All Reviews for Sightseeing Tours

【Before Departure】
I had booked a different tour, but I received a call six days prior saying it didn't meet the minimum number of participants. I was reassured because it stated that tours would operate with just two people during the high season, but it seems the condition of "depending on the COVID-19 infection situation" was applied... even though the number of infections wasn't drastically increasing. I was quite flustered as I had no time to reconsider my plans. However, I was able to change my reservation since this tour had availability. I'm grateful to the operator. It was a significant mental burden.

【On the Day】
The bus arrived five minutes before the meeting time.
We were able to efficiently visit each spot as planned, which was great! Considering the effort of combining public transportation and rental cars, the bus tour is overwhelmingly superior. Especially at spots like Kouri Island and Cape Manzamo, just arriving was breathtaking. I passively gained information about the region, climate, culture, and history, making the trip even more enjoyable.
The main attraction, Churaumi Aquarium, was truly beautiful! It was quite impressive, so finding time for lunch was challenging. Fortunately, the weather held up at Kouri Island and Cape Manzamo, providing stunning views. American Village has a bit of a safety issue, though. The sweet potato tart at Okashi Goten was truly a petit four. This fresh tart was also sold at the airport, albeit at a slightly higher price.

【Points of Concern】
- Perhaps because children under two are free, there was a crying toddler. It was hard to hear the guide, and it was quite bothersome. For the sake of preventing COVID-19 infections, participants who cannot control themselves should exercise restraint.
- It was disappointing that the tart production line at Okashi Goten had finished by the time we visited.
- I felt that 50 minutes at American Village is unnecessary just to see the sunset, so it would be better to increase the time at Kouri Island or Cape Manzamo.

【出発前】
別ツアーで予約していたが最少催行人数に満たなかったとのことで6日前？に入電。ハイシーズンは2名でも催行する、と書いてあるので安心していたが、「※ただしコロナ感染状況による」が適用されたそうで、、、感染者が激増していたわけではないのに。今から予定を考え直す余裕もなく、かなり取り乱した。が、このツアーが空いているとのことで予約変更ができた。オペレーターの方に感謝。精神的には大きな負担があった。

【当日】
集合場所5分前にバス到着。
予定通りに各スポットを効率よく回ることができ、大変よかった！公共交通機関やレンタカーを組み合わせる労力を考えると、圧倒的にバスツアーに軍配が上がる。特に古宇利島や万座毛など、車ありきのスポットは到着しただけでも感動もの笑　地域や風土、文化、歴史に関する情報が受動的に得られるので旅がより楽しくなる。
メインの美ら海、本当に美しかった〜　大変見ごたえがあるのでお昼食べる時間を作るのは難儀。　古宇利島万座毛もなんとか天気がもってくれて、絶景。アメリカンビレッジは治安が悪い笑　御菓子御殿の生紫芋タルトはまさしくプティ・フール。なおこの生タルトは空港でもやや割高で売っていた

【気になる点】
・2歳以下無料がゆえか、泣きわめく幼児がいた。ガイドの方の声が聞こえづらく、すごく耳障りだった。コロナ感染防止のためにも（？）、自身を制御できない参加者は自重すべき。
・御菓子御殿のタルト製造ラインは、訪問時間には終了していたのが残念
・アメリカンビレッジは夕焼けを見るためなら50分もいらないので、古宇利島もしくは万座毛の時間を増やすのがいいと感じた

I was lucky to see many stars! I was also moved by seeing the Milky Way for the first time in my life! I got to see many coconut crabs too! During the journey, we talked about various things, and I really enjoyed Iriomote Island! Thank you very much!

運良く星も沢山見れて！人生初の天の川にも感動しました！
ヤシガニも沢山見れました！
移動中も色々な話をしてくださり、西表島楽しめました！ありがとうございました

The water buffalo cart from Iriomote Island to Yufu Island was very refreshing and enjoyable. Sometimes, they even perform shamisen music during the ride♪ I had a very meaningful time.

西表島から由布島までの水牛車がとても新鮮で良かったです。
水牛車では乗車中に三味線演奏をしてくれることもあります♪
とても有意義な時間を過ごせました。

The weather wasn't very good, which was a bit disappointing. I didn't go to Sefa Utaki because it was explained that the footing was bad. Instead, I went to see Chinen Misaki. When the sun came out, it was beautiful.

