The SUP tour on the Tsunegami Peninsula offers a unique experience, navigating the crystal-clear waters of Wakasa Bay and visiting the "Blue Grotto" and uninhabited beaches. Even beginners can participate with confidence thanks to the guide's thorough instruction, making it a popular summer adventure where you can enjoy snorkeling and breathtaking coastline scenery.
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We are a voluntary tourism group dedicated to promoting the attractions of the northern Kinki region, specifically the areas of Tamba, Tajima, Tango, and Wakasa. The flavors of northern Kinki are not limited to crab, a representative winter seafood delicacy, but also include oysters, yellowtail, and pufferfish, as well as summer delicacies such as surf clams, rock oysters, and white squid. Mountain delicacies include Tamba chestnuts and Tamba black beans, and summer fruits such as sand dune melons, making it an area where you can enjoy gourmet food all year round. I would be happy if I could share information that allows people to visit this vast northern Kinki region many times and enjoy train travel.
Nestled quietly along the western coast of Fukui Prefecture, the Tsunegami Peninsula is one of those places where nature remains untouched. Here, mountains dramatically stretch out towards the sea, and small fishing villages are scattered along the coastline. The vibrant blue sea weaves through rocky coves, tranquil beaches, and hidden, secluded spots. This natural landscape is the perfect setting for an unforgettable summer adventure. Paddle across the crystal-clear waters, heading towards the majestic sea caves that stand silently on the shore.
Heading towards the majestic "Blue Grotto"
Setting out onto the water
One of the attractions of a SUP tour is that even beginners can easily enjoy it. The boards are surprisingly easy to handle, and since you wear a life jacket, it's not a problem even if you're not a strong swimmer.
Before heading out onto the water, you'll receive a lecture on the basics, such as how to paddle and how to balance on the board. Even if you've never stood on a SUP before, there's plenty of time to get used to the board and relax before setting off on your shore excursion.
A SUP guide will explain the basic operation methods.
Leaving the shore behind, a tranquil and beautiful panorama unfolds, a tapestry of fishing boats swaying on the waves, seabirds soaring in the sky, and mountain ranges towering in the distance. The journey to the "Blue Grotto" takes about 30 minutes by paddling. You'll be paddling at a relaxed and comfortable pace. There's no need to rush, so don't worry. You'll have plenty of time to stop along the way to catch your breath and rehydrate.
Once you've gotten used to handling the board, your guide will teach you how to stand up on it. Standing up might sound difficult, but hardboards are surprisingly stable, so it's much easier than you think.
To the Blue Grotto
Stepping into the cave feels like entering another world. The dazzling sunlight gradually fades away, giving way to the cool, quiet shadows of the cave. There, you'll find crystal-clear seawater that shines with an astonishingly vibrant blue hue. This is also a perfect spot for photography.
You can enjoy snorkeling inside the cave for about 30 minutes.
Heading towards the beach
Even after leaving the cave, the adventure isn't over yet. One of the highlights of the experience is a stop at an uninhabited beach on Kami Island. This small, forest-covered island is surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of Wakasa Bay and can be reached in just 10 minutes by SUP. Here, you can leave your SUP board on the beach and enjoy snorkeling in the beautiful shallow waters.
Using the provided snorkeling equipment, you can dive underwater and observe a variety of marine life inhabiting the rocky coastline. In the clear waters, you can clearly see what's happening below the surface, and encountering various kinds of fish and other marine creatures will be an unforgettable experience. After swimming and snorkeling, you'll board your SUP board again and return to the harbor.
If you want to enjoy a sea adventure
A SUP adventure on the Tsunegami Peninsula is more than just a day on the sea; it's a truly special experience. You can enjoy the beautiful coastline that is representative of Wakasa from a completely different perspective, experiencing gentle paddling, dynamic scenery, the fantastical "Blue Grotto," and swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Wakasa Bay—all at once. Best of all, it's enjoyable even for those with no SUP experience. There are easy-to-understand lectures from guides, and plenty of time to enjoy the scenery at your own pace. It's an experience that even first-timers can easily participate in, allowing you to relax while enjoying a sense of adventure. If you're looking for a memorable summer activity to discover the hidden beauty of the Wakasa coast, be sure to add this SUP experience to your travel plans, heading to the Blue Grotto.
〇How to book your experience: If you wish to participate in the tour, please check the details via the link below and make a reservation. SUP tour details and reservations here
For those who want to experience the nature of Wakasa, PLUS WILD is highly recommended. Based in Wakasa Town, they offer outdoor experiences such as SUP, kayaking, trail hiking, and shower climbing, promoting the charm of the region's nature and culture through sustainable tourism. They offer experiences perfect for active adventures with friends and family, as well as for those who want to enjoy the Wakasa coastline from a different perspective.
SUP Tour Details & Location: Wakasa Town Fukui Prefecture Prefecture Tsunegami Base, 11 Tsunegami , Wakasa Town, Mikata-Kami-Naka District , Fukui Prefecture Tour Times: ● 10:00-13:00 ● 13:00-16:00 *Participants should gather at Tsunegami Base 15 minutes before the start time. Price: ● 18,000 yen ● Wetsuit rental: 3,000 yen Target Age: Elementary school 4th grade and above What to Bring: ● Swimsuit or rash guard or other clothing that can get wet ● Marine shoes or other shoes that can get wet ● Towel ● Drinks ● Waterproof smartphone case (recommended)
• If you are bringing a dog: Dogs are welcome to participate in the tour. Please bring a dog life jacket and a non-retractable leash. Bringing your dog's favorite toy or ball is also recommended. When making a reservation, please let us know the number and breed of dogs you will be bringing.
・Tour Flow Check-in at Tsunegami Base → Change clothes → Put on life jacket → Lecture and safety briefing on land → Departure on Mega SUP The tour takes place in a relatively calm bay, making it easy for beginners to participate. However, the route may be changed depending on the weather and sea conditions. Also, the tour may be canceled in the event of strong winds, high waves, typhoons, weather warnings, or other conditions that make it difficult to conduct the tour safely.
★Please also read this! ⇒A hidden ocean adventure quietly unfolding in Wakasa Bay - A sea kayaking trip -
PLUS WILD Co., Ltd. 30-6-1 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata-Kami- Wakasa Town, Fukui Prefecture 919-1532 Yamaza Kumagawa Outdoors Base 77-11-2 Kawachi , Wakasa-cho, Mikata-Kami Wakasa Town , Fukui Prefecture 919-1533
Brian Keith Eastlake, Writer promoting the charms of the Tsuruga and Wakasa areas, Fukui Prefecture Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team
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