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Offered languages
- Japanese
- English
- French
In Okinawa, Itoman is dubbed the "City of the uminchu (fishermen)", people here have been living at the rhythm of the lunar calendar and the tides since the early days of the Ryukyu Kingdom 600 years ago.
There is no better place to experience the ancient arts and traditions of the sea on a real sabani sailing boat.
-Sail on the lagoon and observe corals reefs and coastal nature
-Learn about Sabani sailing techniques
-Visit Itoman's Sabani yards and the shipwright's atelier
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The meeting point is at the south-east yard, next to a white cubic building. Your guide will wear an Okinawan traditional "Kuba hat" at the meeting point.
What to expect
Ludo, a foreign local, will welcome you at the sabani shipyard and tell you about the history of sabani, the craftsmanship behind its construction and its cultural significance to the local "uminchu (fishermen)" people.
- Slow start with a bit of paddling
After a Safety briefing, your first contact with sabani navigation will be paddling for few minutes to the port entrance and back, while your guide helps you picking-up basic techniques.
- Sail out on Itoman's reef flats
Your guide then sets the sail and takes you for an hour-long adventure across the blue Itoman sea, gliding through coral reefs while learning about the local nature and culture. You will see the Okinawan subtropical sea with the eyes of its ancient fishermen, feel the wind, the waves, the currents while enjoying the silent elegance of your traditional embarkation.
- Enjoy a relaxed return
Sail back to the sabani shipyard, or take on a small navigation challenge if you are feeling adventurous.
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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