Frequently asked questions
FAQ
How can I get to Iriomote island?
You need to take the ferry from Ishigaki port. There are two ports in Iriomote Island, one is UEHARA Port (North) , and the other one is OHARA port (South). To join our tour, please take the ferry to the Uehara port. Also there are 2 different ferry companies, one is YKF (Yaeyama Kanko Ferry) and Annei Ferry.
＊Basically, you need to take the 8:00 YKF ferry from Ishigaki to the Uehara port (50 minutes) to join our tour.
＊In summer Holiday Time (Jun~Aug), please purchase your ferry ticket in advance!!
Note: Winter season October to March, the Ferry from Ishigaki to Uehara port is often cancelled due to North wind and High wave.When the ferry to Uehara is cancelled, you need to take the YKF 7:30 ferry from Ishigaki to Ohara port (45minutes/South side) and take a shuttle from Ohara to Uehara Port (another 50 minutes) .Please go buy a ticket from Annei Ferry Desk, and ask for Uehara port. They will give you a ferry and shuttle ticket. They will help you.
Can I join the tour on a one day trip?
Yes. For all of our tours, you can join them on one day trip from Ishigaki island. If you’d like to join from other island, please consult us.
Free pick up and drop off services?
We are happy to pick up/drop off from/to your accommodations or UEHARA Port but only around Uehara area. We apologize for the inconvenience but we cannot pick up/drop off around east side( around Ohara Port ) When the ferry to Uehara is canceled, please take the ferry to Ohara and then take a ferry shuttle bus to Uehara port. We will tell you when we reconfirm you 1 day before.
How much kayaking experience is required to join the trip?
No experience is required for this kayak tour!
It is very easy kayaking and there is no problem for beginners.
Our trip is designed to cater to all levels of experience and abilities.
You can also be on double kayak with the guide.
We have tour suited for beginners like Pinaisara waterfall basin short tour, there are difficulty levels of the descriptions of each tours.
Are there any age requirements?
Yes!! The age limits are from 5 years to 70 years old.
There are some tours you can join with children.
In pinaisara waterfall basin short tour, the destination is relatively close and you will have reliable cellular service coverage around the area. You can come back in maximum an hour and a half.
What do I need to bring?
Clothes, towels, hat, sun screens, insect repellent, plastic bags , zip locks ( to put cameras and valuables ).
San glasses ( if needed) work groves( if needed) Especially on summer, the sun is very strong so please protect your skin from sun damage. We have free rental shoes.
Where should I store my valuables?
Please secure your valuables on your own.
You can leave the luggage in the car.
Please understand that we have dry bags (water proof bags) for electric equipment like camera, but we cannot ensure you that it is completely sealed.
What is included in the tour?
Canoe (river kayak, sea kayak) sets, shoes, lunch, dry bags (water proof bag), insurance are all included in the price. We will charge you for the snorkel sets and fins.
About lunch
For almost all of our 1 day tour (except pinaisara waterfall basin short tour departing afternoon), we will provide the lunch.
You can also bring your own lunch like light meal. If you have any allergies, please let us know. If you are vegetarian, please bring your own lunch. It is better to buy some food at Ishigaki store.
About tour fee
You could use a Credit Card, but Card Reader sometimes doesn’t work well in Iriomote Island. The radio waves are not very good, so it will be appreciated paying by cash. Please pay tour fee to the guide when we meet. Some tours need in advance payment by on line.
Cancellation policy
If you must cancel your tour unfortunately for your own reasons, you will need to pay fee as it follows.
Earlier than the day before tour ; you will not have any charge.
- Cancel 6 – 3 days before your tour; 25 % cancel charge of total tour price.
- Cancel 2 – 1 days before your tour; 50% Cancel charge of total tour price.
- Cancel on the date; 100% Cancel charge of total tour price
Is there ATM, banks that I can withdrew cash from?
No. there is no ATM or bank in this island. We only have post office as financial institution, but it is away from our tour route and cannot drop by. Please make sure to bring cash with you.
