Enjoy Kerama on a family vacation! Introducing travel attractions, recommended activities and sightseeing spots!
Table of Contents
What are the Kerama Islands like?
The Kerama Islands is the collective name for more than 20 islands scattered throughout the region, about 40 kilometers west of the main island of Okinawa, which can be reached in about one hour.
The islands offer one of the world's most fascinating underwater worlds and natural environments, where people of all ages can enjoy nature for a variety of purposes.
The diving spots in the Kerama Islands are so famous that divers from all over the world pay attention to them, and since they are only a day trip from Naha, they are popular as islands that can be easily reached.
Attractions of Kerama
The Kerama Islands include four islands: Zamami, Tokashiki, Aka, and Keruma.
Each island can be reached by boat from Naha in about 35 to 50 minutes, making it a sightseeing spot where marine activities can be easily enjoyed on a day trip.
It is also a breeding ground for humpback whales, and the Kerama Islands area was recognized as a "Kerama Islands National Park" on March 5, 2014 (Coral Day) in recognition of its diverse ecosystem.
To my surprise, the Kerama Islands are "islands that have been recognized by the government for the beauty of their scenery.
Kerama blue that fascinates the world
The most attractive feature of Kerama is its beautiful sea.
The "Kerama Blue," one of the clearest in the world, captivates divers from all over the world with its beautifully colored tropical fish and beautiful coral reefs.
Of course, not only diving and snorkeling, but also swimming in the beautiful Keramas blue sea can be enjoyed, making it popular with children and families of all ages.
A sanctuary for marine activities
If you want to do marine sports in Kerama, popular experience diving is recommended.
Even first-timers can enjoy the marine world at their own pace and without worry.
Wakeboarding, snorkeling, and banana boating are other family-friendly activities for children and adults alike.
Wakeboarding, in particular, is easy as long as you know your foot axis, posture, and timing when standing up, so please give it a try.
Magnificent Nature
Among activities to enjoy nature, the "Deserted Island Landing Tour" is particularly recommended, which is held from GW to the end of October.
The waters of Kerama are crystal clear, and colorful tropical fish can be seen swimming several meters below.
Parasailing in Kerama is also popular.
Parasailing, strolling between the sparkling ocean surface and the blue sky, is so exhilarating that you feel as if you have been transported to another world.
The uninhabited island of Kerama is also famous as a spawning ground for sea turtles, and there is a possibility of meeting "taimai," green turtles, and loggerhead turtles that live in Okinawa.
Attraction of Kerama Blue
Kerama is also a highly popular diving and snorkeling destination.
Tourists from overseas come to enjoy the beautiful coral reefs, sea turtles and other creatures that live there, and the crystal clear waters known as Keramas blue.
It is also known as a popular destination for "whale watching" in winter.
Humpback whales come to the beautiful and warm waters of Kerama after a long journey to give birth and raise their young, giving us a spectacular view of nature.
Why Family Travel?
Why don't you and your family visit a deserted island like the Dragon's Palace?
Ankenashiki Island is an uninhabited island in Kerama where you can come into contact with many fish, just like in the Dragon's Palace.
Here, as soon as you enter the ocean, even in shallow water, you will be surrounded by fish, with abundant coral and many fish coming close to you from the fish.
There is also another beautiful family-friendly beach, Ama Beach, where you can see sea turtles and enjoy the shallow waters and gentle waves.
As you can see, there are various spots in Kerama where you can experience the great outdoors firsthand, making it a popular destination for family trips.
The spectacular scenery will surely provide you with memories that will last a lifetime!
Aka Ohashi Bridge, which connects Aka Island and Kerama Island, is a spectacular viewpoint in the Kerama Islands.
It is only a 3-minute walk from Aka Port, right next to the harbor.
From the bridge, you can not only look down on the beautiful Keramas blue ocean, but also leisurely watch the boats passing below and watch the sunrise and sunset.
You will be able to experience the magnificent sea and nature of Kerama, and it will surely be a lifetime memory for your family.
Relax and enjoy family time!
In addition to marine activities, you can enjoy the magnificent nature in Kerama.
The Akamasanto Observatory is located at the National Okinawa Youth Exchange House.
