[Explore Okinawa Ocean]
Iriomote Island is covered by subtropical plants and mangrove, and the water which surrounds the Island is extremely clear.
We interviewed Satoru Yahata, a marine adventurer, about the allure of kayaking and Iriomote Island which has pristine wilderness.
[Location]
-Nakamagawa river
It is said that the mangrove forests in Japan amount to approximately 600 hectares. About 160 hectares or 25% of that grows in the Nakamagawa river basin.
The mangrove forest located by the river basin is the “Nakamagawa Nature Preservation Area” and is a precious spot that’s designated as a National Treasure. Nakamagawa offers popular eco-tours such as the “Nakamagawa Mangrove Cruise” where visitors can observe this precious mangrove forest up close on a cruise boat, “Jungle Trekking”, “Mudflat Observation”, and “Nakamagawa Canoe Tours.
-Haemida Beach
One of Iriomote Island’s longest beaches located about 3 kilometers from “Toyohara”, the final destination of Iriomote Island’s prefectural highway. It’s the perfect spot for combing the beach to collect uniquely shaped coral fragments or floating objects.
The beach sand is fine and the waters are shallow, making it suitable for swimming, but there are no restrooms and very few shaded areas, so it’s not a location to stay long hours. There are no shops and visitors are recommended to use rental cars.
-Barasu Island
Barasu Island is located off the coast of Uehara Port and is made of coral fragments. Colorful fish and coral reef can be observed from up close around the island. The location is recommended for snorkeling and swimming.
AloJapan.com