Where are the remote "Kerama Islands" in Okinawa? This is a thorough explanation of the fascinating islands!

Where are the Kerama Islands located?

Surrounded by beautiful waters known as Kerama Blue, one of the clearest in the world, the Kerama Islands are a famous tourist destination that was designated as a national park in 2014.

The Kerama Islands include more than 20 islands of various sizes, of which only five are inhabited: Tokashiki Island, Zamami Island, Aka Island, Maejima, and Keruma Island.

Because much unspoiled nature remains, the islands are known not only for the beauty of the sea, but also for the abundance of nature and rare flora and fauna that can be observed on each island.

Such is the case with the Kerama Islands, which are loved by many tourists because of its wide variety of marine activities like snorkeling, diving, SUP, cria-boat, canoeing, kayaking, and so on.

Marine activities using the beautiful sea will be an experience like no other tourist destination.

In addition, there are many tours with a wide variety of activities throughout the Kerama Islands, so that not only experienced divers but also beginners can enjoy themselves.

The Kerama Islands, with many of these attractions, are located approximately 40 km west of Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture.

Since it is located relatively close to Naha City, it will be possible to go there not only for overnight stay but also for a day trip.

Since it is easily accessible as one of the plans for sightseeing in Naha City, knowing the charms of the Kerama Islands will broaden the direction of your sightseeing enjoyment.

 

How to get to Kerama Islands

To get to the Kerama Islands from Naha City, you can use the ferries and high-speed boats that leave from Tomari Port or the boats of marine stores.

Each has its own characteristics, so you should choose the one that best suits your plan.

Here we would like to introduce each of these means of transportation.

 

high-speed vessel

Various islands such as Tokashiki Island and Zamami Island in the Kerama archipelago can be accessed by taking a ferry or high-speed boat departing from Tomarin, a passenger terminal building located at Tomari Port in Naha City.

Although there is the hassle of purchasing a ticket at the Tomarin ticket counter, the advantage is that you can head to the Kerama Islands in a comfortable environment with little turbulence.

Ferries and high-speed boats offer ocean views along the way, so you can experience the beauty and atmosphere of the Kerama Islands firsthand.

Therefore, this is a recommended mode of transportation for those who want to experience the excitement before visiting the Kerama Islands.

Ferries and high-speed boats make similar trips, but differ in the time and cost of travel.

High-speed boats offer shorter travel times than ferries, but are more expensive.

You will need to consider which way to go depending on your own schedule, plans, and budget.

 

Marine Shop Boat

Another way to get to the Kerama Islands is to utilize a marine store's boat.

You apply for a tour at a marine store that offers diving and snorkeling tours in Naha and other cities, and then head to the Kerama Islands as part of your tour plan.

The tour fee includes the boarding fee, drinks, and other service charges, which vary depending on the plan, so you can save money by taking advantage of them.

It should be noted that when heading to the Kerama Islands in this way, only islands such as Naganu Island and Kuehu Island, which are relatively close to Naha City, can be reached, and it is not possible to land on Tokashiki Island or Aka Island.

 

Introduction of recommended remote islands around the Kerama Islands!

There are various remote islands around the Kerama Islands.

As mentioned above, there are only five inhabited islands: Tokashiki, Zamami, Aka, Maejima, and Keruma, but all of them are rich in nature and numerous marine activities.

The Kerama Islands have many unique islands, so there is always something new to discover no matter how many times you visit.

Here we will focus on Tokashiki Island, Zamami Island, and Aka Island among the outlying islands around the Kerama Islands.

 

Tokashiki Island

Tokashiki Island, located at the eastern end of the Kerama Islands, is known as the largest of the Kerama Islands.

The terrain is undulating, with mountains from the center of the island to the north.

Therefore, the island is characterized by a large number of observation decks.

You will be able to enjoy a different kind of spectacular view from other islands, such as the view of Keramas blue from a high vantage point.

There are also a number of popular snorkeling and diving spots, such as Awaren Beach and Tokashiku Beach.

This is a great place for those who want to enjoy marine activities, as beautiful coral reefs, colorful fish swimming in the sea, and sea turtles can be seen.

Each beach is located close to the village and is easily accessible.

 

Directions and time required

Tokashiki Island can be reached by ferry "Ferry Tokashiki" departing from Tomari Port in Naha City or by high speed boat "Marine Liner Tokashiki".

Because of its relative proximity to Naha City, it is an attractive place to stay for eight hours on a day trip if you take advantage of the high-speed boats.

 

Travel time: 70 minutes by ferry "Ferry Tokashiki", 40 minutes by high speed boat "Marine Liner Tokashiki

Fare: Ferry "Ferry Tokashiki" 1,690 yen (adult) 850 yen (child) one way, High Speed Boat "Marine Liner Tokashiki" 2,530 yen (adult) 1,270 yen (child) one way

 

Zamami Island

Awarded two stars by the Michelin Green Guide Japon, Zamami Island is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world who love marine activities.

The island is well equipped for comfortable sightseeing, with accommodations, restaurants, car and bicycle rental services, and rental stores for equipment necessary for marine activities.

