Caving and kayaking in Miyakojima: Pumpkin Hall

Paddle to a cave, climb inside, jump into an underground pool

Caving and kayaking in Miyakojima combines a canoe paddle across emerald water with exploration of Pumpkin Hall, a limestone cave famous for rare pumpkin-shaped rock formations. You'll canoe to the cave entrance, climb and explore inside, dive into a natural pool, and paddle back: all in two hours with a certified guide, caving gear, canoe, life jacket and free photos included. Ages 7–59 only. Life jackets are mandatory.

The experience

The day starts at the field where you meet your guide and get fitted for a life jacket and water shoes. You'll paddle a canoe across the water toward the cave entrance. The route takes about fifteen minutes and the guide handles the navigation. Once you arrive at Pumpkin Hall, you step out of the canoe and enter a hidden limestone world. Inside, you'll see the giant pumpkin-shaped stalagmites the cave is named for, climb through passages, and when you reach the natural pool, you jump in. The whole caving section lasts about an hour, then you paddle back to the field for dismissal.

Your guide carries a waterproof camera and photographs you throughout the activity: inside the cave entrance, during the canoe ride, at the pool. All the photo files go to you free of charge when the tour ends. The guide speaks English or Japanese depending on your preference. Caving equipment, canoe gear, wetsuits (in winter), and safety gear are all included. You just bring clothes that can get wet and use the restroom before you arrive, since there are no facilities at the site.

The activity runs rain or shine, though the shop will cancel if field conditions become unsafe. Tide and weather shift the schedule daily. Your guide will email meeting details by 6 p.m. the day before. Direct pickup may be required depending on bookings. If you need transport, contact the shop after you reserve. The operator is Okinawa-certified and all guides are certified water rescuers.

What’s included

• Canoe and caving equipment rental.
• life jacket and water shoes.
• wetsuit in winter.
• free photo data taken by your guide.
• activity fee, liability insurance and consumption tax.
• participant coupon page for local restaurants.

Information

Lasts 2h, runs every day at 09:30 and 13:30, from JP¥ 9,800 per person, with a live guide in English and Japanese and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30 and 13:30

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

AgesAdult (7 to 59 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

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 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by MIYAKO ADVENTURE PiPi

Is this one for you?Book this if you want both canoeing and caving in a single morning or afternoon: the two activities fit inside two hours because the cave sits at the water's edge, so you paddle straight to the entrance instead of hiking overland.

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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.

What is Pumpkin Hall and why is it famous?

Pumpkin Hall is a limestone cave in Miyakojima known for rare pumpkin-shaped stalagmites: the rock formations that give the cave its name. It's also a site connected to Ryugu myth in the region.

How do I get to the cave entrance?

You paddle a canoe across the water with your guide for about fifteen minutes to reach the hidden cave entrance.

What happens inside the cave?

You climb and explore the limestone passages, see the giant pumpkin-shaped stalagmites, and when you reach the natural pool inside, you jump in. The caving section lasts roughly an hour.

Are photos included, and can I take my own camera?

Your guide photographs you throughout the activity with a waterproof camera and gives you all the photo files free. Photography inside the cave itself is restricted to the entrance area only.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear clothes that can get wet and bring nothing else: life jackets, water shoes, wetsuits (in winter), and all caving and canoe gear are provided. Use the restroom before arrival since there are no facilities at the site.

Who can participate?

Ages 7 to 59 only. Pregnant women, children under 6, and people weighing over 100 kg cannot participate. If you have respiratory diseases, heart conditions, diabetes, spinal injuries, or other medical conditions, contact the shop in advance to discuss eligibility.