November 6, 2026 – Kabira Bay to Ishigaki City – 27 kms – Cruz del Sur Hotel
Gordon: Today we went on our first organized excursion, an afternoon of kayaking up a river bordered by mangroves. It was a lot of fun, particularly as the channel narrowed at the upper reaches. We were joined by four Japanese tourists, all from the Tokyo region, and a well informed and articulate guide, also originally from Tokyo.We spend much of the day outside every day, whether it be cycling, walking or snorkeling. We are constantly encountering wildlife, including a number of animals found nowhere else in the world. A few nights ago, for example, we noticed a green glow coming from some ground crawling insects. An internet search revealed that they are the larvae of the Yaeyama window firefly, found only on these islands. They are bright enough to be noticed at a distance of five to ten metres, and there were lots of them. Just one more magical sight in these remarkable islands.
Firefly larva
We are having close encounters with bats most days. Since the typhoon they have come down from the forrest looking for fruit.
Whistling Green Pigeon
Before leaving Ishigaki we stopped at an open air village and took in a cultural performance.
Squirrel Monkey at the open air museum.
Malayan Night Heron
