The 4 Best Snorkeling and Kayaking Trips in Japan

1.Iriomote Island 1-Day Snorkeling & Mangrove SUP or Canoe

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 119 reviews · from $99Our pick

Spend about six hours on Iriomote with a guided mangrove SUP or canoe outing and snorkeling near Barasu Island. Choose canoeing for ages 6 to 59 or SUP for ages 12 to 59. Pickup is available from Uehara Port and Uehara-area lodging, with equipment, showers, and free photo data included.

“Had a great time with this tour operator. Excellent logistics, furnished proper equipment, and was on-time with activities. Was very easy to find at the port. Strongly recommend if you have just a day to visit Iriomote and want a couple of pre planned activities.”

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2.Okinawa Ishigaki Kabira Bay SUP or Canoe and Blue Cave Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 94 reviews · from $89Best value

Spend about four hours paddling at scenic Kabira Bay and snorkeling near Ishigaki’s Blue Cave. Guides such as Akari, Moe, Sebastian, Loui, and Yudai have been praised for patient safety help and photos. Choose SUP or canoe, with children often placed in canoes when conditions call for it.

“This was the coolest thing I’ve done. The staff supplies you with a life vest, water shoes, flippers and goggles. There is one guide leading the way and one guide behind us. The water was very calm and was easy to swim. I’d recommend taking your time while in the ocean. It can get tiring a bit, but feel free to just relax, float and enjoy the time. Around 11 am, we went to kabira bay for lunch which was nice also. Definitely recommend!”

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3.Okinawa Miyakojima 1 day Sea Turtle Snorkeling & Pumpkin Cave & Sea Kayak

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 92 reviews · from $99

Spend about six hours around Miyakojima with Japanese or English-speaking guides, snorkeling for sea turtles and reef fish, then canoeing to Pumpkin Limestone Cave. You will climb through the pumpkin-shaped cave, receive tour photos, and return to the meeting point. A moderate fitness level is needed.

“This was an amazing experience! Yuri was an awesome guide and his English skills were very good. He did such a good job explaining the significance of the site along with teaching us the Japanese words for different things in the cave. He Read more”

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4.Okinawa Miyako Beach SUP or Canoe and sea turtle Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 58 reviews · from $89

Spend about six hours on Miyakojima’s clear coast, choosing SUP or canoeing before snorkeling over coral and tropical fish. Guides provide safety gear, winter wetsuits, and free photo data. Sunrise and sunset departures are available, though meeting points and timing can change with tides and weather.

“Giant corals! Lots of fish! Pray for good weather! Go during summer for warm weather! Also after snorkeling, go eat at hirochan syokudo. Also…rent a car if possible. And if you do the SUP, for first timer test your balance. If uncomfortable then just sit down and paddle.”

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