Okinawa: Kayak Mangroves & Ocean Native-English Private Tour

About this experience

Discover the beauty of the Yanbaru region in Northern Okinawa with a kayak tour guided by a native English-speaker. Whether you want to get amongst the mangroves to learn about the unique adaptations of this incredible ecosystem or paddle over the coral reef, this private tour caters to your group's skill level, we will contact you after booking to curate a personalized experience that meets your needs and ensures a memorable outing. Meeting at a suitable location where you can change and grab a drink before heading to the launch site, we'll provide you with a brief introduction to kayaking before you embark on your adventure. The launch location and exploration routes will depend on weather and sea conditions, as well as your group's preferences and abilities. Our tour may include visits to picturesque spots such as Kouri Island, Nakijin Reef, Yagaji Sea Valley, or Haneji Inland Sea, where you can explore secret beaches, mangroves, and remote islands.

What to expect

1. Stop 1 · 10min

   Our certified guide will meet you at this restaurant with its fantastic views over Kouri and Yagaji Islands. This will be a chance to use a restroom and grab a drink. After a quick briefing about the experience, you will follow the guide in your car to the launch site, a 5-minute drive away.

2. Stop 2 · 1h

   From calm flat water to rolling ocean waves, areas to explore will depend on the private group member's abilities, preferences, the weather and sea conditions, which we discuss shortly after booking. Options include paddling by Kouri bridge, through Yagaji's sea valley with its steep jungle covered walls or navigating past uninhabited islands and a mangrove bay in the Haneji inland sea, or visiting Nakijin's wide mangrove-lined river, not forgetting the numerous white sand beaches along the coast.

3. Stop 3 · 30min

   Stop for a break on a secluded island or beach for tea and snacks.

4. Stop 4 · 40min

   Returning trip after the break (if the tour is not going around an island or making a one-way journey). Options include paddling by Kouri bridge, through Yagaji's sea valley with its steep jungle covered walls or navigating past uninhabited islands and a mangrove bay in the Haneji inland sea, or visiting Nakijin's wide mangrove-lined river, not forgetting the numerous white sand beaches along the coast.

5. Stop 5 · 30min

   Nakijin boasts 10km of reef and beach coastline available. On the selected option, you'll pass over the coral reef before landing on a golden sand beach for a well-timed break.

Tour & ticket options

Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.

Meeting & pickup

• Weather and sea conditions may affect departure point. We will confirm the exact meeting before the tour date. Please let us know to request pick-up & drop-off.

End point

• Weather and sea conditions may affect departure point. We will confirm the exact meeting before the tour date. Please let us know to request pick-up & drop-off.

• Wear clothes that can get wet, have a towel and change of clothes for when we get back. • Minimum age is 3 years • Not recommended for participants with back problems • Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is cancelled, you will not be entitled to a refund.

Before you go

• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Operates in most weather conditions, please wear sun protection and clothes that can get wet.
• Kayak seats are 42 cm (16.5 in) wide, comparable to a budget airline seat

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.