Although Zamami Island has a variety of beautiful beaches, Kozamami Beach and Ama Beach are particularly famous among them.

Restrooms, showers, and a concession stand in the summer months provide a safe environment for visitors.

Zamami Island offers a variety of marine activity tours, and we recommend that you join one of the many tours offered when you visit the island.

 

Directions and time required

There are two ways to get to Zamami Island: ferry "Ferry Zamami" from Tomari Port in Naha City or high-speed boat "High Speed Boat Queen Zamami".

Tickets can be reserved online or by phone, or purchased at the ticket office.

 

Travel time: 100 minutes by ferry "Ferry Zamami", 60 minutes by high speed boat "High Speed Boat Queen Zamami

Fare: Ferry Zamami: 2,150 yen (adult) 1,080 yen (child) one-way, High Speed Boat Queen Zamami: 3,200 yen (adult) 1,600 yen (child) one-way

 

Aka Island

Aka Island, a small island with a circumference of 11 km and a population of about 300, is a place with as many attractions as any other island in the Kerama archipelago.

Because it is smaller than the other islands, it has the characteristic of allowing visitors to tour the island on foot.

Aka Island is connected to neighboring Keruma Island by the Aka Ohashi Bridge, which allows visitors to walk to another island.

The Aka Bridge overlooks the Keramas blue, so you will be able to observe sea turtles and other creatures in the crystal clear waters.

There are also many beaches that are easy to play on, even for those who are not used to the sea, such as Kitahama Beach, where you can see coral reefs just off the beach, and Aka Beach, where there is not much tidal current, making it safe to play.

Many other experiences, such as a walking tour around the island and a tour where visitors can experience making tofu using traditional methods, are also available for families.

 

Directions and time required

As with Zamami Island, Aka Island can be reached by ferry "Ferry Zamami" from Tomari Port in Naha City or by high speed boat "High Speed Boat Queen Zamami".

Ferry Zamami" takes longer than high-speed boats, but its modern design makes it less bumpy.

Therefore, we recommend the Ferry Zamami for those who are worried about getting seasick, and the High Speed Boat Queen Zamami for those who are strong on boats and want to arrive at Aka Island early for fun.

 

Travel time: 120 minutes by ferry "Ferry Zamami", 50 minutes by high speed boat "High Speed Boat Queen Zamami

Fare: Ferry Zamami: 2,150 yen (adult) 1,080 yen (child) one-way, High Speed Boat Queen Zamami: 3,200 yen (adult) 1,600 yen (child) one-way

 

3 recommended tours to enjoy in the Kerama Islands

The Kerama Islands offer many marine activities and other various tours.

Since the tour is accompanied by an instructor and guide, even those with children or new to marine activities can enjoy the tour with peace of mind.

Here we would like to introduce three types of recommended tours that you can enjoy in the Kerama Islands.

 

Kerama Islands Snorkeling Half Day Tour

This tour is open to participants as young as 5 years old and takes 4 hours, making it an easy snorkeling tour to join.

You will have the rare experience of seeing colorful fish and sea turtles swimming in the clear Keramas blue, which you can see all the way to the bottom of the water, up close.

Head to one of the following islands: Kuroshima, Maejima, Naganujima, Kuefjima, or Kamiyamajima, and enter the sea there.

There is also a plan available for those who wish to experience diving as an option on the day of the tour.

In addition, the tour offers photo data taken on the day of the tour as a gift, so that you can form your own memories.

For 8,500 yen for adults, 7,500 yen for children, and +5,500 yen for experience diving, this tour is recommended for those who want to swim in the sea of the Kerama Islands.

 

Small group diving available from 1 person! Experience diving in Keramas with excellent visibility!

This tour is recommended for those who want to enjoy the experience of diving in a small group to the fullest.

This tour, which costs 20,000 yen per person, takes 8.5 hours and allows you to enjoy the Keramas Blue in almost a full day.

An instructor will be with you during the tour and will carefully support you at your pace, so that even beginners will be able to enjoy the tour.

Once you get used to the experience diving, you will be hooked because you can swim freely in the sea.

Diving in the clear Keramas blue will give you a fantastic view.

 

Enjoy Keramas blue and relaxing island time! Sunrise Beach Yoga

This tour, which costs 3,300 yen for adults and 1,650 yen for children, is a yoga practice to prepare the body in the quiet morning of the Kerama Islands while healing the mind in the clean sea and sandy beach.

Yoga while watching the sunrise will refresh your body and mind.

There is also a SUP yoga experience plan available for those who wish to try it for an additional 1,100 yen.

In many cases, even beginner yoga practitioners participate as a memorable part of their sightseeing.

This tour is recommended for those who want to spend a comfortable morning.

 

summary

The Kerama Islands are a popular destination for both overnight guests and those who want to enjoy marine activities on a day trip from Naha City.

In the Kerama Islands, surrounded by great nature, you will have many valuable experiences that you cannot have in everyday life.

Visiting these places with family, friends, and loved ones will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Because of the variety of islands in the Kerama archipelago, it would be difficult to enjoy them all in just one visit.

If you visited the Kerama Islands and liked them, it might be interesting to visit again and again to enjoy them in different ways.