North Okinawa Private Kayak Tour: Explore Mangroves and Coral Reef Ecosystems
5.0
43 Ratings
Nakijin
Embark on a private kayak tour in North Okinawa and discover the stunning beauty of the Yambaru region. Explore mangroves and coral reef ecosystems with a native English-speaking guide.
Duration: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Drive In Rikarikawarumi - 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.
  • Yagaji Island - 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.

  • Kouri Ohashi - Stop for a break on a secluded island or beach for tea and snacks.
  • Warumi Ohashi - 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.

What's Included
  • Specific customisations for your private group’s abilties
  • Native English speaking certified guide
  • All fees and/or taxes
  • All activities
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (Unless pre-arranged)
Additional Information

Experience the stunning splendor of Northern Okinawa’s Yambaru area with a kayak expedition led by a native English-speaking guide. Whether you’re keen to delve deep into the mangroves and understand this extraordinary ecosystem’s special evolutionary developments, or skim across the coral reef, our private tour is adaptable to your group’s proficiency level. Post-booking, we will reach out to design a custom experience that accommodates your requirements and guarantees an unforgettable trip.

We will rendezvous at a convenient spot where you can change outfits and grab a beverage prior to setting off to the launching point. We will familiarize you with the basics of kayaking before delving into your journey.
The launch point and exploration paths are dictated by the weather and marine conditions as well as your group’s capabilities. The expedition could possibly include stops at scenic locations like Kouri Island, Nakijin Reef, Yagaji Sea Valley, or Haneji Inland Sea, wherein you can investigate hidden beaches, mangroves, and secluded islands.

  • Operates in most weather conditions, please wear sun protection and clothes that can get wet.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
Location
DRIVE IN RIKARIKA-WARUMI
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.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(43 Ratings)
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Rachelcr8468gn
May 28, 2024
Fun for couples - A lovely long trip with a knowledgable guide. The kayaks were in great condition and we really enjoyed the tour. I would recommend Nik to anyone looking for an English-speaking guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Explore37565654776
May 14, 2024
Amazing inland sea kayak experience! - Our inland sea kayak experience was simply amazing! Nik is a great guide, super patient and so well prepared with everything we’d need. We are both new to kayaking and Nik provided clear instructions throughout and made us feel assured. We truly enjoyed ourselves moving through the peaceful waters. Scenery was beautiful! 100% would do it again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Charvieconway
May 9, 2024
Just Magic! - We found this to be a wonderfully peaceful paddle. We were able to see & enjoy some of the true nature of Japan. Kayaking in this region is a hidden gem I would encourage others to try.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
877ulriked
Apr 18, 2024
Kayaking and river trekking - We spent a great day with Nik! After picking us up at the guesthouse we kayaked on the salt water lake, viewing mangroves and thereby visiting one of the special islands. Alternatively we could have gone snorkeling which was due to strong winds not possible. After having a joint real okinawan lunch we drove to the rainforest were we hiked in the river to two absolutely beautiful waterfalls. Great experience, especially the river trekking!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Prinzessin_pfifigund
Apr 9, 2024
Such an amazing experience with a great tour guide - This was such an amazing experience. Since I am a solo traveler I didn’t find many offers on the island for people to book alone. Most tours are only for bigger groups or just super expensive when going alone, but with Nik it wasn’t a problem at all. Also the fact that I don’t drive by myself wasn’t a problem and he picked me up in the morning at my hotel. He made me feel comfortable at all time and created an amazing experience for me. The Kayaks are super fun to ride and the landscape is just stunning. The Mangroves are beautiful and just so interesting trees. Nik knew a lot about them and the nature of Okinawa. He also showed me some graveyards and could tell me quite a bit about them. I think the coolest part is that he brings amazing snacks and some great tea with him for a little picknick at a remote beach. I really enjoyed myself in his company and on this adventure. Also the restaurant he picked for lunch was super cool and exactly my vibe. The whole morning was an amazing experience and I am super glad I booked this adventure. I can really recommend Padaloha and Nik as a tour guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Angela_k
Apr 2, 2024
Amazing experience! Highly recommended! - Nik was accommodating to our family needs and flexible. He tailored the tour to us and shared local customs as well. We loved it! He even took photos for us and shared them after the tour. We would recommend 100 out of 100 times!!
Review provided by Viator
Khardy1
Feb 27, 2024
Great Time! - This was a really great experience, Nik brought all the gear including waterproof shoes and even extra sun hats! Nik is a great guide, we went at my (slower) pace as I was very new to kayaking. I had asked to see mangroves and some wildlife and he delivered! We had a tea/snack break on a lovely beach with plenty of mangrove trees around as well as crabs hiding in sandy holes nearby. The route wasn't difficult even for a beginner which I really appreciated, he made sure to check in about my abilities beforehand.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
507valeriec
Feb 12, 2024
Great trip for all ages and fitness levels 😀 - 100% recommend the kayaking tour with Nik!! He customized the trip exactly how we wanted it, and was so knowledgeable about the area. He really went above and beyond and we all had a great time! I went with my 7 y/o, 15 y/o and a friend and we all loved learning about the mangroves and the islands around us. The trip can be fast paced or slow, long breaks or short, and has a tea and cookie break while walking around the mangroves. Bonus we got to meet Nik's wife and pup at the end 😀
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mymitravel
Feb 2, 2024
Amazing experience! Highly recommended! - It was super amazing! I am so happy we had that experience and Nik was such a great guide! Thank you very much for showing us the mangroves, explaining so many things about nature and Japan and the amazing day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
David_z
Jan 6, 2024
Great tour guide + Unique experience = A must do - A friend and I book the mangrove tour and spent a few hours with the guide (Nik) kayaking in a beautiful in-land sea in northern Okinawa. Nik is very friendly and knowledgeable, sharing with us not only amazing spots of nature but also some insights into the local culture. This experience is one of that we would gladly do again.
Review provided by Viator
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1 Adult
May 2024
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