Give yourself to the waves and wind
Sabani Tour
The luxury of doing nothing at all—it's here.
The sabani is not a "paddling" activity. You simply relax, rocked by the waves, aboard a boat moved by a sail that catches the wind. That is the sabani's luxury of doing nothing at all. Pass under an arch of green just before the landing, and when the emerald-blue sea comes into view, your journey out of the everyday begins. It's an experience that loosens something in your heart, almost mysteriously so.
Tour Overview
Capacity
No limit
(groups: please inquire)
Duration
2h
Departures
9:00- / 11:30- / 14:00-
Fares
*Solo participants: ¥26,400 (regardless of age)
*Photo/video options: drone or DSLR camera +¥11,000 / drone & DSLR camera set +¥16,500
What to Bring & Conditions of Participation
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Included in the price
Guide fee, equipment, and all support needed for the tour
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What to bring / what to wear
- - Drinks (to stay hydrated)
- - Clothes you don't mind getting a little wet (in summer, a rash guard or other sun-protective top; in winter, a warm outer layer is recommended)
- - A change of clothes for after the tour
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Conditions of
participationPlease consult us if you have a pre-existing medical condition, are pregnant, have concerns about your physical fitness, or are traveling with a child aged 3 or under
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Safety standards
Sea conditions change by the moment, and there may be times when the tour cannot be held. We plan to notify you of any cancellation the day before, but in some cases the decision is made on the day based on sea conditions.
- - When a weather warning is in effect (heavy rain, flooding, storm, storm surge, tsunami)
- - The tour may also be cancelled when a lightning advisory is issued
- - Wave height of 2 meters or more
- - Wind speed of 10 meters per second or more
- - Sudden deterioration of weather, such as a passing front
- - When the guide judges conditions on site to be dangerous, regardless of the forecast
- - When a participant will not follow warnings or instructions regarding dangerous or reckless behavior
- - When a participant is unwell (including being under the influence of alcohol)
- - When the guide cannot run the tour due to injury, illness, or unavoidable circumstances
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Cancellation Policy
*Please be sure to readFor cancellations at the customer's request, a cancellation fee of 50% applies from 2 days before through the day before the tour, and 100% on the day of the tour. This also applies to non-attendance due to illness or similar. For cancellations due to sudden emergencies, we will make a decision after reviewing the circumstances.
If we judge that the tour cannot be safely held due to natural phenomena, poor sea conditions, or the like, the tour will be cancelled or its content changed, and no cancellation fee will be charged in that case. We plan to notify you of cancellations the day before, but in some cases the decision is made on the day based on sea conditions.
We may refuse participation to anyone who is under the influence of alcohol, unwell, or unwilling to follow safety instructions.
What Makes Our Tours Special
Nothing but the sounds of nature
A boat with no engine and no motor catches the wind and slowly begins to move. All you hear is the hull gliding over the waves, the sail fluttering, and the calls of seabirds. That stillness makes you realize how noisy everyday life has been.
Scenery you can see nowhere else
The sabani glides across shallows spread with coral reef. It brings you close to the sea in a way that neither diving nor a glass-bottom boat can—you feel almost as if you have become one with the waves.
A memory that stays with you
What lingers after a sabani experience is not excitement but a quiet afterglow. The colors of the sea, the sound of the waves, and the time you spent on Taketomi Island will come back to you in unexpected moments of everyday life—an experience of a lifetime that stays in your heart.
How the Experience Unfolds
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01
Meet your guide
We pick you up at the location of your choice, arranged in advance (your accommodation on Taketomi Island, the water buffalo cart stop, a bicycle rental shop, etc.).
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02
Head to the beach
We walk to the beach together while going over what to expect. The boarding point changes depending on the day's tide and sea conditions.
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03
The tour begins
Step aboard the sabani, and a quiet voyage begins.
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04
Land on a sandbar island not found on any map
When the tide is right, a white sandbar island appears in the middle of the sea. Step off and walk around, swim, take photos—spend the time however you like.
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05
Return and farewell
The experience lasts about two hours. Feel free to ask us for tips on how to spend the rest of your day.
Photo & Video Options
Drone
+ ¥11,000 incl. tax (approx. 60-second video)
Drone & DSLR Camera Set
+ ¥16,500 incl. tax (20 photos and approx. 60-second video)
*Files are delivered within one week.
*Please note that drone filming may not be possible due to strong winds or tide levels.
FAQ
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The experience is mainly spent on board, but depending on the plan and the day's sea conditions, there may be time to wade and play in the shallows. Some guests get so excited by the crystal-clear water in front of them that they jump straight off the sabani for a swim! The sea around Taketomi Island is shallow and relatively calm, but it is still open sea, with currents. If you'd like to go in, please always let your guide know first, for safety's sake.
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First-timers are more than welcome. No special experience or skills are needed, so please don't worry. Your guide handles the boat, but if you'd like, you can also try paddling alongside them with a traditional paddle called an eku.
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You may get splashed when boarding and disembarking or depending on sea conditions, so please come in clothes that are easy to move in and that you don't mind getting wet. The sun is strong, so we recommend wearing a rash guard or similar. On windy days it can feel cooler than expected, so it's a good idea to bring a light layer to put on.
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Yes, it's essential. UV levels in the Yaeyama region are said to be several times those of mainland Japan, and out on the open sea there is nothing to block the sun, while the glare off the water is intense. Letting your guard down because "it's cloudy" often ends in a burn-like sunburn. We strongly recommend sunscreen, a hat that won't blow away in the wind, and sunglasses. To limit exposed skin, a lightweight long-sleeved layer (such as a rash guard) will keep you more comfortable even in summer. And if you can, please choose a sunscreen with ocean-friendly ingredients (such as a reef-safe sunscreen)—we would be very grateful for your help in preserving the sea of Taketomi Island for the future.
Book the Sabani Tour
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