TOUR
A sea of coral, Prayers of Uminchu fishermen
kayaking Snorkeling Hiking
Highlight
Join the Uminchu fishermen to the sea of Yanbaru.
Experience the nature of the ocean.
Okinawa is one of the rare places in the word with a rich coral ocean.
While coral is decreasing around the world, Okinawa is home to 400 species, around half of all species in the world, and even now new species are being discovered.
Coral is called an “oceanic tropical forest” and an “oasis in the sea”, and it provides shelter and egg-laying spaces for many different creatures, playing a crucial role in the oceanic ecosystem. This precious ocean has been maintained as a result of the local uminchu fishermen’s life in harmony with the sea.
This tour touches on the village life that is still going on today as well as traditional sabani sailboats, and travelers go out to sea with local fishermen to directly experience the ocean of Yanbaru through the eyes of the uminchu.
Itinerary
Day 1
Living for the sea
An introduction to uminchu
Visit a manufacturing atelier of wooden sabani sailboats, which were essential to the fishing culture of uminchu hundreds of years ago. Conversations with the shipbuilders, who work hard to pass on the traditional building techniques to future generations, convey the spirit and determination of the uminchu who have gained their means of living from the ocean, at great risk to themselves.
Experience sailing out into the wide sea.
Explore the village with the guide. The villages of Okinawa are gathered along the coastlines, and also close to mountains or forests near the sea. Come to understand how customs related to the ocean remain present in today’s way of life.
【Activity: Sabani-sailing, Village walk】
Day 2
Reading the sea
Enjoying the geographical features of the sea
From a fishing port, head by kayak to an island in a shoal surrounded by reefs. Experience the wisdom of the uminchu, like reading the depth of the sea and the tides, fish species and information about the seasons.
Learning about the unique geographic features of the sea of Yanbaru where they fish, and the ecology of the fish from the guide, travelers can appreciate the beauty of the ocean, famous for its clarity, with their whole body. Feel the diverse ecosystem supported by various kinds of coral.
【Activity: Kayaking】
Day 3
Return to the sea
Real fishing, and the circulation of the future ocean
It is time to venture into the wider ocean with uminchu. Travelers get on board.
Learning how to read the tides and natural blessings directly from uminchu, and experiencing them themselves, travelers can truly understand the way uminchu face the sea.
The coral which nurtures the rich ecosystem is extremely important.
In order to protect the ocean for the future, the uminchu plant coral with their own hands. Led by these uminchu, travelers also plant coral, allowing them to feel the incredible nature of this activity from the bottom of their hearts.
After coral planting, the uminchu will take them on a snorkeling tour above the stunning coral reefs. Not just witnessing the beauty of the great coral reefs, but also playing a role in their future, travelers will come to love coral even more, and be more moved by the sight.
【Activity: Kayaking, Coral planting, Snorkeling】
Day 4
Prayer to the sea
Feeling the appreciation in the heart of uminchu
On the final day, travelers head to Cape Hedo, on the northern tip of Okinawa. They stand on a sheer cliff formed by ancient limestone eroded by the sea, looking at Yoron island in the distance. Looking down, they see beautiful coral reefs stretching out in the clear cobalt blue ocean.
Looking behind them, a sacred utaki site stands high. This is the place where the Ryukyu myth of the creation of Okinawa takes place, where Amamikiyo, the sea goddess who created the islands of Ryukyu, first landed.
【Activity: Hiking】
Tour Map
OKINAWA ADVENTURES greets you at Naha airport, and coordinates everything from your transport to the various activities during the tour. From the moment of arrival to the final departure, travelers can focus on their experience.
Gathering and disbanding at Naha Airport. The gathering will be around 1:00 pm on the first day, and the disbanding will be around 5:00 pm on the last day.
There may be changes depending on the season.
Please note that the tour content may change due to weather or other circumstances.
Tour Guide
After visiting various countries around the world, I understand how Okinawa moves people with its unique natural culture, history, people, and food – all full of charm, and handed down to this day.
I hope everyone who visits here can really feel its beauty, divinity, harshness, and also potential, and encounter a trip that will remain in their heart. I will attend them until the last moment of their visit.
Hiroki Shinoda
Experienced World Heritage Guide in Mexico in Switzerland
Appointed Adventure Tourism Coordinator and Guide by the Cabinet Office
Okinawa Prefecture World Heritage Guide and Local Area Coordinator
Language: English, Japanese
Touitou Ludovic
Appointed Adventure Tourism Coordinator and Guide by the Cabinet Office
Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician, OMSB Lifesaving license, OMSB Snorkeling guide, Itoman-city Sabani tour guide
Language: English, French, Japanese
Tour details
| Price and Tour schedule | Price: from ￥319,000 per person (2 guests per room) ・The price of the tour will increase during peak seasons. ・The additional fee for individual room is from ￥30,000 per person (for 3 nights) ・The price of the tour includes the cost of English language support. Please contact us for ”Tour schedule and price details” from Enquire button. |
| Capacity/Minimum number of participants | Small group experience, Max 6. (Minimum 4) |
| Participation conditions | Target age group is 10 to 65 years old (All travelers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.) who can participate in all activities (including some trekking over rocky areas) |
| Included | ・ Transportation from Naha airport to the finishing point in Naha airport ・ 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners ・ Accommodation ・ English Guide fees ・ Activity fees |
| Not included | ・ Travel to and from Naha ・ Drinks ・ Other private expenses |
| Cancellation policy | Our standard cancellation charges are set out below: Cancelled more than 21 days prior to start ····················· No charge ●Cancelled between 20 and 8days prior to start ·············· 20% of the total fee ●Cancelled between 7 days and 2 days prior to start ···· 30% of the total fee ●Cancelled between 1 day prior to start ···· 40% of the total fee ●Cancelled on the day (prior to start) ···· 50% of the total fee ●Cancelled after the start or fail to show ·············· 100% of the total fee No refunds will be given after the tour has commenced. |
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