I was surprised by the few participants at Okinawa World. There were mostly participants from the Valley of Gangala. Since the purpose was to see the limestone cave, I found myself bored after walking and ended up looking at souvenirs. (laughs) Okinawa World has a very confusing layout.

Next, I want to participate in the Valley of Gangala.

The guide had a lovely voice and provided easy-to-understand explanations.

I couldn't try the sanpin tea.

天気があまり良く無く、少し残念でした。
斎場御獄は足元悪いと説明があったので行きませんでした。代わりに知念岬を見に行ってました。
晴れ間が出来た時、綺麗でした。

おきなわワールド参加者が少なくびっくりでした。ほぼガンガラーの谷参加者ばかりでした。
鍾乳洞が目的だったので、歩き終わると暇でお土産眺めてました。笑
おきなわワールドは、とても分かりにくい作りになってますね。

次はガンガラーの谷に参加したいです。

ガイドさんは素敵なお声の方で、聞き取りやすい説明でした。

さんぴん茶は頂けなかったです。

This was our family's first trip to Okinawa, and choosing this course for our Ishigaki Island trip was definitely the right decision! The mangroves on Iriomote Island were amazing, and I was surprised by the variety of mangrove species thanks to the guide's thorough explanations! When we crossed from island to island with the water buffalo, the guide explained the characteristics of the water buffalo, which helped me understand this creature better, and I found them very cute.

Also, it was a good choice to do a bus tour on Taketomi Island considering our stamina after snorkeling and the weather! The guide provided detailed explanations about the cows on Taketomi Island, and I could see how well the people on the island live together, making it a truly wonderful place. Lastly, of course, we paid the entrance fee as well. I would love to explore the Yaeyama Islands again!

今回家族で初めての沖縄、しかも石垣島旅行ということもあり、このコースを選択して正解でした！
とにかく西表島のマングローブもガイドさんの丁寧な説明でマングローブの種類の豊富さにビックリ！
水牛も島から島へ渡ら時にガイドさんが水牛の特性を説明してくれたので、水牛という生き物を理解出来、とても可愛く思えました。
また竹富島へはシュノーケル後の体力や天候などのことを考慮してバス観光にして正解でした！
竹富島の牛もガイドさんが詳しく説明してくれたのと、島中の人たちが仲良く暮らしてい事もわかり、とても素敵な島だと思いました。
最後にもちろん入島料も納めてきました。
また八重山諸島巡りしたいです。

I participated in a trip with three women. The weather was nice, and we could see the beautiful Milky Way with the naked eye, plus we even saw shooting stars! The photographer was kind and took pictures of us in free poses, which was really fun! Thank you for a wonderful time!

女子3人旅で参加させていただきました。天気が良く肉眼でも綺麗な天の川が見れておまけに流れ星も見れました！カメラマンさんも優しく、自由なポーズでも撮影してくれてとっても楽しかったです！素敵な時間をありがとうございました！

The guide was very enjoyable, sharing various stories during the car ride. I was extremely satisfied to see many creatures, including several coconut crabs, crabs, hermit crabs, firefly larvae, and frogs! And above all, I was moved by the breathtaking starry sky and the Milky Way!

行きの車の中でも色々なお話をしてくださって、とっても楽しいガイドさんでした。生き物も、ヤシガニが何匹も見れて、カニ、ヤドカリ、ホタルの幼虫やカエルなどもたくさん見れて、大満足です！あとはなんと言っても満天の星空、天の川が見れて感動しました！

Thank you for taking the starry sky photos. I was told there would be six, but since there was time, you took many more. I'm very satisfied with the results!

星空フォト撮っていただきありがとうございました。6枚とのことですが、時間があったのでたくさん撮っていただきました。仕上がりも大満足です！

I participated the other day! I was worried about the impact of the typhoon just a few days prior, but I was truly moved to see such a beautiful starry sky... They gave me advice on how to pose for the photos and took several shots for me. I wasn't very accustomed to being photographed, so I felt a bit shy, but it became a wonderful memory of my trip! The photos were, of course, beautiful, but actually being there, feeling the wind, listening to the sound of the waves, and looking up at the stars was just too wonderful! Thank you very much ☺️ I hope to visit Miyako again!