From the East Observatory, the main island of Okinawa can be seen, as well as Maejima, an uninhabited island near Tokashiki Island, and even the main island of Okinawa beyond, if the weather is good.
Around the East Observatory, you can enjoy the panoramic view, so why not relax and enjoy family time?
Enjoy marine activities with your family!
The Kerama Islands are famous for diving.
One of the most popular islands is Zamami Island, which has a variety of spectacular beaches, making it an ideal island for snorkeling as well as diving.
Tokashiku Beach" is also a representative beach of Tokashiki Island, with a very beautiful crescent-shaped sandy beach.
Wakeboarding, sea kayaking, and other services are also available, allowing visitors to enjoy marine sports to the fullest.
Recommended Family Travel Spots
Here are some beaches that are especially recommended for family vacations.
You can enjoy marine activities with your family and feel like you are at a resort under the deck and parasols.
Kozamami Beach (Zamami Island)
Zamami Island is the second largest island in Kerama, after Tokashiki Island, and is about 50 minutes from Naha by high-speed boat.
Famous as the location for the 1988 movie "I Wish to Meet Marilyn," it offers classic marine sports in the summer sea.
The ease of a day trip from Naha and easy access to Aka Island and Tokashiki Island make it a popular destination for tourists who like to tour the outlying islands.
And Kozamami Beach on Zamami Island is a beach where you can fully enjoy the unique atmosphere of the resort town of Okinawa.
Recommendations
Kozamami Beach offers crystal clear waters, coral reefs, and the fish that flock to them.
The ocean is deep as soon as you enter, making it a good place for snorkeling.
It takes about 30-40 minutes one way from Zamami Port, so it is better to use the shuttle bus of the rental store operating on the beach.
Directions from Naha Airport and Zamami Port
From Naha Airport, you must first head to Tomari Port.
Take a cab, local bus, or Yui Rail to Tomari Port.
If you take the local bus, get off at Tomari-Takahashi bus stop; if you take the Yui Rail, get off at Miebashi Station.
From Tomari PortTake the Ferry Zamami (120 minutes) or the High Speed Boat Queen Zamami (50 minutes) to Zamami Port.
Kozamami Beach is located about a 6-minute drive from Zamami Port.
Awaren Beach (Tokashiki Island)
Tokashiki Island is the largest island in Kerama and is a popular remote island, only about 35 minutes by high-speed boat from Naha.
It is also famous for its marine sports, attracting many divers not only from Japan but also from overseas.
Since it is the closest to Naha, it is a good spot for those making their debut on the remote islands.
Awaren Beach on Tokashiki Island is a beautiful beach with silky white sand.
Recommendations
You can enjoy snorkeling and experience diving at Awaren Beach.
Other.You can also enjoy SUP, banana boats, and other activities.
The clarity of the sea is excellent,The beautiful ocean attracts divers from all over the world.
Each marine activity allows visitors to observe colorful corals.
The view from the observatory is also first class, and you can feel nature with your whole body.
Enjoy the transparency of the Keramas blue color, which is a gradation of blue from the white sandy beach.
Directions from Naha Airport and Tokashiki Port
The same way as Kozamami Beach to Tomari Port.
From Tomari Port to Tokashiki PortTake either the "Ferry Tokashiki" (about 70 minutes) or the "High Speed Boat Marine Liner Tokashiki" (about 35 minutes).
It takes about 12 minutes by car from Tokashiki Port.
Aka Beach (Aka Island)
It is the farthest remote island from Naha among the Kerama Islands, about 50 minutes by high-speed boat from Naha.
The island has small settlements where visitors can enjoy a rustic, unspoiled atmosphere and see coral and tropical fish in the ocean.
Aka Island is connected to Keiruma Island and Sotochi Island by a bridge, and since it is possible to drive between the two islands, it is a good idea to cross the bridge and drive around the three islands.
Aka Beach, located in the southeastern part of Aka Island, is known for its abundant coral.
Recommendations
Aka Beach is a private and secluded beach.
It is famous as a spot where sea turtles can be seen and snorkeling can be enjoyed.
Because the ocean tides flow slowly, even those who are not good swimmers or small children will be able to enjoy the beautiful ocean in peace.
