SUP or Canoe Tour on a Miyakojima Beach | A 90-Minute Paddle on Okinawa's Blue Sea

Paddle Miyakojima's Sea by SUP or Canoe

On this tour, you'll head out from a beach on Miyakojima and paddle the sea by SUP or canoe. It lasts about 90 minutes, giving you a close-up, water-level view of some of the clearest water in Japan.

Gear rental and photos taken by your guide are included in the price. Why not add a few hours on the ocean to your plans for exploring Miyakojima's towns and scenic drives?

Safety First: PiPi, a "Maru-Yu" Certified Shop

The tour is run by Miyakojima ADVENTURE PiPi, operated by NASH Co., Ltd.

PiPi is certified as a "Maru-Yu" shop—short for "Outstanding Marine Leisure Provider for Safety Measures," a designation granted only to operators that meet safety standards set by the Okinawa Prefectural Public Safety Commission. Only about 3% of operators in Okinawa Prefecture hold Maru-Yu certification (as of August 2025).

From strictly enforced life jacket use and carrying an AED to regular safety training for staff, PiPi meets demanding standards for guide training and operations—so first-timers and families with children can join with peace of mind.

First, Choose SUP or Canoe and Your Time Slot

When booking, you'll choose either SUP or canoe. Here's how each one works.

■ SUP | For those who want to stand on a board and paddle themselves You don't have to stand the whole time—you can also sit or even lie down on the board. Your guide will help you find the position that suits you best.

■ Canoe | For those who want to sit back and take in the ocean views You'll stay seated and paddle your way across the water. Two-person canoes are available, so you can enjoy paddling in sync with family or friends.

There are typically four departures a day: 8:30, 10:30, 13:30, and 15:30. Times may change depending on the season, weather, and tides, so be sure to check your meeting time in the message sent the day before.

Meet Your Guide and Check Your Gear and Clothing

If you're making your own way there, head to Ingya Daini Parking Lot (Ingya No. 2 Parking). Please check the final meeting point and time in the message the shop sends the day before your tour.

Free pickup is available from accommodations anywhere on Miyakojima and Kurima Island. Irabu, Shimoji, and Ikema Islands are outside the pickup area, so guests staying there will need to meet on site. Even within the pickup area, you may be asked to meet on site depending on bookings.

Arrive wearing a swimsuit or other clothes you don't mind getting wet, and bring a towel, a change of clothes, and something to drink. There are no restrooms near the meeting point, so use the bathroom beforehand.

Learn to Paddle, Then Head Out to Sea

Put on your life jacket and your guide will show you how to use the paddle and go over safety tips. Once you're ready, it's time to head out onto the water together.

On a SUP, you can start out sitting down. If you'd like to try standing, your guide will help you get comfortable step by step.

In a two-person canoe, try calling out to each other front and back as you paddle. When your strokes are in rhythm, you'll glide along much more easily.

Once You're Comfortable, Take In the Sea and Coastal Scenery

Once you've got the hang of paddling, take a moment to look around. The deep blue sea, the green coastline, and the seabed visible through the crystal-clear water—it's a view best enjoyed from the surface.

Follow your guide as you take in the scenery from your SUP or canoe. The actual route and views will vary depending on the weather and sea conditions on the day.

Finally, Receive the Photos Your Guide Took

You'll receive the photos your guide takes during the tour for free. No need to bring your own camera—your time on the water will still be captured.

If you'd like photos with the people you're with, just ask your guide. Looking through them afterwards is a great way to relive your first time paddling.

FAQ

■ Can beginners join? Yes. Your guide will teach you how to paddle and stay with you throughout the experience. If you're unsure about your swimming ability or fitness, contact the shop before booking.

■ How long is the tour, and when does it depart? The tour lasts about 90 minutes. There are typically four departures a day—8:30, 10:30, 13:30, and 15:30—but times may change depending on the season, weather, and tides.

■ What ages can participate? Ages 3 to 65. There are other participation requirements besides age, so please check the latest details for the plan you're booking.

■ Where do we meet, and is pickup available? If meeting on site, the meeting point is Ingya Daini Parking Lot. Free pickup is available from accommodations anywhere on Miyakojima and Kurima Island, though you may be asked to meet on site depending on bookings. Irabu, Shimoji, and Ikema Islands are outside the pickup area. Please check the final meeting point and time in the shop's message the day before. If you haven't heard from the shop by 18:00 the day before, please contact them.

■ Can I stay dry? You'll be paddling on the surface, but you may get wet from splashes or when getting on and off. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet, and bring a towel and a change of clothes.

■ Is the tour available in English? Tours are offered in Japanese and English, but depending on bookings, guidance may be in Japanese only. If you'd like an English-speaking guide, please check before booking.

■ Does the tour run in the rain? Yes, tours run in the rain. However, if it's judged unsafe due to typhoons, strong winds, sea conditions, or tides, the tour will be cancelled and the shop will contact you by the morning of the tour. In that case, there's no cancellation fee.

Things to Check Before Booking

• Your choice of SUP or canoe and preferred departure time
• Age range (3–65), participation requirements, and booking deadline
• Pickup availability and the meeting point/time in the day-before message
• Clothes you don't mind getting wet, a change of clothes, a towel, and a drink

Please check the booking page for the latest information.

Summary

Stand up and paddle on a SUP, or sit back and glide along in a canoe—pick whichever suits you and head out onto Miyakojima's sea with your guide.

The tour takes about 90 minutes, with morning and afternoon departures, so it's easy to plan around sightseeing and drives.

Gear rental and photos are included in the price. Why not paddle Miyakojima's beautiful sea with family or friends?