Enjoy snorkeling in Kerama! Introducing the charm of snorkeling and popular tours.

 

What are the Kerama Islands like?

The Kerama Islands consist of about 20 islands of various sizes, including Tokashiki Island and other uninhabited islands scattered in the East China Sea about 40 km west of Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture.

Administratively, the village is divided into two villages: Tokashiki Village, centering on Tokashiki Island, and Zamami Village, centering on Zamami Island.

It is the second most popular remote island after Miyakojima and Ishigakijima, and can be easily reached by ferry from Naha.

One of the greatest attractions of Kerama is the overwhelmingly clear and beautiful ocean.

Because of the beauty of its natural environment, the Kerama Islands National Park was designated as a national park in 2014, covering approximately 90,000 ha of waters near the islands.

It is a popular point for whale watching and often featured in the news.It is also a highly recognized spawning ground for sea turtles.

More than 240 species of corals are densely distributed in the clear waters.

 

Attractions of Kerama

The beautiful sea of Kerama is soothing just by looking at it.

However, if you dive underwater, you will be able to feel the beauty of the ocean more deeply as the crystal-clear world of the sea is free from any turbidity or cloudiness.

There, you will encounter colorful corals and lovely tropical fish, which are now rare on the main island of Okinawa.

In addition, three types of sea turtles come to the Kerama Islands to lay eggs: green turtles, loggerhead turtles, and taimai.

For sea turtles, which are believed to lay their eggs only in beautiful waters, this is truly a paradise, the perfect place.

While doing marine sports, you may encounter sea turtles swimming leisurely in the crystal clear waters.

 

Kerama blue that fascinates the world

Once seen, the unforgettable impression is given by the sea, which is loved and called "Kerama blue" by people from all over the world.

The Keramas blue fascinates all who see it with its transparency like delicate glasswork and its gem-like brilliance.

When the sun's rays are strong, light penetrates deep into the ocean, making it sparkle and shine.

Many tourists will be soothed by this sight.

 

A sanctuary for marine activities

Kerama is truly a mecca for marine activities, with ample opportunities for swimming, diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, jet skiing, banana boating, and other activities.

The surrounding islands are dotted with more than 100 dive sites, and are considered by divers from all over the world to be a sacred place for diving. 

The clarity of the water, the topography, the white sand, the coral reefs, and the abundance of fish are all perfect, everything a diver could want.

Many divers visit the site repeatedly, and the site has captivated so many ocean lovers that they are convinced that they would like to dive in Kerama again, even if they dive in other oceans around the world.

 

Magnificent Nature

Not only the beauty of the ocean, but also its spectacular nature is the charm of Kerama.

The Kerama Islands were designated as Japan's 31st national park, Kerama Islands National Park, on March 5, 2014, on Coral Day.

The diverse landscapes of the area, including reefs formed by upheavals, sheer sea cliffs, and rias coasts with many bay entrances, are nurtured by nature.

It is a breeding ground for humpback whales, and the shallow white sandy beach is also a spawning ground for sea turtles.

As for underwater corals, it is said that about 62% of the reef-building corals identified in Japan live in the sea.

The sun's rays reflect off this underwater coral, creating the beautiful Keramas blue.

The climate belongs to the subtropical maritime climate zone, and more than 620 species of native plants have been identified in the area, including bilou forests and rufous pine forests.

This area is home to rare species such as the Ryukyu leatherback turtle and the Japanese mud lizard, and is also an important habitat for birds, with many migratory birds confirmed to fly here.

 

Attraction of Kerama Blue

Floating in the blue world of Keramas blue, you will be soothed by the colorful fish living in the coral reefs.

And if you are lucky, you can swim in the sea with sea turtles.

The sight of tropical fish swimming energetically around your body in the sparkling sunlight of the sea will give you a magical and mystical feeling as if you are in a dragon's palace.

 

Snorkeling in Kerama

Kerama is known as a sacred place for diving, but snorkeling is also a popular marine activity that can be easily enjoyed.

 

How to enjoy snorkeling

Snorkeling is an activity that uses tools to look into the ocean.

It can be enjoyed by people who are not good at swimming, children, and the elderly alike.

The beauty of snorkeling is that you can do it at your own pace.

Snorkeling involves using a mask like a large pair of underwater glasses, a snorkel, and fins to look into the underwater world from the surface of the water.

No lessons or licenses are required, so it is easy to get started.

 

Attraction of snorkeling

The charm of snorkeling is that you can take a closer look at the sea, which you cannot normally see.

This is a rare opportunity to see creatures you can meet in the ocean in a different and lively way than you can see them in an aquarium.

 

Enjoy underwater observation in the spectacular ocean!

Underwater observation in the beautiful ocean reveals a wide variety of life, including free-swimming tropical fish, sea turtles migrating in a leisurely manner, and coral reefs in all their mysterious glory.

Take a close look at the natural and realistic ecology of sea creatures.

 

Enjoy colorful tropical fish!

In the Kerama Sea, you can get up close and personal with colorful and lovely tropical fish.

You can see a variety of behaviors, such as fearfully emerging from the coral reef, hurriedly hiding, or suddenly changing direction and coming toward you when you think they are swimming happily.

You will never get tired of watching them wiggle their hips and swim hard.

 

Anyone can enjoy it.

Unlike scuba diving, snorkeling can be enjoyed by anyone with simple equipment.

Since it does not require swimming ability, it is a relatively low hurdle activity for women and seniors who are not confident in their physical strength, as well as for children who are not used to being in the water.

