Snorkeling in the Kerama Islands & Minna Island! A Complete Guide—From Taking the Ferry to Stunning Beaches

Explaining the Differences Between the Kerama Islands and Minna Island!

In this column, we’ll provide a thorough comparison of the Kerama Islands and Minna Island for those who want to visit both.

We've compiled information—from how to get there and admission fees to recommended beaches—so you can choose based on your specific needs.

Popular tours in the Kerama Islands
Click here for popular plans

What's the difference between the Kerama Islands and Minna Island?

Both the Kerama Islands and Minna Island are within day-trip distance from the main island of Okinawa.snorkelingIt's a popular area.

However, there are significant differences in the departure ports, travel times, and the atmosphere at sea.

Experience the Kerama Blue for yourself!
Click here for recommended snorkeling tours↓

Kerama/Tokashiki Island/2 hours] Experience the Kerama blue that the world is in love with♪ Boat snorkeling tour with free shuttle service☆Recommended for family trips☆(No.334)開始時間Negotiable所要時間Approx. 2 hours6,050 yen

3 Point Kerama Islands Snorkeling 《Comes with free photo data & lunch》（No.301)開始時間7:40am - 2:00pm所要時間Approx. 7 hours12,000 yen

The tour is available on a chartered boat! Sea Turtle Encounter Rate: Over 90%☆Tokashiki Island "Awaren Beach" Swimming & Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tour (No.379)開始時間: 8:40 a.m.–5:10 p.m. / 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.所要時間Approx. 8 hours14,400 yen

Learn more about our snorkeling tours ↓

Kerama Islands Snorkeling Tour Enjoy the Kerama Blue that attracts the attention of the world☆ Special feature on Kerama snorkeling tours The Kerama Islands (Kerama-shoto) have beautiful waters that will captivate anyone who dives there once. The Kerama Islands are accessible from Naha, the largest city in Okinawa Prefecture. (63 entries total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

Mizuna Island Snorkeling Tour (0 total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

Characteristics of the Kerama Islands

The Kerama Islands are a group of islands consisting of Zamami Island, Aka Island, Tokashiki Island, and others, and are located in Naha City’sTomari PortWe'll take a boat from there.

Known for its “Kerama Blue”—one of the world’s clearest bodies of water—it has been designated as a national park.

This area is popular among those who want to enjoy serious diving and snorkeling.

▼Easy Travel by Car! Zamami Island Sightseeing Tour▼

Zamami Island / 2 hours] Guided tour of the island by car! No driver's license required, pick-up and drop-off included (No.441)開始時間: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. / 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. / 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.所要時間Approx. 2 hours7,000 yen

[From Naha] Enjoy a Full Day on a Day Trip!
▼Click here for recommended tours of Zamami Island▼

3 Point Kerama Islands Snorkeling 《Comes with free photo data & lunch》（No.301)開始時間7:40am - 2:00pm所要時間Approx. 7 hours12,000 yen

1 Day Diving & Snorkeling Tour for Sea Turtle Observation with Guaranteed Underwater Photo & Movie Free / Naha City Pick-up & Drop-off OK for 1 person!開始時間7:30-15:30所要時間Approx. 8 hours16,800 yen

Features of Minna Island

Minna Island is just a short high-speed ferry ride from Tokuchi Port in Motobu Town15 minutesIt is a small island.

Known as “Croissant Island” because of its crescent shape, it is characterized by its shallow, calm waters.

Because it's so easy to get to, it's ideal for beginners and day trips with children.

Learn more about recommended tours on Minna Island ↓

Mizuna Island Tour (Mizuna Island Tours) (0 total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

Okinawa Main Island】Mizuna Island One-day Tour (0 total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

Mizuna Island Snorkeling Tour (0 total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

Comparing Access, Prices, and Water Clarity

The Kerama Islands are about 70 to 120 minutes away from Naha by ferry and about 35 to 50 minutes by high-speed boat.

On the other hand, Minna Island is accessible from Tokuchi Port in Motobu TownJust 15 minutes...and it's fast.

Prices are slightly higher in the Kerama Islands, but the water clarity there is world-class.

Enjoy Snorkeling in the Kerama Islands

The Kerama Islands consist of Zamami Island, Aka Island, and Tokashiki Island—each with its own unique character.