先日参加させて頂きました！
数日前まで台風もあり、影響を心配してましたが本当に綺麗な星空を見ることができて感動しました…
写真もポーズはこうしたらいいんじゃないかとアドバイスをくださりながら何枚か撮っていただき、撮影には慣れていなかったため、少し恥じらいはありましたが旅の良い思い出となりました！
写真ももちろん綺麗でしたが、実際に行ってみて
風を感じながら、波音を聴きながら星を見上げる時間は素敵すぎました！
ありがとうございました☺️
また宮古を訪れた際にはお願いいたします！

The staff were very kind and friendly! The water buffalo experience was also fun. This time we participated as a couple, but next time I would like to bring the kids along too!

スタッフさんはとっても親切で優しい方でした！
水牛体験も楽しかったです。
今回は夫婦で参加をしましたが、次回は子供たちも一緒に行きたいと思っています♪

There were beautiful buses along the way, and there were several opportunities to use the restroom, making it a comfortable experience! I think those with babies can participate with peace of mind.

移動の途中で綺麗なバスがあったり、トイレにいくタイミングも何度かあって快適に楽しめました！赤ちゃんを連れているかたも多く、安心して参加できると思います。

The time allowed in each facility is very short, but since it was a sightseeing trip, I was satisfied that I could visit many tourist spots in one day.

1つの施設に入れる時間はとても短いですが、観光だったので、一日でたくさんの観光スポットを回ることが出来て満足しました。

It was a bit cloudy on the day, but we were still able to see the stars beautifully! The photos turned out really nice, and it became a wonderful memory of our honeymoon. Thank you!

当日はやや薄かったようですが、それでもとても綺麗に星が見えました！出来上がった写真もすごく綺麗で、新婚旅行の思い出になりました、ありがとうございました！

The tour guide introduced various things, and we had a great time with the little stories in between! The weather was nice, and I think we managed to see everything efficiently. I believe it's a very affordable tour, especially since entrance and boarding fees are included! I highly recommend it!

添乗員さんが色々ご紹介してくれて
間の小話も楽しく過ごせました！
天気も良く効率よくまわれたとおもいます。
入場料や乗船料が込ならとってもお安いツアーだと思います！オススメです

I tried canoeing for the first time, and it was easy! My mother and I were able to ride together, so we had a fun experience chatting while paddling. The instructor was also kind and attentive!

初めてカヌーをしましたが簡単にできました！
母と２人で一緒に乗れたので話をしながら楽しく体験できました。
インストラクターさんも優しくて丁寧でした！

I decided to participate based on the words snorkeling, Hatoma Island, and Barasu Island, and it was a great decision. Despite the approaching Typhoon No. 14 after the previous one, the morning was calm, and we were able to land on Barasu Island, fulfilling a long-held wish. I was amazed by the beauty of the coral reefs in the morning. Following the staff's lead made me feel at ease. For lunch, we landed on Hatoma Island. It was unfortunate that we couldn't explore the island due to the high number of COVID cases, but I was glad to experience Hatoma Blue. In the afternoon, we went to pick up the next group at Uehara Port and then headed to a different point. I was happy to encounter a sea turtle this time. Meeting Nemo was also fantastic, but I started to feel seasick around the fourth point as the waves picked up.

シュノーケリング、鳩間島、バラス島、このワードで参加を決めましたが大正解。台風後、また、１４号接近するなかの参加。午前中は、波も静かでバラス島にも上陸でき念願叶いました。午前中は珊瑚礁があまりにもきれいで驚き。スタッフの先導でついていくスタイルだと安心します。昼は鳩間島に上陸。コロナが多数でたこともあり島の中は見学できなかったのが残念でしたが鳩間ブルーにも出会えたし良かったです。午後組を一度迎えに上原港まで迎えに行き、また、違うポイントへいく。今度は海亀に出会えて嬉しかった。ニモにも会わせてくれて最高でしたが４ポイント目辺りから波が出てきて船酔いしてしまった。

I had a wonderful time with our tour guide, Mr. Kimura. I was able to see creatures that I normally wouldn't see, and at night on the beach, I could gaze at the starry sky, which was a precious experience! If I come to Ishigaki Island again, I definitely want to participate!

