Snorkeling in Ishigaki: SUP or Canoe and Blue Cave

Kabira Bay and the Blue Cave in one morning: paddle your own way, then dive where the fish are.

Snorkel and paddle in Ishigaki with a choice of SUP or canoe at Kabira Bay, then explore the Blue Cave and its surrounding waters. The four-hour activity includes all gear, a live guide in English or Japanese, hot showers, and photo data from the day. Ages 5–59. Children under 12 may use a canoe depending on sea conditions. Arrive on time. Tours run in light rain but may cancel if unsafe.

The experience

Kabira Bay is where you start: one of Ishigaki's most photographed stretches of water, and the place where you choose your craft. SUP (stand-up paddleboard) puts you upright on the water with an oar. Canoe keeps you seated and lower to the surface. Both let you move under your own power through the bay's shallow, clear water. Children aged 5 to 11 may be guided toward the canoe if the day's conditions or group size makes it the steadier choice, but the guide decides on the water, not before. You'll wear a life jacket, fins and mask from the start.

After Kabira Bay, the group heads to the Blue Cave. A sea cave where snorkeling happens in the surrounding area, not inside the cave itself. This is where you put the mask and fins to work, moving through water where fish gather. The guide stays with you and conducts the session in English or Japanese depending on the day's group. The whole activity runs four hours from start to finish.

Gear is provided: SUP or canoe, wetsuits (in winter), life jacket, fins and mask. You'll get hot showers near the port afterward. Ask the guide where. Photo data from the day comes with the booking. Meeting details arrive by email the day before. If you don't hear by 6:00 PM, contact the operator using your ticket number. Arrive on time: late arrivals without notice may be canceled with a fee. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet, use the restroom before you leave, and bring no alcohol. Tours operate in light rain but may be canceled if conditions turn unsafe.

What’s included

• SUP or canoe equipment.
• life jacket, fins and mask.
• wetsuits in winter.
• hot shower access near the port.
• photo data from the activity.
• experience fee and liability insurance.

Options for this experience

2 options

Canoe CourseGuide in English or Japanese · 09:00This course lets you enjoy canoeing, and the rental fee for the canoe equipment is included. Pickup is included.

SUP CourseGuide in English or Japanese · 09:00In this course you can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and the rental fee for the SUP equipment is included. Pickup is included.

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 (5 to 59 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 35 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.

Paid on siteJP¥ 1,000

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by ISHIGAKI ADVENTURE PiPi

Is this one for you?Choose SUP if you want to stand and paddle across Kabira Bay with a full view of the water. Choose canoe if you prefer a lower, more stable platform. Either way, you're moving under your own power instead of watching from a boat, and the snorkeling at the Blue Cave is the same for both.

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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 choose between SUP and canoe, or is one assigned to me?

You choose at checkout: SUP Course or Canoe Course. Both visit Kabira Bay and the Blue Cave. Children aged 5 to 11 may be guided to use canoe instead of SUP depending on sea conditions and group size on the day.

What's included in the four hours, and what do I need to bring?

The activity includes all paddling and snorkeling gear, wetsuits in winter, life jacket, fins, mask, hot showers, photo data, and the guide's instruction. Bring only clothes you don't mind getting wet and a towel if you prefer your own.

What is the Blue Cave, and what happens there?

The Blue Cave is a sea cave in Ishigaki's snorkeling area. You snorkel in the surrounding waters where fish gather, not inside the cave itself. The guide leads the group and stays with you throughout.

Are there age or fitness limits I should know about?

Ages 5–59 only. Moderate physical fitness is required. The activity is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or anyone who has been drinking.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Tours operate in light rain. If conditions become unsafe, the operator may cancel and offer a reschedule or refund.