What is sabani?
A sabani is a long and narrow traditional wooden fishing boat from Okinawa, originally used by the uminchu (Okinawan fishermen) for near-shore and open-sea travel.
With their elegant lines, sabani were designed for speed and versatility. They have been historically used for coral reefs and net fishing techniques, catching large fish, including sharks, and for transport between islands.
Today, sabani boats and their iconic junk sails remain the symbol of Okinawan maritime culture and are increasingly featured in sailing and paddling experiences, as new, ecological and cultural way to enjoy the “Beautiful Island” blue seas.

Description of your tour:

• Meet your local guide at the beach and get an introduction to sabani's history. It is the occasion to discover the unique craftsmanship behind Sabani building and its cultural significance.
• Receive a safety briefing and take time to familiarise with the equipment and your route.
• Start your experience with a short paddling training.
• Raise the sail and leave the base for an hour of sailing adventure including:
  Navigation on the reef flats of Itoman.
  Observation of coral formations from the boat with an aquascope.
  A short break halfway on a sandy beach
• Return to the base, a navigation challenge for the most daring seadfarers.