ツアーガイドの木村さんのガイドで楽しい時間を過ごすことができました。
普段見ることはできない生物も見見ることができ、また、夜のビーチでは満天の星空を眺めることもでき、貴重な体験をすることできました!また、石垣島に来たら、ぜひ参加したいです!

I had a great time seeing various creatures like coconut crabs, firefly larvae, and hermit crabs! The weather was beautifully clear, and the starry sky was very visible, making it a wonderful memory.

ヤシガニやホタルの幼虫、ヤドカリなど様々な生き物が見れて楽しかったです！ちょうどきれいに晴れて星空もよく見え、良い思い出になりました。

I participated with my 3-year-old child.
It was a great experience where we could enjoy both SUP and snorkeling together!
Thank you for being a wonderful guide and taking care of my child.
I was really happy to see a sea turtle.
I would love to participate again!

3歳の子供と一緒に参加しました。
supもシュノーケリングも一緒に楽しめて、とてもいい体験でした！
子供も気にかけてくれながら素敵なガイドをしてくださりありがとうございました。
ウミガメにも会えて、すごく嬉しかったです。
また参加したいと思います！

On the first day of our trip, we had planned for a starry sky photo shoot, but we received a call saying that it was going to be difficult due to the clouds, so we decided to reschedule for the next day. However, when we went to the shooting location the next day, we were told that it was also going to be difficult because the clouds had returned, leaving us feeling hopeless as we realized that our only chance was the last night of our trip.

On the final day, just a few hours before the shoot, we received another call saying that it might also be difficult today, but should we give it a try? We decided to head to the shooting location anyway. To our surprise, it seemed that our prayers were answered, as the clouds had moved far away, and the starry sky was visible! A miracle happened on the last day. We were able to take the poses we wanted, and they also made great suggestions, resulting in wonderful photos and the best time. We even captured a shooting star, which was amazing. I would love to request their services again when I come back to Miyako Island. Thank you very much!

旅行初日に予定していた星空フォトでしたが、雲が多く、今日は厳しいとお電話を頂き、次の日にすることに。ところが次の日撮影の場所に行くと、また雲がかかってきてしまい、今日も厳しいと言われて、旅行ラストナイトの明日しかチャンスが無いことに絶望しました。
最終日も数時間前に電話を頂き、今日も厳しいかもしれないが、粘ってみますか？と連絡が。私たちはとりあえず撮影場所に向かいました。するとなんと、祈りが通じたのか、雲はどこか遠くへ行き、星空が見えているではありませんか！！最終日に奇跡が起きました。撮りたいポーズも撮っていただき、また、提案もして頂いて素敵な写真が撮れて最高の
時間でした。流れ星も写って、素敵ですね。また宮古島に来る際はお願いしたいです。ありがとうございました！！

With the guidance of a lively guide, I had a truly valuable experience. I encountered coconut crabs and fireflies, which are experiences you usually can't have. I highly recommend it!

元気なガイドさんの案内のもと、本当に貴重な体験が出来ました。ヤシガニや蛍との出会いなど、普段は経験出来ない体験が出来ます。オススメですよ〜！

I was glad to see many creatures that are not usually seen, such as coconut crabs, scorpions, and the natural monument hermit crabs!

ヤシガニやサソリモドキ、天然記念物のヤドカリとか普段見られない生き物をたくさん見れたのでよかったです！

When I went to the shooting location at Musunun Beach, it was pitch dark and a little scary, but once I arrived, the starry sky was so beautiful that I was moved. The photos taken were even more beautiful than I had imagined and they were truly wonderful!! The photographer also asked me about the poses I wanted, which was great. Additionally, the photographer suggested a few poses, so I didn't have any trouble with that, which was also nice! It became a wonderful memory. Thank you very much!

撮影場所のムスヌン浜に行くときは真っ暗で少し怖かったのですが、着いてみると星空がとても綺麗で感動しました。撮影してもらった写真は、想像以上に綺麗で、とっても素敵でした！！やりたいポーズも聞いてくれたので良かったです。また、カメラマンさんからもいくつかポーズを指定してもらえて、ポーズに困らなかったのも良かったです！
素敵な思い出になりました。ありがとうございました！

I was able to go to Okinawa World and Sefa Utaki, so I signed up. We picked up participants at three locations in Naha City, then drove south to see the Nirai Kanai Bridge from the bus window, and each person paid their own entrance fee to Sefa Utaki. After that, about half of the participants on the same bus went to the Valley of Gangala at Okinawa World. I chose Okinawa World because I wanted to visit the Gyokusendo Cave. I watched the Super Eisa Show and returned to the entrance of Gyokusendo Cave, so I walked around the park twice. It felt a bit short on time, but I enjoyed it enough. We arrived at Naha Airport at 1 PM, and the tour ended. I had time to go to Umikaji Terrace on Senaga Island on my own.