 

Creatures that can be seen while snorkeling

The best part of snorkeling is the direct encounter with rarely seen sea creatures.

Here are some of the creatures you have a high probability of encountering while snorkeling in Kerama.

 

clownfish (Balistoides conspicillum)

It is a lovely looking orange and white creature.

The well-known tropical fish starred in the "Finding Nemo" movie and is popular on television and in aquariums.

 

blue tang

The black pattern that enters the bright blue body of the elasmobranch.

This very popular saltwater fish, made famous by "Finding Nemo" and "Finding Dory," has a unique habit of turning sideways and pretending to be dead when it encounters a natural enemy.

 

sea turtle

After all, when you go snorkeling in Okinawa, you want to meet sea turtles.

There are three types of sea turtles: green turtles, loggerhead turtles, and hawksbill turtles.

Kerama is also their spawning ground, so if you are lucky, you may be able to swim with sea turtles while observing their ecology up close.

 

Recommended snorkeling spots for locals

Here are some snorkeling spots recommended by locals.

 

Tokashiku Beach

The largest island in the Kerama Islands is Tokashiki Island, which has a circumference of 25 km.

Just over the mountain from the harbor is Tokashiku Beach, located in the west central part of the island and famous for its sea turtle habitat.

 

Recommendations

The beautiful white-sand beach is circular in shape, with gentle waves and excellent transparency, making it suitable for snorkeling.

Sea turtles live in the area, so you can expect to encounter sea turtles.

There is only one resort hotel surrounding the beach, but it is a very quiet environment with few private residences, and you can spend a relaxing time as if you were on your own private beach.

There is a campground nearby, so you can enjoy the outdoors in the great outdoors.

 

Directions from Naha Airport and Tokashiki Port

From Naha Airport, take a cab, Yui Rail, or local bus to Tomari Port.

It takes about 35 minutes from Tomari Port to Tokashiki Port by high-speed boat and about 1 hour by ferry.

It is about 3.1 km from Tokashiki Port and takes about 12 minutes by car.

Ama Beach

It takes about one hour from Naha to Zamami Island by high-speed boat.

It is within walking distance from Zamami Port to Ama Beach, which is spread out in front of the campground in the forest.

The beach offers a great view of the uninhabited Akenashiki Island to the left of the beach, Gahi Island in front of it, and Aka Island beyond.

 

Recommendations

The white sandy beaches, shallow waters, and calm waves are all favorable conditions for snorkeling.

Families can also enjoy the campground right next door, where cottages are available.

If anything, the beach has a tranquil atmosphere.

On the way from the harbor, there is a statue of "Marilyn," the heroine dog of the movie "I want to meet Marilyn," based on a true story.

The statue of "Shiro," a male dog who swam 3 km across from Aka Island to meet "Marilyn," is located at the port of Aka Island.

 

Directions from Naha Airport and Zamami Port

As with Tokashiku Beach, we will first go from Naha Airport to Tomari Port.

It takes about 50 minutes from Tomari Port to Zamami Port by high-speed boat and about 2 hours by ferry.

It is about 1.5 km from Zamami Port, about 10 minutes by bicycle or 15 minutes on foot.

Kitahama (Nishibama) Beach

This is a natural beach about 1 km long that runs along the northeast coast of Aka Island.

The name "Kitahama" is written "Nishibama."

This beach has a wonderful view of the beautiful inland sea of the Kerama Islands, where the uninhabited islands of Ankenashiki, Kabi-jima, and Amuro-jima are located.

Here you will often see schools of silvery yellowfin trevally.

 

Recommendations

The most interesting snorkeling swim is about 80-100 m off the beach.

The best place to fish is when the coral reef bottom becomes deeper and a sandy area appears offshore.

The clarity of the ocean is excellent, and many fish, including schools of snappers, swim in the water, delighting the eye.

 

Directions from Naha Airport and Aka Port

It takes about 1 hour from Tomari Port in Naha to Aka Port by high-speed boat (about 90 minutes by ferry).

It is about a 15-minute walk or 5-minute drive from the port.

Naganum Island

The island is a tourist beach and a good place for sunset watching.

About 15 km off the coast of Naha City, there is a group of atolls known as "Chibishi (Kei Ihase)" consisting of Kamiyama Island, Naganu Island, and Kuehue Island, which are famous as diving spots.

Naganu Island is a long, narrow island within it with a circumference of about 3 km.

 

Recommendations

Regular flights by dedicated cruisers depart from Tomari Port in Naha to Naganu Island.

A rest house is available for year-round lodging.

Here you can enjoy the night view of Naha and the star-filled sky.

The island is surrounded by coral reefs and white beaches made of shells and coral fragments known as coral sand.

Naganu Island is also a habitat for rare migratory birds, a spawning ground for sea turtles, and other attractions of unspoiled nature.

When sightseeing, please follow the rules and act with a sense of appreciation for nature.

 

Directions from Naha Airport

From Naha Airport, we will go via Tomari Port.

It takes about 20 minutes by boat from Tomari Port.

Three recommended snorkeling tours

There are many snorkeling tours offered daily in Kerama.

Here are three of our carefully selected recommendations.

 

summary

There are many marine activities available, but snorkeling is the perfect activity for those who want to closely observe marine life while enjoying the beauty of the Kerama Sea.

There are always elaborate plans being offered, and many tours are easy to join, even for first-timers.

When you travel to Okinawa, be sure to stop by Kerama to experience the Kerama blue.