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Perfect for scheduling! Half-day tour of Iriomote Island
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Enjoy Iriomote Island in half a day!
You may want to stay overnight on another island and enjoy activities on Iriomote Island for only half a day.
So this time, we would like to explore how to enjoy only half a day in Iriomote Island.
We will introduce you to the charms of Iriomote Island, including access to the island.
How to get to Iriomote Island
First, we will look at how to get to Iriomote Island.
How can we visit Iriomote Island?
By high-speed ferry from Ishigaki Island!
First, you will need to go to Ishigaki Island by air via Naha Airport or direct flights.
Then, from Ishigaki Island, we will take a high-speed ferry.
Again, there are two ways to do this: you can arrange your own ferry ticket, or you can take a ferry arranged by the company organizing the tour.
In either case, you will take a high-speed ferry from Ishigaki Port Remote Islands Terminal located on the west side of Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island.
Incidentally, it is important to note that there are ferry and high-speed boat services to Iriomote Island.
Please note that the time required and boarding fees differ for each.
Compared to ferries, high-speed boats can reach Iriomote Island faster, but the fare will be that much higher.
In addition, there are several companies operating at the Ishigaki Port Terminal, and each company has different hours and routes, so it is advisable to check the schedule and choose the company that best suits your needs.
Two ferry terminals in Iriomote Island
Iriomote Island has two ferry terminals.
Each terminal has different characteristics, so choose the terminal you will use according to the purpose of your trip.
Uehara Port with many activities
Uehara Port is located on the north side of Iriomote Island and is perfect for those who want to enjoy marine activities to the fullest.
Hoshisuna-no-hama, where star sand is gathered and is a famous snorkeling spot, and Tsukigahama beach, which is also visited by sea turtles, are also conveniently located here.
A 10-minute drive to the west will take you to the Urauchi River, where you can enjoy a jungle cruise or trekking.
Furthermore, the vicinity of Uehara Port is well stocked with island restaurants, cafes, and souvenir stores.
Pensions and guest houses are also available for overnight stays.
Ohara Port for cruising and other leisurely activities
Ohara Port is characterized by the convenience of shipping services compared to Uehara Port.
Ferries probably arrive and depart more frequently from Ohara Port.
In addition, Ohara Port also offers shipping service to Taketomi Island and other remote islands, making it a good base for sightseeing if you are interested in touring the islands.
Ohara Port is also connected to the Nakama River, making it ideal for those who wish to take a relaxing mangrove cruise.
Furthermore, near Ohara Port is Yubu Island, famous for its buffalo carts.
However, there are fewer stores around Ohara Port than around Uehara Port.
However, this does not mean that there are no restaurants at all.
Between Ohara Port and Uehara Port, it is accessible by Iriomote Island route bus.
As of 2017, there are four runs per day and the fare is 940 yen for adults one-way.
A day trip from Ishigaki Island is enough to enjoy!
Basically, you may want to travel based on Ishigaki Island and visit Iriomote Island as well!
In such cases, there is a way to visit Iriomote Island as a day trip from Ishigaki Island.
It is possible to fully enjoy the area even during the daytime.
And you can even enjoy it for half a day!
Also, even if you stay only half a day, such as only in the morning or afternoon, you can enjoy a wide variety of activities on Iriomote Island.
Half-day tours are also available, so you can fully enjoy the area even in half a day.
Recommended half-day tours!
Next, we would like to recommend a half-day tour.
What kind of tour can I enjoy in half a day?
Barras Island Snorkeling
On Barras Island, snorkeling excursions are available.
You can also take a ride on a buffalo cart or do some other sightseeing on Yubu Island.
During snorkeling, there is a possibility of encountering sea turtles.
The cost is 13,800 yen for the regular fee.
Other plans include two hours of snorkeling at Barras Island.
It is an uninhabited island with white coral fragments and crystal clear waters, and will be a great place to view installations.
The regular fee for this service is 8,900 yen.
Splash Canyoning
Splash canyoning is also recommended.
Even if you are not a good swimmer, you will be able to enjoy yourself with peace of mind, as life jackets and helmets will be securely worn.
Also, some people are not comfortable with heights.
For those who do, don't worry, there are low places available.
Experience the exhilaration of diving into a waterfall basin on this half-day tour.
SUP/Canoe Tours
SUP/canoeing, a classic popular activity, can also be fully enjoyed on Iriomote Island.
Guides will provide excellent support so that even those with no experience can enjoy SUP and canoeing to their heart's content!
No worries even if it is only in the morning! PiPi's tour includes a shower!
Getting wet is considered essential when participating in a half-day tour.
Therefore, it is important to gather in advance wearing clothes that can get wet.
There are no showers or changing rooms at the site of the activity.
However, PiPi tours offer facilities for taking a shower after the tour is over, so you can return home refreshed and clean.
This level of service is one of the attractions of the PiPi tours.
To save time, ferry tickets are purchased in advance online!
When purchasing a ferry ticket from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island, it will take longer than expected if you purchase the ticket at the counter after that time.
In such cases, it is a good idea to purchase in advance online.
For example, there are web reservations for Yaeyama Kanko Ferry, and you will be able to make reservations anytime, anywhere.
Buying online makes boarding a breeze.
If you don't want to waste even a little time, why not consider buying online?
summary
Iriomote Island also offers half-day tours to enjoy activities to the fullest.
In Iriomote Island, you will be able to try various activities such as canyoning, snorkeling, and SUP in a half day.
In addition, there are two ports on Iriomote Island, so be sure to choose the port that matches your plan.
One of the ways to enjoy Iriomote Island may be to take a boat flight from Ishigaki Island and join a tour for only half a day.
After participating in a half-day tour, it is likely that you will have gotten wet from the ocean or other sources.
In such cases, we also recommend that you take a shower on a PiPi tour.
We invite you to join us for a half-day tour of Iriomote Island.
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