Miyakojima Pumpkin Cave Tour | A 2-Hour Cave Adventure by Sea Kayak

Explore Pumpkin Cave, Accessible Only from the Sea, with a Guide

This roughly two-hour tour takes you across the sea by kayak, then into a limestone cave that you explore by swimming and climbing. The highlight inside is a huge stalactite shaped just like a pumpkin.

*The photos of the cave interior shown here were taken in the past. Because Pumpkin Cave is considered a sacred site, photography is currently not permitted inside the cave and is allowed only at the entrance.

Safety at PiPi, a "Maru-Yu" Certified Shop

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

PiPi is certified as a "Safety-Excellent Marine Leisure Provider" (known as "Maru-Yu"), 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 strict life jacket use and carrying an AED to regular safety training for staff, PiPi meets rigorous standards for guide training and operations, so first-timers and families with children can join with peace of mind.

First, Meet Your Guide and Get Ready

The shop will contact you the day before the tour with your meeting place and time. Meeting times are usually around 9:30 or 13:30, but since the tour runs at low tide, times may change depending on tide levels, weather and other conditions.

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

Gear rental is included in the price, and in winter you can borrow a wetsuit for free. There are no restrooms near the site, so be sure to use one before meeting up.

Next, Paddle to the Cave by Sea Kayak

After a briefing on how to use the gear and safety points, it's time to set off in your sea kayak. Follow your guide's lead and paddle toward the cave.

As you glide along, take in the green coastline and the colors of the sea. Even the journey to the cave is a chance to enjoy Miyakojima's waters.

Enter the Water at the Cave Mouth

Once you leave your kayak, you'll get into the water and head into the cave with your guide. Wearing a life jacket, you'll follow the route your guide shows you.

Light streaming in from the entrance can make the water glow emerald green. Looking back at the sea from inside the cave is one of the views participants love most.

Finally, Up Close with the Pumpkin-Shaped Stalactite

Inside the cave is the pumpkin-shaped stalactite that gives the "Pumpkin Hole" its name. Take in its rounded, bulging form, the vertical ridges on its surface and the slender stalactites hanging beneath it.

Looking up from near the water's surface, you'll really appreciate its size. See for yourself a shape formed over countless years.

Climb Your Way Through the Cave

Inside the cave, you won't just float along; there are also ledges to climb. Your guide will show you where to place your feet and how to move, so take it one step at a time.

Stalactites of all shapes can be seen on the walls and ceiling, too. Follow your guide's directions on where to go and how to move on the day.

Wrap Up with a Kayak Back

After exploring the cave, you'll hop back into your kayak and return. On the way back, you'll paddle with your guide while enjoying the ocean scenery.

Photos taken by your guide are provided free of charge. However, no souvenir photos are taken inside the cave; photography is permitted only at the entrance.

FAQ

■ Can beginners join? Your guide will explain how to use the gear and how to move through the cave. However, the cave involves swimming and climbing ledges. If you're unsure about your swimming ability or fitness, please consult the shop before booking.

■ How long is the tour, and when do we meet? The tour takes about two hours, with meeting times usually around 9:30 or 13:30. Since it runs at low tide, times vary with tide levels, weather and other conditions. Please check the final meeting place and time in the message you receive the day before.

■ What is the age requirement? According to the operator, the tour is for ages 7 to 59. The booking page takes precedence for participation requirements, so please check the latest information for your chosen plan.

■ Is hotel pickup available? Free pickup is available from accommodations anywhere on Miyako Island and Kurima Island. Irabu Island, Shimoji Island and Ikema Island are not covered, so guests there meet on site. Depending on bookings, you may be asked to meet on site even within the pickup area.

■ Can I take photos inside the cave? Because Pumpkin Cave is a sacred site, photography is currently not permitted inside. Photos can be taken only at the cave entrance. Photos taken by your guide are included in the price, but no souvenir photos are taken inside the cave.

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

What to Check Before Booking

• Age requirements, participation conditions and booking deadline
• Meeting place and time (sent the day before) and pickup availability
• Swimsuit, towel and drinks; restroom before meeting
• No photography inside the cave; photos allowed only at the entrance

The booking page takes precedence for participation conditions and booking deadlines. Prices, times and plan details may change, so please check the latest information before booking.

Summary

Paddle across Miyako's famously blue waters to a limestone cave you can only reach from the sea. On this roughly two-hour tour, you'll swim through the cave, climb over stalactites and come face to face with the Pumpkin Hole deep inside.

Gear rental and photos are included, and free pickup is available from accommodations across Miyako Island and Kurima Island. With English-speaking staff on hand, it's an easy experience for international travelers to join.

Why not add a half day exploring a hidden cave to your Miyakojima trip? Book here: Miyakojima Caving & Sea Kayak Half-Day Tour.