Directions from Naha Airport and Aka Port
From Naha Airport, as with other spots, the first stop is Tomari Port.
From Tomari Port, take the Ferry Zamami (90 minutes) or the High Speed Boat Queen Zamami (50 minutes) to Aka Port.
It is about a 5-minute walk from Aka Port.
Recommended activities for family vacations
Recommended activities in Kerama are, by far, snorkeling, canoe/kayak, SUP, and glass boat.
In particular, snorkeling is a great way to see a variety of sea creatures due to the clarity of the seawater.
When you visit Kerama, why not try marine activities with your family as much as time permits?
Here is a detailed list of recommended activities.
snorkeling
Snorkeling is an activity that involves swimming in shallow water using a snorkel.
By joining the tour, you can rest assured that they will provide you with the necessary equipment for snorkeling.
Your family will enjoy a soothing, otherworldly experience with beautiful coral and a variety of colorful tropical fish.
Family Fun Points
Even if you arrive in Naha, Okinawa on the same day, you can still experience snorkeling by signing up for a half-day tour in the afternoon in advance.
On the return boat ride, you will arrive at the harbor while reminiscing about the fun you had snorkeling with your children.
The snorkeling experience in the beautiful ocean is sure to be one of the most memorable.
Experience the Keramas blue with crystal clear blue waters as far as the eye can see.
Canoe/Kayak
A canoe is a small boat that is propelled by paddles.
And a kayak is a type of canoe, segregated by the shape of the paddle.
Family Fun Points
From a kayak in Kerama, you can look down on coral reefs and colorful fish.
In addition, the ocean is so clear that you will feel as if you are floating.
By using a kayak that can accommodate two people, it is safe to ride with small children.
There are also clear kayaks with transparent boats, so why not enjoy the kayaking experience while looking into the underwater world?
SUP
SUP stands for "Stand Up Paddleboard," an activity in which you stand on a board and paddle forward.
SUP also offers sunrise and sunset tours, and the charm of the spectacle varies depending on the time of day.
SUP is recommended for family trips, even beginners can enjoy it right away.
Family Fun Points
At first glance, SUP looks difficult, but with practice, it becomes easy to operate.
In addition, the boards used for SUP are stable, so children who cannot paddle SUP on their own can still ride on the board with their parents.
There are also tours where you can enjoy both SUP and snorkeling, and are recommended for families who want to enjoy the sea of Kerama to the fullest.
marine sports
Various marine sports can be experienced in Kerama.
The program includes diving and snorkeling, as well as jet skiing, parasailing, and many other activities.
Family Fun Points
Parasailing is a marine sport where you are towed by a motorboat and float high in the sky like a kite.
The view of the Kerama blue ocean from above is truly spectacular.
Some of them can accommodate two people so that they can enjoy themselves while conversing with each other.
Banana boats, also known as roller coasters on the water, provide a thrilling experience for the whole family.
We also recommend a relaxing fishing experience for the whole family.
The menu includes plans to enjoy fishing while SUPing or kayaking, as well as offshore fishing and fishing on uninhabited islands, so families can enjoy a wide variety of activities together.
whale watching
In winter, humpback whales from around Alaska arrive to breed.
Whale watching is available from January to April each year, and if you are lucky, you will be able to see them from the harbor and observation deck.
Family Fun Points
Zamami Island in Kerama is famous for "whale watching.
Dynamic whale jumping is a well-known winter tradition on Zamami Island, and boat tours offer a close-up view of the powerful natural whales.
Another great place for whale watching is the Alan Lookout on Tokashiki Island.
Binoculars are also provided so that the whole family can enjoy whale watching.
3 recommended tours for family trips
Here are three recommended tours for families.
summary
What do you think about the reasons why the Kerama Islands are a great place for a family vacation?
The islands away from the main island of Okinawa have a variety of attractions, and you will have a special time with your family that you cannot experience anywhere else.
There are a wide variety of marine activities for children and families to enjoy.
Activities in the beautiful ocean are sure to be deeply memorable.
By all means,Let the colorful fish living in the coral reefs soothe your heart in the Kerama blue ocean.
Thank you for taking the time to read this to the end.
