Kayaking and trekking on Iriomote Island

Recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage List for its unique ecosystem, Iriomote is a wild, tropical island with incredible flora and fauna.

Iriomote Island, the Galapagos of the East

Mangrove forests and waterfalls in the middle of the jungle are what you can expect on Iriomote Island. Iriomote is the second largest island of the Okinawan archipelago, and certainly the most wild, with 90% of its surface covered by jungle or mangrove forests. It is also Japan's southernmost national park. One generally goes there to paddle through the mangroves, trek or canyoneer in its jungle rivers, and hope to meet specimens of the many endemic species, especially the famous Iriomote Yamaneko, or Iriomote wildcat.

In fact, the island was chosen in 2021 to be part of the Unesco World Natural Heritage because of its unique flora and fauna, which has evolved in isolation due to the island's isolated geographical position. Hence its nickname "the Galapagos of the East".

Discover the unspoiled nature of Iriomote with a specialist guide

The meeting point will be at ishigaki port and the trip commences with a ferry ride to Iriomote. You will then be transported to the nearby kayaking base.

Take a gentle kayaking adventure for approximately an hour, both lined with mangrove trees and the wildlife which inhabit the forest, all the way to the base station.

You will then have a jungle hike for approximately 50 minutes through the forest to the top of the Pinaisara Falls. En route the guide will explain and point out the various plants, trees and wildlife.

At the top of the waterfall is where you will have lunch, with the beautiful scenery surrounding you below, before descending to the waterfall basin. There will be time for a cooling swim in the pool below the falls, before paddling back to the kayaking base, and then back to the Port for the return trip to Ishigaki.

Your English-speaking guide not only knows Iriomote Island and its surroundings like the back of their hand, but also knows how to discover and point out sightings of the flora and fauna for you.

Practical information

This is a physical activity, please check your physical condition participating in this activity.
You must:

• Be between 6 and 60 years old.
• Be in good physical condition.

Things to Bring:

• Towel, Change of clothes, Sun Screen, Sunglass
• Clothes that you don't mind getting dirty or wet.
• Please wear long sleeves and long pants made of light, dry fabric. When you wear T-shirts and short pants, you need to wear light jacket and sports leggings to protect your skin.
• Summer season or hot day, you can swim in a waterfall. If you'd like to swim, please wear swimsuits under your clothes.
• Please bring a swimsuit, towel, waterproof clothing and a change of clothes for after the activity. Back at the kayak center, you can take a shower if required.

Included in the package:

• Lunch and snacks
• Waterproof equipment
• Life jackets
• Trekking shoes
• Kayak

*The tours will go ahead in conditions of light rain, which is frequent, and will only be cancelled in conditions of heavy rain.