SUP or Canoe on Yubujima Island from Ishigaki: Mangrove River

Paddle or paddle a mangrove river and get the photos without asking.

Stand up paddleboard or canoe through the mangrove rivers of Yubujima Island on a half-day activity from Ishigaki, with a live guide in English or Japanese, all equipment, a warm shower and free digital photos of the day. The itinerary runs 9am to 4pm with a lunch break, and pickup is available from Uehara Port or Uehara-area hotels. You choose SUP (ages 12–59) or canoe (ages 3–65) at checkout.

The experience

If you land on Ishigaki in the morning or have a free afternoon, this activity slots into the day without eating your whole schedule. The boat leaves Uehara Port at 9am, and you're back by 4pm: long enough to paddle two separate stretches of river with a break between them, short enough to fit around a ferry or a flight. The mangrove rivers have little wind, so even if you've never stood on a board or held a paddle before, the guide will walk you through it on the water.

You pick SUP or canoe when you book. Both run the same schedule and the same two-river route. The guide handles all the gear, fits you with a life jacket and specialized shoes, and stays with your group the whole time. During the first paddle (9:30–11am), you're moving through the trees with the guide calling out what lives in the mangrove. The second session (2–3:30pm) covers a different section. Between them, you have an hour and a half to eat lunch on your own in a nearby area. The guide points you to where to go and meets you when the break ends.

The guide carries a waterproof camera and shoots photos throughout the day, then sends you the full set free: no upsell, no print package. You'll need to bring clothes you don't mind getting wet and a change for after. There's a warm shower at the office before the transfer back. Tours run in English or Japanese depending on who's booked that day, so confirm the language when you reserve.

What’s included

• Complete SUP or canoe equipment set with life jacket and specialized shoes.
• guide in English or Japanese.
• two paddling sessions on separate river stretches.
• lunch break with guide directions to a nearby eating area.
• free digital photos taken by the guide during the day.
• warm shower at the office.
• Yubu Island ticket.
• liability insurance.
• pickup from Uehara Port or Uehara-area hotels.

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 (3 to 65 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 100

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

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're arriving on Ishigaki in the morning or have a free afternoon and want to paddle without renting a car or arranging your own guide: the fixed schedule and included pickup from the port or your hotel mean you show up and paddle, and the mangrove rivers are calm enough that first-timers paddle comfortably.

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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 as a day trip from Ishigaki if I'm only here for an afternoon?

Yes, the schedule runs 9am to 4pm with pickup from Uehara Port or Uehara-area hotels, so it fits between a morning arrival and an evening ferry or flight.

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

SUP (stand up paddleboard) is for ages 12–59. Canoe is for ages 3–65. Both follow the same two-river route with the same guide and schedule. You choose based on what appeals to you or what works for your group's ages.

Do I need paddling experience to do this?

No, the mangrove rivers have little wind and the guide teaches you on the water, so it's designed for beginners. The operator rates it as easy even for first-timers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour runs rain or shine, but if the guide deems the river unsafe on the day, the activity may be cancelled. You'll be contacted at least one day before with final details and any weather updates.

Are the photos included, or do I have to buy them?

The guide takes photos of everyone with a waterproof camera during the tour and gives you the full digital set free, no purchase needed.

What should I bring and what's provided?

Bring clothes you're okay getting wet, a change of clothes and a towel. The operator provides the complete SUP or canoe setup, life jacket, specialized shoes, a warm shower after, and all the gear you need to paddle safely.