おきなわワールドと斎場御嶽に行くことが出来そうなので、申込みました。
那覇市内の３箇所で参加者を乗せ、南部へニライカナイ橋を車窓から見て、斎場御へ入場料は各自払いでした。
その後、おきなわワールドへ同じバスの参加者でガンガラーの谷に行く方も半分位いました。
私は、玉泉洞に行きたかったので、おきなわワールドを選びました。
スーパーエイサーショーを見て玉泉洞入口に戻ったので、園内を二往復しました。
ちょっと時間が短い感じもしましたが、十分楽しめました。
１３時に那覇空港に到着してツアー終了。
個人で瀬長島のウミカジテラスに行く時間が、有りました。

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I booked a tour with Beltora for the first time domestically, and I experienced the same reliable and reassuring service as always. The staff at Dream Tourism, who assisted us this time, were all efficient and friendly.

I had thought we would be using regular ferries to visit each island, but I learned that Dream Tourism owns a large boat. Although each passenger had a different itinerary, it was reassuring to know that everyone on board was a tourist who booked through Dream Tourism.

I was very satisfied, but I rated it three stars because I was concerned about the behavior of the male water buffalo guide at the Taketomi Island "Taketomi Tourism Center." While it might have been something I could overlook, I believe many others felt uncomfortable, so I felt it was necessary to mention it for future improvement.

First, while boarding, he addressed a female passenger who had removed her mask, saying, "The woman at the back, please put on your mask. We had an explanation about this, right?" I understand that being cautious about COVID-19 is important on an island with limited medical facilities, but it has been nearly three years since then, and with vaccinations and other measures in place, it should be clear that wearing masks outdoors is not as significant. There could have been a kinder way to address the customers. Furthermore, there was no actual explanation given; later, I checked inside the first building and saw a "mask required" sign at the reception, but there was no verbal explanation.

The most puzzling comment was, "Please refrain from taking photos, or it will get out of hand." Passengers who were eager to take pictures had to put their cameras away. Yet, when a passenger filmed at the main sightseeing spot, the guide remarked, "My eyes are in that video," reprimanding them for filming. When I heard about the photo ban, I thought that the sound of the camera would startle the water buffalo and cause chaos, which is why other tourists might have refrained from taking pictures. However, why is it that video recording without sound is also prohibited? Tourists walking on the road were freely taking photos and videos, so why were we on the water buffalo cart the only ones banned from doing so? I imagine that passengers who wanted to take great photos at the best shooting spot left quite dissatisfied without any pictures.

Is it the case that the "Taketomi Tourism Center" prohibits photo and video recording during the ride, or is this just the whim of this male staff member?

Additionally, while they seem to quickly collect the buffalo's urine in a bucket to prevent it from being scattered on the road, the guide would cover it with sand using his foot, and despite claiming to have children, he ignored the wishes of the kids. He also complained about work, giving off a rather oppressive vibe of "follow my orders," which was quite unpleasant.

Out of curiosity, I looked up the "Taketomi Tourism Center" after returning home, and I found numerous negative comments about the staff. I felt that this company needs to relearn what customer service should be and how to interact with customers from the ground up. Given how great the other staff members were, I think this one unpleasant interaction is a prime example of how a single negative experience can ruin an otherwise enjoyable trip. While it was not directed at us personally, if it had been, I would have rated it one star.

In any case, since neither I nor the other customers could take photos, I would like "Taketomi Tourism Center" to clarify their stance on this matter. There was no sign prohibiting photography inside the center's building, so it seems this was indeed the personal judgment of this male staff member.

