Yonabaru
- Shortboard, Beginners
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Chop
- Spot Type
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Range
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Yonabaru is a fairly exposed sandy beach break on Okinawa, positioned near Naha, known for generally reliable surf and beginner-friendly conditions. Waves are often soft and mushy, leading to short, fun rides—particularly useful when more exposed reef breaks around the island are too rough. Seasonally, surf- and water-temperature conditions are described as usable for most of the year. Summer is highlighted as offering the best conditions for the spot, while April is singled out as a statistically strong month for cleaner surf. Even in the May–July low season, there are said to be some waves, so the spot remains a practical choice for relaxed sessions. Wind-wise, West winds are described as the best direction and are associated with cleaner offshore conditions. Wingfoiling is also possible under favorable wind in the bay, with a sandy, gradually deepening bottom supporting foiling when wind and depth are sufficient. Safety considerations include jellyfish (noted as especially relevant during summer months) and tidal currents in the bay. Wave quality can change noticeably between high and low tide, so checking tide timing is recommended before launching.
- Beginner-leaning sandy beach break
- West winds support cleaner conditions
- Warm-water spot with long seasonal window
- Sandy bottom and manageable exposure make it well-suited for beginners.
- Reliable surf with a broad usable season; warm-water conditions support year-round sessions.
- Waves can be average/soft and may close out on very large swells.
- Tidal currents and jellyfish hazards can affect comfort and safety.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W
- Offshore directions
- W
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Provider data describes frontal winds; regional patterns include monsoon/trade and frontal influence.
- Reliability
- medium
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- October, November, December, January, February, March
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Wave size described as small by one provider.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach area suitable for entry.
Through the year
Can be busy on weekends with local beginners.
Typhoon season runs from June to October; rainy season (Tsuyu) typically occurs from mid-May to late June.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Possible in the bay during favorable wind conditions; sandy bottom and gradual depth make it accessible for foiling when there is enough wind.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly conditions described with a minimum depth requirement.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 5–7 m²
Fairly exposed beach break with quite reliable surf; waves are generally soft and average, and can be a good choice when other more exposed reef breaks are too rough.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- E, S
- Swell Height
- 0.5–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Optimal tide described as mid.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Providers describe both 'exposed' and 'semi-sheltered'; synthesized as semi-sheltered overall.
- Wind Effect
- West winds provide cleaner offshore conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out with very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Provider data describes average wave quality.
- Wave Power
- Soft
- Wave Shape
- Mushy
- Peel Speed
- Slow — Mushy, forgiving waves for short rides.
- Ride Length
- Short — Short, fun rides that are often mushy and forgiving.
- Ride Length Details
- Short, fun rides that are often mushy and forgiving.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Yonabaru in the full forecast view.
Yonabaru wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 7–21 ktsGusts 36 kts
- Direction
- NNE27°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2421 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–2.7 m7s period
- Temperature
- 22–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Yonabaru is forecast for daytime winds of 7–21 kts, peaking around 21 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 36 kts. The prevailing direction is NNE. Waves run 0.8–2.7 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Jellyfish
- Tidal currents
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue is described as limited in the regional guidance.
- Emergency Info
- Japan Coast Guard emergency number 118 for maritime incidents; general emergency services 119.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Described as a welcoming/local spot with mild localism.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect local riders.
- Check the tide as wave quality can change significantly between high and low water.
- Be aware of Habu jellyfish during the summer months.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Naha
- Nearest Town
- Yonabaru
- Nearest Airport
- Naha Airport (OKA)
- Parking
- Available at the nearby marine park.
- Public Transport
- Primarily served by the Okinawa bus network (limited rail access); cars are commonly used to transport gear.
- Access
- Accessible by car via Route 329 or Route 331 from Naha.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Japanese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation is generally accessed through the wider Naha hotel market, with additional options in the Yonabaru area such as local minshuku and coastal apartments.
- Food & Drink
- Local restaurants and convenience stores are within walking distance.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available through several schools in the Naha/Yonabaru vicinity, covering kite/wing and windsurf gear.
- Gear Storage
- Offered by a few local schools and clubhouses for a monthly fee.
- Gear Repair
- Basic repair services for sails and bladders are available through specialty shops in the Naha metropolitan area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Yonabaru sits near Naha and supports convenient day trips to southern Okinawa, combining practical access with nearby cultural sites and marine activities.
Proximity to southern Okinawa makes the area convenient for island sightseeing and bay-oriented itineraries.
A UNESCO World Heritage site representing the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
A theme park featuring a massive limestone cave and a traditional Ryukyu village.
Regional Okinawan townscape and local community areas in southern Okinawa, with easy access to broader Naha-area cultural visits.
Scuba diving and snorkeling tours exploring coral reefs of the Kerama Islands or local southern sites.
The wider eastern Okinawa coast supports marine and coastal recreation, with Yonabaru positioned within easy reach of bay and offshore-daytrip activity in the Naha area.
The main shopping and dining street in Naha, offering diverse Okinawan cuisine and nightlife.
Dining options are mainly tied to the broader Naha and southern Okinawa urban corridor rather than a large standalone resort strip.
Large multi-purpose park with beaches, BBQ pits, and sports facilities suitable for families.
Short coastal trips, bay views, and easy access to nearby urban services make the area suitable for relaxed family-oriented stays.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Yonabaru?
The best overall months at Yonabaru are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. The best wind months are October, November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Yonabaru?
Yonabaru works with W winds. Offshore directions are W.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Yonabaru?
Recommended equipment sizes at Yonabaru: Wingfoiling: 5–7 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.
What skill level is Yonabaru suitable for?
Yonabaru suits these riding levels: Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.