When you join a mangrove kayaking tour in Amami Oshima, choosing the right clothes helps you stay comfortable, safe, and ready for everything the mangrove environment brings. Amami’s climate is warm, humid, and sometimes rainy. So it’s best to come prepared.
Clothing for Warm Months (May–October)
From late spring through early autumn, Amami can be hot and humid. Daytime temperatures often rise above 30 °C (86 °F), and you may sweat or get splashed while kayaking.
We recommend wearing:
- Quick-dry shirts or rash guards
Breathable tops help you stay cool and comfortable even if wet. - Light shorts or quick-dry pants
Clothes that dry quickly are ideal for this water-based activity. - Sandals or water-friendly shoes
Footwear that can get wet and doesn’t slip is most comfortable on the kayak.
In general, lightweight clothing is sufficient. However, during May and October, mornings and evenings can feel slightly cool, so bringing a light jacket is useful.
During the day, the sun can be strong, so heat-stroke prevention is essential. Short sleeves and shorts are fine, but wearing a rash guard is also recommended. A rash guard not only helps protect your skin from the sun, but also reduces direct sunlight exposure, which helps prevent heat exhaustion.
When you sweat or get wet, covered skin often feels cooler than bare skin, making the experience more comfortable.
Clothing for Cooler Months (November–March)
In cooler months, the temperature can feel chilly, especially with wind and rain. Layering is key:
- Long-sleeve quick-dry tops
- Light pants
- Waterproof jacket (recommended)
- Sandals or water shoes
For the bottom, shorts or long pants are both fine, depending on the temperature and your personal preference.
If you choose long pants, please select quick-dry materials, and avoid fabrics that dry slowly, such as jeans.
For the top, bringing a waterproof jacket is helpful to handle sudden rain or changes in temperature.
From December to February, we recommend wearing layers, such as a long-sleeve shirt, a fleece, and a waterproof jacket. During this season, it is also advisable to prepare an outer layer that blocks the wind, or even a down jacket, especially on colder or windy days.
Essential Items to Bring
- Drinking Water
About 500 ml per person. - Change of Clothes
Capsizing is extremely rare, but while paddling, water may splash into the kayak around your feet or seat, and you may also get caught in a sudden rain shower.
You shoud bring a full change of clothes (top and bottom). - Towel
- Hat
A hat is essential in all seasons and weather conditions.
It helps protect you from the sun and heat on sunny days, and keeps rain off your face on rainy days, making the tour more comfortable.
Helpful Items (Optional)
- Sandals
Water may enter the kayak due to paddling or rain, and your feet can get wet.
You may bring your own sandals, or if you don’t have them, free rental footwear is available. - Waterproof Phone Case
Helps protect your phone from water.
A case with a neck strap is also useful to prevent accidental loss. - Sunscreen (Reef-Safe Recommended)
When sightseeing on the island, we kindly ask you to use reef-safe sunscreen.
The coral reefs around Amami Oshima are already at risk due to coral bleaching.
Sunscreens containing ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, and enzacamene are known to have negative effects on coral reefs.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping protect the island’s marine environment.
Gear Provided by Link Adventures
We offer rental gear to help you enjoy the tour comfortably.
- Rain coat
- Sandals
- Life jackets and kayak equipments
Final Tips
The mangrove forest is a unique ecosystem shaped by tide and weather, and its beauty often shines even on rainy or cloudy days. Dress in light, quick-dry, and comfortable clothes, and your kayak experience will be enjoyable.