Since you have a precious job of entertaining tourists and providing experiences that cannot be found elsewhere, I believe that even a small change in behavior could lead to a much more enjoyable experience for customers, whi

コロナ禍のため初めて国内でベルトラさんのツアーを申し込みましたが、変わらぬ安心、確実なサービスでした。今回お世話になったドリーム観光さんもスタッフ全員手際よく、好意的な方ばかりでした。
定期便で各島を回ると思っていたら、ドリーム観光さん自社の大きな船を保有しているのですね。乗船客それぞれのコースは違うものの全員ドリーム観光で申し込んだ観光客のみというのも間違いがなくて安心しました。

大変満足だったのですが、星3つにしたのは竹富島での「竹富観光センター」男性水牛ガイドの対応が気になったから。
スルーしようと思えばできる範囲だと思いますが、多くの方が不快な思いしているとは思うので、今後の改善のためにあえて書かせていただきます。

まず乗車して自分たちのことではないのですが、マスクを外されている女性客に対して「一番後ろの女性の方。マスクしてください。説明ありましたよね」といったものの言い方。医療機関の限られた島でコロナにナーバスになるのは分かるのですが、すでに3年近く経過してワクチン等の対応も進み、外でのマスク着用がそれほど意味をなさいことはわかっているはず。もっと客に配慮した優しいものの言い方はあったはず。
そして、実際そんな説明はありませんでした。後で最初の建物の中で確認したところ、受付に「マスク着用」の表示がありましたが口頭で説明があったわけではありません。

そして一番？？？？なことは「収集が付かなくなるので写真撮影はやめてください」との発言。カメラを出して撮影する気満々だった搭乗客はカメラを鞄にしまう羽目に。それでも一番の観光名所でビデオ撮影した客には「ビデオには私の目が映っていますからね」とビデオ撮影をとがめる発言。
写真撮影禁止と聞いた時、自分を含めて水牛がシャッター音に驚いて収集が付かなくなるものだと思い、他の観光客も遠慮したのだと思います。
なのに、音の出ないビデオまでダメなのは何か理由があるのでしょうか？
路を歩いている観光客は自由に写真撮影、ビデオ撮影しているのに水牛車に乗っている私達だけがなぜ禁止なのでしょう？
一番の撮影スポットでいい写真を撮りたかぅた搭乗客は誰一人写真を撮ることなく終了したのでかなり不満だったのでは。
「竹富観光センター」では搭乗中の写真撮影、ビデオ撮影を禁止しているんでしょうか？それともこの男性職員だけの我儘なのでしょうか？

それ以外にも、牛の尿はバケツですぐに受け取って路に撒かないようにするのでしょうが、足で砂をかけてごまかしたり、自分が子供いるといっていた割にはお子さんへの希望を無視してたり、仕事の愚痴を言ったりと、なんか俺様の「俺の言うことに従え」的な高圧的な感じでかなり不快感がありました。

ちょっと気になり帰宅後「竹富観光センター」を調べてみたのですが、従業員の悪いコメントが出てくる出てくる。
この会社は顧客に対するサービスはどうあるべきなのか、接客はどうあるべきなのかを1から勉強し直す必要があるのではと感じました。
他の接客をしてくれた方々がとても良かっただけに、たった一人の不愉快な対応がせっかくの楽しい旅行を台無しにしてしまう良い例だと思いました。
決して自分たち個人に発せられたものではありませんが、もし自分たち個人に向いたものでしたら評価は星1つでした。

ともかく自分も含め他のお客さんも写真撮影はできなかったので「竹富観光センター」としてこれに対してどういう認識でいるのかは明確にしていただきたいと思います。センターの建物内には写真撮影禁止の文字はありませんでしたのでやはりこの男性職員独自の判断だったのでしょうか。

観光客を楽しませて、他では味わえない経験をさせていただいている貴重なお仕事なのですから、少しだけ行動変化していただけるだけで、客側ももっと楽しい経験ができるようになると思いましたので厳しいコメントを書かせていただきました。

ありがとうございました。

I participated with my 1-year-old child, and they took many kind and wonderful parent-child photos. Since it was a night with the moon out, we could only see one star, but we got some memorable photos from our trip to Miyako Island. Next time, I want to try again when the starry sky is beautiful! Thank you very much!