Here, we'll introduce how to get there and some recommended spots.

Over 90% chance of seeing sea turtles!
Click here for recommended snorkeling tours↓

Snorkeling tour focusing on sea turtles ◆[Kerama/Zamami Island] An impressive encounter rate of almost 100%!開始時間Negotiable所要時間Approx. 1 to 2 hours7,500 yen

Kerama/Zamami Island】All day long kayaking and snorkeling tour to a deserted island with a great view where you can meet sea turtles.開始時間10:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 6 hours13,750 yen

The tour is available on a chartered boat! Sea Turtle Encounter Rate: Over 90%☆Tokashiki Island "Awaren Beach" Swimming & Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tour (No.379)開始時間: 8:40 a.m.–5:10 p.m. / 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.所要時間Approx. 8 hours14,400 yen

Learn more about our sea turtle encounter tours ↓

Kerama Islands Sea Turtle Tour Let's swim together in the beautiful Kerama blue☆ Encounter rate of more than 90%! Kerama Sea Turtle Tour The sea of the Kerama Islands is so clear that you can see tens of meters ahead of you, and you can see many colorful fish even from the surface of the water. In the Kerama Islands, such beautiful ke [...]. (40 total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

How to Get to the Kerama Islands (from Naha)

You can travel to the Kerama Islands by ferry or high-speed boat from Tomarin Port in Naha City.

Toward Zamami Island..."Ferry Zamami" and "Queen Zamami"...The "Tokashiki Ferry" and "Marine Liner Tokashiki" operate services to Tokashiki Island.

I highly recommend taking a high-speed ferry—it lets you enjoy plenty of "island time" even on a day trip.

For details on how to get to the Kerama Islands (from Naha), see below ↓

Thorough comparison of ways to get to the Kerama Islands! Ferry or High Speed Boat?Enjoy the Kerama Islands on a day trip! Thorough Comparison of Ferry and High Speed Boat The Kerama Islands are a popular spot where the Kerama blue sea spreads out. The islands are designated as a national park and are rich in nature. To get there, take either a ferry or a high-speed boat from Naha. [...].

Easy landing from Naha Airport by ferry! How to access and the respective attractions of Okinawa's main island and the Kerama IslandsOkinawa Main Island and the Kerama Islands—If you were to name a few popular domestic travel destinations, I think many people would immediately think of Okinawa as one of them. Blessed with a warm and pleasant climate year-round, Okinawa Main Island is sure to lift your spirits no matter when you visit […]

Top 3 Recommended Beach Spots in the Kerama Islands

Zamami IslandKozamami Beachis a beach with breathtaking views that has earned two stars in the Michelin Green Guide.

"Awaren Beach" on Tokashiki Island is also gaining popularity for its white sandy beach and crystal-clear waters.

Both are highly regarded as top-notch snorkeling and diving spots.

Kozamami Beach

Kozamami Beach, with its beautiful white sandy beach and crystal clear waters called "Kerama Blue," is one of the representative beaches of Zamami Island.Main SpotIt is.

Basic information about Kozamami Beach

Address: 1743 Zamami, Zamami Village, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa 901-3402
Access: 20-minute walk or 3-minute drive from Zamami Port

Kozamami Beach   What is Kozamami Beach? It is a popular beach with high transparency that you should visit at least once as it has received two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japon and has attracted much attention overseas. It is a contrast between the beautiful coastline, the green of the surrounding islands, and the blue of the ocean [...].

▼Click here for island sightseeing tours that take you to Kozamami Beach▼

Zamami Island / 2 hours] Guided tour of the island by car! No driver's license required, pick-up and drop-off included (No.441)開始時間: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. / 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. / 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.所要時間Approx. 2 hours7,000 yen

Awaren Beach

A pristine white sandy beach approximately 800 meters long...and it just goes on and on—the sense of openness is incredible!sea turtleYou often get to see them there, and it's a popular spot for snorkeling.

Basic Information on Awaren Beach

Address: Abaren, Tokashiki Village, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa 901-3502
Directions: About 20 minutes by car or bus from Tokashiki Port

Awaren Beach   About Awaren Beach Awaren Beach is located on Tokashiki Island, a remote island accessible from the main island of Okinawa Prefecture. It is a beautiful beach with a pure white sandy beach 800 meters long, and is recommended for a day trip because of its easy accessibility by bus from Tokashiki Port. [...].

