There are two types of canoeing (kayaking) that can be enjoyed in Ishigaki Island! Which do you recommend, river kayak or sea kayak?
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Experience nature up close!
Kayak Tour in Ishigaki Island
Activities that can be enjoyed on Ishigaki Island include casual swimming, snorkeling, diving, and kayaking.
Even for repeat visitors who have been to Ishigaki Island many times, these activities are recommended to have a fresh experience every time because of the seasonal changes as well as the weather and tides of the day.
For those who want to experience nature close to the sea and rivers of Ishigaki Island, kayaking activity tours are a must try.
Both river kayaking and sea kayaking, we have a variety of optional tours where you can fully enjoy the tropical atmosphere of Ishigaki Island.
Difference between River Kayak and Sea Kayak
River kayaking (mangrove kayaking)
River kayaking in Ishigaki Island is mostly done in mangrove rivers.
One of the advantages of river kayaking is that it is less affected by wind and waves, so it is recommended for families with small children and female travelers.
River kayaking is the best way to enjoy kayaking and encounter the unique subtropical nature and creatures of Ishigaki Island in about 2 hours.
sea kayak
Sea kayaking is kayaking in the ocean.
Ishigaki Island is dotted with many spectacular view spots, so you can enjoy the resort kayaking experience.
Sea kayaking is recommended for couples and groups traveling together, or for families who want to be active but still have fun.
For kayak tours, just make a reservation and you can join!
Ishigaki Island, where you can enjoy kayaking in both the ocean and rivers.
It is quite difficult for individuals to enjoy kayaking because there are many tools and goods to prepare, such as the kayak itself, paddles, boots, and life jackets in case of emergencies.
Sea kayak tours offered by diving stores on Ishigaki Island include all equipment rental and tours with pick-up and drop-off at hotels and lodges, so as long as you make reservations in advance, you can have a very easy kayaking experience.
When you hear the word "kayak," you may think of the type of kayak that sinks completely down to the waist in a slender hull, which is ridden by one person.
The kayaks used for the local optional tour in Ishigaki Island are open-deck type.
This kayak is easy to get in and out of and is very stable.
Some of them can accommodate two people, so parents, children, and couples can also enjoy them.
Kayak tours to observe river creatures and unique subtropical plants
Miyara River, which is conveniently accessible from the airport and downtown, is the largest river in Ishigaki Island.
Many kayaking tours are offered on this Miyara River, where visitors can enjoy observing the mangroves growing thickly and subtropical plants and creatures.
For those who don't have much time but would like to try kayaking for a trial, we recommend the following,
This course can be enjoyed within a time frame of 1-2 hours.
After a lecture and some light stretching, we boarded our kayaks and proceeded up the river.
Riding a kayak on the calm surface of the water is smoother and more pleasant than one might imagine.
The reasonable participation fee makes it a bit of an adventure, and it is easy to incorporate into a full schedule of sightseeing trips.
For those who also want to learn about the ecology and nature of the mangroves of the Miyara River, we recommend this course, which can be enjoyed within a time frame of 2 to 3 hours.
The tour starts at the mouth of the Miyara River and proceeds through the watershed where mangroves grow in clusters.
After passing through a small cave that can be viewed from the top of the kayak, we will go ashore to the mud flats.
When the tide is low, you can observe unique creatures such as the Shio-Maneki, a crab with one of its legs larger than the other, and the Southern Flying Goby, which jumps around on the mudflats.
The tour guide is very knowledgeable about the nature of Ishigaki Island, so he will tell you about plants and other information that you cannot understand just by looking at a guidebook.
Miyara River is a 10-minute drive from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, a 15-minute drive from the city center, and easily accessible by bus, so it is recommended when you want to see Ishigaki Island as it really is.
Please note when making reservations that tour times vary depending on the tide.
SEE ALSO! Kayak Tour in Ishigaki Island
If you want to enjoy kayaking in the ocean because you are in Ishigaki Island, we recommend the kayak tour where you can enjoy river kayaking in Miyara River or Fukidogawa River in the northern part of Ishigaki Island, and then proceed to the ocean in the bay.
Other optional tours include sunset and nighttime stargazing kayaking tours, lure and fly fishing tours while kayaking, and other tours that can be selected according to your preferences and wishes.
Ishigaki Island has many gourmet foods and tourist attractions, but it is also nice to spend time relaxing in nature.
Please take the time to enjoy it.
All the fun in Ishigaki Island is here↓.
Ishigaki Island Tours