1歳の子供と参加しましたが、とても優しく様々な親子ショットを撮影していただきました。月が出ている日だったので星は1つしか見えませんでしたが、宮古島旅行の記念になる写真を撮っていただきました。次は星空が綺麗なタイミングでリベンジしたいと思います☆ありがとうございました！

Originally, I had signed up for the SUP @ Mangrove and snorkeling tour at Barasu Island, but due to poor conditions around Barasu Island, I received an inquiry the day before asking, "Would you like to cancel? Or switch to another tour?" Since I was already there, I decided to book the trekking and SUP @ Mangrove tour, and that turned out to be a great decision! The instructor, Matsuko, had only been there for a few months, but she was very knowledgeable about Iriomote Island. She shared many interesting tidbits during our travel, including stories about the road construction that was halted and a simulator game at the wildcat museum.

After arriving, we all moved to the point with a simple mountain climb. Along the way, she introduced us to the flora and fauna of Iriomote Island. Coincidentally, there were four couples participating, including my husband and me: a couple who were masters of remote islands, a chatty couple from Kansai (Shikoku), and a calm yet friendly couple. Everyone was very approachable, and we became close through activities like diving. My usually quiet husband seemed to have a lot of fun, adding his own flair during the dives and really enjoying himself. At the end of the activities, the remote island master couple recommended a dining spot, which we promptly visited. The other couples also enjoyed hearing stories about different remote islands from them. Thank you so much for the wonderful memories, instructor Matsuko, and to all the couples! Enjoy the rest of your trip!

Oh, and about the clothing: I thought I would be wearing a wetsuit over my swimsuit, so I wore my swimsuit, but the equipment provided included only a helmet, shoes, and a jacket. Everyone else was dressed in T-shirts or rash guards over their swimsuits, and shorts or leggings. I didn't have those, so I ended up wearing pajamas (short-sleeved & relaxed fit) over my swimsuit, which felt quite silly and embarrassing, especially since it would be captured in photos (though it could make for a funny story). I think it would be wise to consider your outfit if you participate!

もともと、SUP@マングローブとバラス島上陸のシュノーケルツアーを申し込んでいましたが、バラス島周辺のコンディションが悪く、「キャンセルしますか？別のツアーにしますか？」の問い合わせが前日にありました。折角なのでトレッキングとSUP@マングローブでツアーを申し込んだ所、それがもう大正解！インストラクターのマツコさんはまだ来て数ヶ月との事でしたが、西表島の事をよくご存知で、道路工事が途中で中断してしまった話や、ヤマネコの博物館(？)のシュミレーターゲームの話などなど、移動中に小ネタを沢山話してくれました。到着後、皆でポイントまで簡単な山登りをしながら移動。途中、西表島の動植物についても紹介してもらいました。たまたま参加していたメンバーが、私達夫婦を含めて4カップル。離島マスター夫婦、お喋り関西人夫婦(四国)、穏やかだけど気さくに話せる夫婦、とメンバーも皆親しみやすく、飛び込みを始めとしたアクティビティを通じて仲良くなりました。普段寡黙な主人も相当楽しかったようで、飛び込み時にアレンジを加えたり、凄く楽しんでいました。アクティビティ終わりには離島マスター夫婦からおススメの食事処を教えてもらい、早速訪ねてみました。他の夫婦達も離島マスター夫婦から別の離島の話を聞いたりして楽しんでました。本当に最高の思い出をありがとうございました、インストラクターのマツコさん、それぞれの夫婦の皆さま！残りの旅を楽しんでください！

そうだ、あとは、服装ですが、私は水着の上からウェットスーツを着用すると思ったので、水着を着て行ったのですが、装備として渡されるのは、ヘルメットとシューズとジャケットのみなので、皆は水着の上にTシャツやラッシュガード、下はスパッツにハーパンのような格好でした。私はそれらの用意がなかったので、水着の上からパジャマ(半袖&リラコ)を着用して臨みましたが、大分ダサくて恥ずかしかったですし笑、写真にも残ってしまうので(ネタにはなりますが笑)ご参加される際は、格好を考えたほうがいいかもなって思いました。

The meeting place for the bus was at the Prefectural Office Square, and we participated from there. After that, we picked up participants at two locations in Naha City, proceeded north to four more locations, and then headed to Manzamo, Nago Pineapple Park, Kouri Island, and Ocean Expo Park. The last stop, Okashi Goten, was more of a shopping place than a tourist attraction.