Ama Beach

Auma Beach is a habitat for sea turtles.Very famousand is a special spot where you can swim with wild sea turtles with a high probability of success!

Basic Information on Auma Beach

Address: Ama, Zamami-mura, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa 901-3403
Access: 20-minute walk or 3-minute drive from Zamami Port

Ama Beach   About Ama Beach Ama Beach is located on Zamami Island, a remote island accessible from Tomari Port on the main island of Okinawa, and is famous as a beach where sea turtles can be seen. Compared to Kozamami Beach, it is a quieter and more pristine beach, and is recommended for its natural beauty. [...].

▼ Click here for a complete guide to Auma Beach ▼

The complete guide to Aman Beach! Thorough explanation of access, sea turtle encounter rate & recommended tours!The Complete Guide to Ama Beach: A Comprehensive Overview of Zamami Island’s Charms Zamami Island is located about 40 km west of Naha and is one of the Kerama Islands. More than 200,000 people visit each year to experience the “Kerama Blue,” which boasts some of the clearest waters in the world. Among these islands, Ama […]

▼Click here for island sightseeing tours that include a stop at A-jin Beach▼

Zamami Island / 2 hours] Guided tour of the island by car! No driver's license required, pick-up and drop-off included (No.441)開始時間: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. / 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. / 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.所要時間Approx. 2 hours7,000 yen

Enjoy Snorkeling on Minna Island

Minna Island is easily accessible from Motobu Town and is the perfect remote island for a day trip.

Here, we'll introduce how to get there and some recommended beaches.

Learn more about recommended tours on Minna Island ↓

Mizuna Island Tour (Mizuna Island Tours) (0 total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

Okinawa Main Island】Mizuna Island One-day Tour (0 total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

Mizuna Island Snorkeling Tour (0 total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

How to Get to Minna Island (Ferry from Tokuchi Port)

High-speed ferry to Minna Island from Tokuchi Port in Motobu Town"New Wing, Everyone"It takes about 15 minutes.

It's only about a 10-minute drive from the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, making it a great spot to visit while sightseeing.

Minna Island Ferry Schedule and Fares

The number of flights varies by season, with three round trips per day during the winter and, during the busy summer season,8 round trips per dayThe number of flights will be increased until then.

Fares are 910 yen for adults one way and 1,730 yen round trip, and 460 yen for children one way and 880 yen round trip.

Since advance reservations aren't available, be sure to head to the port early on the day of your visit.

What to Do If You Can't Take the Minna Island Ferry

During the busy summer season, ferries may be fully booked, so you might not be able to board.

In cases like that,Marine ShopWe recommend using the ferry or tour boats operated by [company name].

Many stores offer advance reservations, so be sure to consider this option, especially during peak seasons.

Top 3 Recommended Beaches on Minna Island

Located right next to Minou Port"Minna Beach"is the most popular beach with lifeguards on duty.

"Seagull Rock Beach," located on the southern side of the island, is a hidden gem popular among serious anglers due to its abundant fish.

"The beach right by the lighthouse" doesn't get many tourists, so you can enjoy a quiet, private atmosphere there.

Mizuna Beach

Here, you can enjoy not only the classic beach experience, but also,You can also try a variety of marine activities right there on the spot.So, you can enjoy it all day long without getting bored!

Seagull Rock Beach

Because there is a rock where terns of the Laridae family come to raise their young, it is called “Seagull Rock Beach"It came to be known as 』."

The water is exceptionally clear, and the area retains its unspoiled natural beauty.It's a wild snorkeling spot!

The Beach Beneath the Lighthouse

With few tourists and plenty of privacy, it's perfect for those who want to relax!

By Purpose: Recommendations for These Types of People

The Kerama Islands and Minna Island each offer their own ideal travel experiences. Choose the one that best suits your purpose.

Areas Recommended for Beginners and Families

Minna Island, which is easily accessible, has shallow waters and gentle waves, isBeginners and families with childrenIt is perfect for

One of the great things about it is that you can fully enjoy the ocean even on a day trip.

