knowledgeable and attentive staff
- Intimate small group setting
- Desire for more time spent on activities
Exploring Iriomote Island’s Untouched Beauty
With 90% of Iriomote Island untouched by human activity, visitors can expect to enjoy a pristine natural paradise.
This UNESCO Heritage Site boasts lush mangrove forests, vibrant coral reefs, and the elusive "miracle island" that emerges at low tide.
By Stand Up Paddleboarding through the mangroves and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, guests can spot a diverse array of marine life, including fish, corals, and potentially sea turtles.
The tour’s flexible itinerary ensures the best possible experience, tailored to tide levels and wind conditions for an unforgettable exploration of Iriomote’s untamed beauty.
Stand Up Paddling Through Mangroves
Paddling atop the glassy waters, visitors glide through the verdant mangrove forests of Iriomote Island.
The stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) experience offers:
- A tranquil journey through the intricate maze of mangrove roots and branches.
- Opportunities to spot vibrant birds, crabs, and other wildlife inhabiting this unique ecosystem.
- A chance to navigate narrow channels and discover hidden lagoons.
- Peaceful moments of reflection amidst the lush, unspoiled natural surroundings.
The SUP activity provides a serene and intimate way to explore Iriomote’s mangrove-dominated landscapes, connecting visitors with the island’s fragile yet captivating environment.
Snorkeling in the Vibrant Ocean
After exploring the tranquil mangroves by SUP, guests shift their focus to the vibrant ocean waters surrounding Iriomote Island. Submerging themselves, they discover a colorful underwater world teeming with diverse marine life. The snorkeling experience allows participants to spot numerous species of fish, corals, and perhaps even sea turtles. To enhance the experience, the tour provides a 30-minute boat ride during the snorkeling activity, enabling guests to access the coral-pebble "miracle island" visible only at low tide. The itinerary is designed to optimize the snorkeling experience based on tide levels and wind conditions.
| What to Expect | Details |
|---|---|
| Marine Life | Fish, corals, sea turtles |
| Duration | 30 minutes boat ride during snorkeling |
| Location | Coral-pebble "miracle island" |
| Scheduling | Adjusted based on tide and wind |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Any Special Skills Required for the SUP and Snorkeling Activities?
No special skills are required for the SUP and snorkeling activities. The tour provides all necessary equipment and guidance, making it suitable for beginners. As long as participants can swim, they can enjoy these activities.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear or Is It Provided?
The tour provides all necessary snorkeling equipment, so guests don’t need to bring their own. However, guests are welcome to use their personal snorkeling gear if they prefer.
Are There Any Health/Physical Requirements to Participate in This Tour?
There are age restrictions for this tour – participants must be between 12 and 59 years old. All guests are required to wear life jackets for safety. No other specific health or physical requirements are mentioned.
Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour for an Additional Fee?
The tour’s standard duration is 6 hours, but participants can’t extend it for an additional fee. The tour operator doesn’t offer any options to customize the tour length. The schedule and activities are fixed for all bookings.
What Is the Procedure for Booking This Tour if I’m Arriving From Ishigaki Island?
If arriving from Ishigaki Island, you’ll need to book your own ferry tickets separately. The tour provider can arrange hotel pickup and drop-off, but won’t include the ferry ride from Ishigaki to Iriomote Island.
The Sum Up
The Iriomote Mangrove SUP and Snorkeling at Coral Island tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore Iriomote Island’s captivating natural wonders. Seamlessly blending the serenity of stand-up paddleboarding through lush mangrove forests and the excitement of snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, this six-hour adventure provides an unforgettable experience within a UNESCO Heritage Site. With knowledgeable staff and a well-organized itinerary, it’s no wonder this tour is highly rated among participants.
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