Iriomote Mangrove SUP or Canoe and Canyoning Tour

Mangrove paddling, canyon rappelling, and a full day built for beginners

A combined stand-up paddleboarding or canoeing and splash canyoning activity on Iriomote Island, departing from Ishigaki Island with morning pickup and returning by mid-afternoon. You paddle a sheltered mangrove river for the first half, break for lunch, then hike to a canyon to rappel into pools. Life jackets, helmets, specialized shoes and all paddling gear are included. The guide photographs the day and sends you the files free.

The experience

The day starts at 9 a.m. with pickup from your Ishigaki accommodation (Uehara area), then a short drive to the mangrove river. You'll spend the first two and a half hours paddling (either standing on a SUP board or sitting in a canoe, depending on which option you booked) through a river sheltered from wind and current. The mangrove setting keeps conditions manageable even for people who have never paddled before. Life jackets and helmets are mandatory and provided. Specialized shoes keep your footing on slippery surfaces. By 11 a.m. you're back on shore with a lunch break at a nearby area where you can eat on your own.

At 1:30 p.m. you head to the second site. The second activity is splash canyoning: a hike into a canyon where you rappel down into pools and swim between rock walls. This is where the day shifts from paddling skill to climbing and water comfort. The guide leads the whole group through the rappelling setup and stays with you in the water. By 3:30 p.m. both activities are finished. You shower at the office, change into dry clothes, and return to your Ishigaki hotel by 4 p.m.

The guide carries a waterproof camera throughout and gives you all the photos at no extra cost. Tours run in English or Japanese depending on the guide available that day. Confirm the language when you book. The operator is certified by Okinawa Prefecture and all guides hold water rescue certification. Weather rarely cancels the tour, though dangerous conditions will. Wear clothes that can get soaked, bring a change of clothes and a towel for the shower, and avoid alcohol before the activity.

What’s included

• All paddling gear (SUP board or canoe, paddle, life jacket).
• helmet.
• specialized water shoes.
• warm shower at the office.
• guide in English or Japanese.
• photos taken by the guide and sent to you free.
• liability insurance.
• pickup from Ishigaki accommodation in the Uehara area.

Options for this experience

2 options

SUPコースGuide in English or Japanese · 09:00Includes pickup

カヌーコースGuide in English or Japanese · 09:00Includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (6 to 59 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by IRIOMOTE ADVENTURE PiPi

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to combine paddling and rappelling in a single day trip: the sheltered mangrove river suits beginners, while canyoning adds a different challenge to keep the day varied.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I do this tour as a day trip from Ishigaki Island?

Yes. Pickup from Ishigaki accommodation in the Uehara area is included, and the full schedule runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., so you can book it as a single day trip without staying on Iriomote.

What's the difference between the SUP course and the canoe course?

The SUP course has you standing and paddling a board. The canoe course has you sitting in a two-person canoe. Both cover the same mangrove river and take the same time. Choose based on whether you prefer standing balance or seated paddling.

Is splash canyoning the same as the paddling, or a separate activity?

It's separate. The morning is paddling (SUP or canoe) on the river. After lunch, you hike to a canyon and rappel into pools: a different skill and a different location. Both are included in the same tour.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour runs rain or shine in most conditions. If the field becomes unsafe (rough water, lightning, or dangerous currents), the operator will cancel and offer a reschedule or refund.

Do I need to be fit or experienced to join?

No. The mangrove river is designed for beginners with little wind and current. Paddling experience is not required. Age limits are 12–59 for SUP and 6–59 for canoe. Pregnant travelers and those with spinal injuries should not participate.

Are the photos really free, or is that a upsell?

The guide takes photos with a waterproof camera during the tour and sends you the full set of files at no extra charge. You keep the memories without paying separately.