The pristine waters around Ishigaki Island present perfect paddling opportunities. Most tours leave from either Kabira Bay or the Miyara River area, both easily reachable by local bus or taxi.
The standout experiences here are remarkably straightforward and well-organized. I’m particularly fond of the Magic Hour Canoeing Tour, which pairs stunning sunsets with calm evening waters – it’s the best bang for your buck.
The Amazing Sunrise Mangrove River tour offers a peaceful morning paddle through natural tunnels, while the 2-Hour Miyara River excursion provides an intimate look at the island’s ecosystem.
For beginners, the SUP and Kayaking Experience at Kabira Bay delivers excellent instruction and quality equipment. They keep groups small and the guides speak enough English to ensure a comfortable experience.
Check out these top-rated water adventures: (use this as a lead-in to specific tour listings)
Key Points
- Experience the natural beauty of Ishigaki’s Kabira Bay with stand-up paddleboarding or canoeing, including snorkeling at Phantom Island.
- Enjoy a breathtaking sunset and “magic hour” canoeing tour on the tranquil waters of Ishigaki.
- Witness a vibrant sunrise over the Mangrove River with a 1.5-hour canoe tour.
- Explore the eco-friendly Miyara River by kayak with a 2-hour guided tour and hotel pick-up/drop-off.
- Choose between stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking at Kabira Bay, with equipment and safety gear provided.
[Ishigaki] Kabira Bay Stand-Up Paddle Boarding/Canoeing + Phantom Island Snorkeling
![[Ishigaki] Kabira Bay Stand-Up Paddle Boarding/Canoeing + Phantom Island Snorkeling](https://powertraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1_ishigaki-kabira-bay-stand-up-paddle-boarding-canoeing-phantom-island-snorkeling..jpg)
The Kabira Bay Stand-Up Paddle Boarding/Canoeing + Phantom Island Snorkeling adventure offers travelers an immersive and engaging experience in Ishigaki’s natural beauty. Participants will paddle at the prime site of Kabira Bay and visit Phantom Island for additional paddling and snorkeling.
This activity suits both beginners and experienced travelers, providing all the necessary equipment, including SUP boards, snorkeling gear, life jackets, and wetsuits for winter.
Safety is a top priority, with liability insurance and safety gear included in the experience fee. Participants can conveniently meet at Ishigaki Port Terminal or request a free pickup service from accommodations in the southern area of Ishigaki Island.
Important information will be shared the day prior to the tour. While the activity isn’t recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions, it’s accessible to most travelers, including those with infant seats.
Priced at $98.72 per person with a maximum of 30 travelers per tour, the experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time and has received a perfect rating of 5.0 from 5 reviews.
Read our full review: [Ishigaki] Kabira Bay Stand-Up Paddle Boarding/Canoeing + Phantom Island Snorkeling Review
Book now: Check availability
Canoeing : Beautiful Sunset and Magic Hour Tour
Ishigaki Island’s breathtaking sunsets set the stage for a serene and captivating canoeing experience. Priced from £4,017 per person, this 2-hour tour invites visitors to witness the vibrant hues of the sky while gliding through the tranquil waters of Ishigaki’s best spots.
Guests can expect a profound sense of peace and awe as they enjoy the beauty of nature.
The tour includes all necessary canoeing equipment, experience fees, liability insurance, and even photo data and transportation. However, it’s not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, those with heart problems, or individuals over 65 years old.
Participants should come prepared with a change of clothes, towel, drinks, and cash, and be aware that smoking, alcohol, drugs, and baby carriages are prohibited.
While weather conditions may affect sunset visibility, the tours proceed in rain unless thunderstorms occur.
Guests are required to provide their phone number for WhatsApp contact and shoe size in Japanese or American size.
Read our full review: Canoeing : Beautiful Sunset and Magic Hour Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Ishigaki: Amazing Sunrise Canoe Tour at the Mangrove River
Embarking on a captivating journey, visitors can enjoy the tranquil beauty of Ishigaki’s mangrove river during the Amazing Sunrise Canoe Tour. Priced at $50.83 per person, this 1.5-hour experience offers the chance to witness the vibrant hues of sunrise over the island. Participants will glide across the calm waters in a canoe, surrounded by the lush mangrove ecosystem.
The tour includes all necessary equipment and liability insurance, ensuring a worry-free adventure. However, it’s not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, individuals with heart problems, or those over 65 years old. Guests are advised to wear clothes that can get dirty and bring a change of clothes, towel, and cash.
The meeting point is a red mailbox outside the main entrance, and the tour may be contacted via WhatsApp. As sunrise times vary by season, the meeting time may change accordingly. Visitors should provide their shoe sizes in Japanese or American sizes.
Read our full review: Ishigaki: Amazing Sunrise Canoe Tour at the Mangrove River Review
Book now: Check availability
Ishigaki Island: 2-Hour Miyara River Kayaking Tour
Visitors to Ishigaki Island can embark on a captivating 2-hour kayaking adventure along the Miyara River. Priced from $50.83 per person, this eco-friendly tour offers the opportunity to explore the island’s lush mangrove forests.
The group size is limited to 9 participants, ensuring personalized attention from the Japanese and English-speaking instructors.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from the island’s southern area, as well as all necessary kayaking gear. Participants can look forward to a family-friendly experience, with safety prioritized while allowing for exploration.
Upon booking, there’s even the option to exchange the kayak for a stand-up paddle free of charge.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5 from 26 reviews, the Miyara River Kayaking Tour is praised for its beautiful scenery and excellent guides.
Customers can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Whether seeking an adventure or a relaxing day on the water, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.
Read our full review: Ishigaki Island: 2-Hour Miyara River Kayaking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Ishigaki Island: SUP or Kayaking Experience at Kabira Bay
For those seeking a scenic water adventure on Ishigaki Island, the SUP or Kayaking Experience at Kabira Bay offers a captivating two-hour excursion.
Priced from SEK 561 per person, this eco-friendly tour allows participants to explore the clear blue waters of Kabira Bay by stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak.
With a 15-minute instruction and support from English and Japanese-speaking instructors, guests can enjoy the stunning views of one of Japan’s picturesque beaches.
The experience includes all necessary equipment, liability insurance, and wetsuits, as well as the opportunity to capture memorable photos with a waterproof camera.
Participants are encouraged to bring a change of clothes, towel, water, and clothes that can get dirty.
With a convenient meeting point at Ishigaki port and hot showers available at the Ishigaki Port Terminal, this tour provides a seamless and enjoyable way to discover the natural beauty of Kabira Bay.
Read our full review: Ishigaki Island: SUP or Kayaking Experience at Kabira Bay Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
Ishigaki Island offers a range of captivating water-based experiences. From stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing in Kabira Bay to kayaking along the Miyara River, visitors can enjoy the island’s natural beauty. Whether seeking a serene sunrise tour or a vibrant sunset adventure, Ishigaki provides a diverse selection of aquatic excursions to suit various preferences and skill levels.