I don't think it was mentioned in the guide, but we had sandwiches on Kouri Island. Thanks to that, we were able to enjoy Ocean Expo Park without spending time on meals.

The entrance fee of 100 yen for Manzamo was paid individually, but considering the fare for the route bus from Naha to Ocean Expo Park, it was a good deal.

One downside was that it took time to pick up participants. Because we used local roads instead of the highway for the pickups, we arrived at the Prefectural Office Square at 7:15 PM after starting at 8 AM.

バスの集合場所を県庁広場にして参加しました。その後、那覇市内で２箇所、北に進み４箇所で参加者を乗せ、万座毛へ、名護パイナップルパーク、古宇利島、海洋博公園、最後の御菓子御殿は観光と言うより、買い物場所です。
案内には無かったと思いますが、古宇利島でサンドイッチを頂きました。お陰で、海洋博公園で食事に時間を使うことなく、楽しめました。
万座毛の入場料百円は各自払いですが、那覇から海洋博公園までの路線バスの運賃を考えるとお得でした。
難点は参加者のピックアップなどで時間がかかる事です。ピックアップのため、高速道路を使わず地道なので、朝、８時から夕方７時１５分県庁広場到着でした。

I recommend this for the last day of your Okinawa trip, as there is an airport transfer after sightseeing in the southern region from Naha. After visiting the Sefa Utaki, it's nice to have the option to choose between Okinawa World and the Valley of Gangala. I was able to experience the history and nature of the south on the Valley of Gangala course.

那覇発で南部観光の後に空港送迎があるので、沖縄旅行の最終日におススメです。斎場御嶽に行った後には、おきなわワールドにガンガラーの谷と2つのパターンから選べるのもよい。私はガンガラーの谷のコースで南部の歴史と自然を感じることができました。

As paper drivers, we were looking into how to get to the Churaumi Aquarium and stumbled upon this tour, which we booked right away. Not only did we enjoy the aquarium, but we also got to experience Okinawa's famous spots like Kouri Island, Manza Beach, and American Village all in one day. We were really glad to participate! We were worried about the typhoon, but fortunately, it didn't rain, and we were able to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

The Churaumi Aquarium, which was our main goal, took two and a half hours to explore. However, since we rushed from one end to the other, we didn't have time for lunch and had to settle for a kitchen car. We had a great time, so we were very satisfied, but if I could wish for anything, it would be an extra 30 minutes to explore a bit more leisurely.

At Okashi Goten, since we didn't have much time, we didn't buy souvenirs but got some snacks for ourselves. The sweet potato tart that the guide recommended was really delicious. The guide was very entertaining and shared Okinawan dialect, songs, and dances, which kept us engaged during the travel. They also provided explanations about Okinawa's history and the places we visited, which was educational.

Since we visited many tourist spots in one day, those who want to savor each location might find the schedule a bit tight, but we were able to sightsee efficiently and were very satisfied. We will definitely participate again the next time we come to Okinawa!

ペーパードライバーの私たちが美ら海水族館に行くにはどうしたらいいか調べていたところこのツアーに辿り着き、すぐに予約しました。
水族館だけでなく、古宇利島や万座毛、アメリカンヴィレッジなど沖縄の名所を一日で満喫でき、参加させていただいて本当によかったです！
台風が心配でしたが、雨にも降られず、とても綺麗な景色を楽しむことができました。
一番の目的だった美ら海水族館は2時間半ありましたが、端から端まで見て回ったためにバタバタになってしまい、お昼の時間がとれずキッチンカーで済ませました。十分楽しめたので、大満足ですが、欲を言えばあと30分くらいあるともう少しゆっくり回れたかなと思いました。
御菓子御殿は、時間があまりないので、お土産は買わずに自分たちのおやつを買いましたが、ガイドさんがおすすめ？していた生紅芋タルトがとてもおいしかったです。
ガイドさんがとても面白く、沖縄の方言や歌、踊りまで披露してくれて移動中も飽きずに過ごすことができました。沖縄の歴史や行く先々の土地の解説もしてくれて、勉強にもなりました。
1日で多くの観光地を回るため、各地をゆっくり堪能したい方にはスケジュールがタイトに感じるかもしれませんが、効率的に観光ができ、私たちはとても満足できました。次回沖縄に来たときにはまた参加させていただきます！