Yaeyama Islands Trips & Tours

An archipelago of tiny, picturesque islands, each one more unique than the last, the Yaeyama Islands are, quite simply, spectacular. Ishigaki is the main hub where flights and ferries operate from, but that doesn’t mean it ranks any lower in the beauty stakes. Head for Kabira Bay where glass-bottomed boats float over the turquoise waters and coral reef. Taketomi Island, on the other hand, is a preserved Ryukyu village with white sand streets and aged houses, best explored by bicycle or water buffalo cart (the buffalo usually know the route better than the driver!). Iriomote Island is almost all jungle and home to the endangered Iriomote wildcat, which was only discovered in 1965 and is found nowhere else on Earth. In fact, natural wonders abound, from ‘star sand’ beaches and disappearing islands, to tumbling falls (only reachable by kayak and a jungle trek) and incredible congregations of manta ray.