Click here for tours recommended for beginners on the Kerama Islands↓

Kerama/Aka Island/2.5 hours] One of the clearest waters in the world! Boat snorkeling to enjoy Kerama blue color 《Beginners welcome・Rental equipment free of charge》（No.423）.開始時間10:30-13:00/14:30-17:00所要時間Approx. 2.5 hours7,000 yen

[Kerama Islands / Aka Island / Approx. 3 hours] SUP or Kayak Rental ☆ Enjoy a leisurely sea stroll through the Kerama Blue ♪ 《Beginners Welcome · Free Equipment Rental》 (No. 424)開始時間Negotiable所要時間Approx. 3 hours5,000 yen

Experience Diving Tour Enjoy the world's top class transparency♪ Day trip OK (No.335)開始時間Negotiable所要時間Approx. 2 hours14,300 yen

Snorkeling at the best spots in Kerama/Zamami Island! Beginners and families are welcome☆《Free equipment rental》（No.396）.開始時間Negotiable所要時間Approx. 1 to 2 hours7,500 yen

Areas Recommended for Serious Divers and Those Seeking Excellent Water Clarity

One of the world's leadingtransparencyThe Kerama Islands, renowned for their... are highly recommended for those seeking serious diving and snorkeling experiences.

Why not enjoy a trip to explore scenic spots like Kozamami Beach and Awa Beach?

Tours recommended for those who want to enjoy authentic diving↓

Naha / Kerama / 1 Day] Satisfaction by Request 120%☆Authentic Fun Diving 2dive Tour 《Pickup and Drop-off Service in Naha City》 1-person tour OK!開始時間7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.所要時間Approx. 8 hours17,500 yen

Kerama/3 hours] Full-scale skin diving without any equipment☆Take a boat to the point with excellent transparency! Free drone & underwater photo (No.445)開始時間: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. / 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.所要時間Approx. 3 hours10,000 yen

Click here for more information about diving↓

Kerama Islands (Tokashiki Island, Zamami Island, Aka Island) Diving Tour Kerama Diving Tour (One-day trip from Naha) To experience the excitement of Kerama Blue The Kerama Islands, located on the west side of Okinawa's main island, consists of more than 20 islands of various sizes and is dotted with popular diving spots. The islands are easily accessible from the main island and can be enjoyed as a day trip [...]. (38 total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

Kerama Islands (Tokashiki Island, Zamami Island, Aka Island) Fun Diving Tour Enjoy recreational diving in the “Kerama Blue” that the world loves! The Kerama Islands, accessible as a day trip from Naha, are a diver’s paradise featuring the “Kerama Blue”—seas renowned for having some of the world’s clearest water! With colorful coral reefs, sea turtles, and a wide variety of marine life […] (8 in total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

About the Kerama Islands and Minna Island
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

summary

If you want to enjoy a casual day trip, head to Minna Island; if you're looking for truly crystal-clear waters,Kerama Islandsis recommended.

Both are charming areas that can be visited as day trips from the main island of Okinawa.

Be sure to choose the island that's just right for you, depending on what you're looking for.

▼Click here for articles to read in conjunction with this one.

Recommended 5 beaches in Kerama by locals! Enjoy swimming in beautiful beaches!What Are the Kerama Islands Like? The Kerama Islands are a group of about 20 islands of various sizes located within day-trip distance from the main island of Okinawa. Often referred to as a mecca for marine activities, visitors can enjoy the world-famous “Kerama Blue” waters. The Kerama Islands […]

Kerama can be enjoyed with children! Learn about the attractions of the trip and recommended activities and beaches!What are the Kerama Islands like? They are a group of about 20 islands of various sizes, located about an hour away from the main island of Okinawa. They are a popular tourist destination known for their beautiful, crystal-clear waters. The waters are particularly famous as “Kerama Blue” and are beloved by divers. In this article, […]

Can the Kerama Islands be enjoyed as a day trip? Ferry Directions & Recommended Activity ToursCan the Kerama Islands be enjoyed as a day trip? Okinawa Prefecture is uniquely situated at the southernmost tip of Japan, extending more than 700 km south of Kagoshima City. This geographical condition of being a remote island surrounded by the sea has made the islands attractive in many ways, including beautiful nature and unique culture [...].