Enjoy Kerama on a solo trip! Introducing travel attractions, recommended activities, and sightseeing spots!
Table of Contents
What are the Kerama Islands like?
The Kerama Islands are located approximately 40 km west of Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture.
The archipelago consists of more than 30 islands of various sizes scattered throughout the East China Sea.
It belongs to Okinawa Prefecture and is administratively divided into Tokashiki Village, centering on Tokashiki Island, and Zamami Village, centering on Zamami Island.
As for transportation to the islands, a shipping route has been established to and from Naha Tomari Port.
In addition, Kerama Airport is located on Fukajishima Island, so please choose the transportation that best suits your schedule.
The Kerama Islands also contain many shell middens, historic sites, and important cultural assets.
For example, the sea god festival (Umi-ugan) is held around August 20 of the lunar calendar, and prayers for fishing prosperity and safe voyages are offered at worship sites in each village during annual events.
In Kerama, the "sea" is deeply rooted in people's lives and is very important.
In this issue, we would like to introduce you to the details of a solo trip in Kerama, so please read to the end!
Reasons to Travel Alone
The Kerama Islands are rich in nature and time passes slowly.
If you are traveling alone and want to refresh and relax in the great outdoors, this is the place for you.
Why don't you enjoy the fulfilling time that you cannot experience in the mainland by traveling alone in Kerama?
Take it easy at your own pace.
Traveling alone allows you to enjoy your trip at your own pace without worrying about your partner.
Make plans as you wish and spend your time stress-free, both physically and mentally.
Kerama is a great place for a relaxing solo trip because of its tropical and relaxing atmosphere.
Burn the spectacular view into your eyes!
In addition to the Kerama blue ocean, the Kerama Islands also offer different topography on each island.
The contrast between the sea, which is so clear that coral can be seen through it, and the white beach is absolutely beautiful.
The surrounding mountains provide a view of the cliffs and the Ryukyu pine forests that are typical of Okinawa.
Heal your body and soul in the great outdoors
The beautiful Kerama blue ocean, the sound of the waves, and the breeze will lighten your heart.
Many natural plants grow in the area, so you can feel plenty of negative ions.
Spending time in the tropics is a luxurious experience.
Attractions of Kerama
The Kerama Islands are easily accessible from the main island of Okinawa, and the surrounding waters, known as Kerama blue, are extremely clear.
The waters of Kerama are popular worldwide and attract many sea lovers.
Many divers come here to enjoy the Keramas blue ocean!
Let's touch on some of the attractions of Kerama.
Kerama blue that fascinates the world
The sea of Kerama is called Kerama blue, and many people from all over the world visit Kerama to enjoy its crystal clear waters.
The Kerama blue ocean is crystal clear, and coral and tropical fish can be clearly observed.
Sea turtles also inhabit the area, so you can see them swimming peacefully, and if you are lucky, you can even swim with them.
A sanctuary for marine activities
Snorkeling and diving are classic marine activities that are always popular.
The experience is suitable for beginners as well, so anyone can enjoy it.
The sea is so beautiful that divers say they want to come back to this sea again, so I hope you will experience it.
Visitors to the area can also experience whale watching, which is only available in the winter.
Of course, thrilling activities such as parasailing and wakeboarding are also offered.
Please enjoy the Keramas blue ocean to the fullest with the activity of your choice.
Magnificent Nature
It is believed that the Kerama Islands were originally part of a mountain range connected to the main island of Okinawa.
Tectonic movements caused the land to subside, resulting in the cluster of islands we see today.
The naturally formed landforms are a sight to behold, as sea erosion has developed, forming cliffs that reach 100 to 200 meters in some places.
The topography of each island has different characteristics, and the scenery, where you can enjoy both the mountains and the sea, is of majestic beauty.
The area also has a subtropical maritime climate, which provides a rich variety of natural vegetation, such as rufous pine forests.
Attraction of Kerama Blue
The main attraction of Kerama Blue is its beautiful, crystal clear waters.
Not only that, but the Keramas Blue Sea has a wider variety of corals and creatures than other areas.
If you are lucky, you can see sea turtles, and in winter, humpback whales come to the island, so whale watching can be enjoyed.
Breathtakingly beautifulWhy don't you spend the best time in the sea of Kerama?
Recommended attractions for solo travelers
Let us introduce you to three of the best places to visit on a solo trip.
You can enjoy Kerama surrounded by nature at any of these spots, so be sure to check them out!
If you are considering a solo trip to Kerama, please refer to this page.
Kitahama (Nishibama) Beach
Kitahama (Nishibama) Beach is a beautiful beach with extensive coral reefs.
There is also a terrace overlooking the ocean, so you can avoid the sun and enjoy a relaxing view of the sea.
Recommendations
Kitahama (Nishibama) Beach is the most popular snorkeling spot on Aka Island.
On the beach, you can also observe pink shells and hermit crabs carrying large scroll shells on their backs!
Losing track of time and simply admiring the view from the terrace will surely heal your body and soul.
Directions from Naha Airport and Aka Port
Approximately 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport to Naha Tomari Port.
Approximately 1 hour from Naha Tomari Port to Aka Port by high-speed boat and 1 hour and 30 minutes by ferry
10 minutes walk from Aka Port
Hizushi Beach
Hizushi Beach on Aka Island is a compact, private beach without facilities such as lifeguards or showers.
It is also a popular snorkeling spot.
Recommendations
Sunset on a clear day is recommended, as the sunset on the horizon is beautiful.
Spend a peaceful time watching the sunset as it slowly sinks into the Keramas blue ocean.
Tropical fish can be seen right on the beach, but be careful when entering the water, as it is not a controlled beach.
Directions from Naha Airport and Aka Port
Approximately 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport to Naha Tomari Port
Approximately 1 hour from Naha Tomari Port to Aka Port by high-speed boat and 1 hour and 30 minutes by ferry
15 minutes walk or 7 minutes by bicycle from Aka Port
Kozamami Beach
Huru-Zamami Beach is the busiest beach in Zamami.
The Kerama blue ocean is beautiful and popular among foreign tourists.
There is also a terrace where you can relax and enjoy the view of the ocean.
Recommendations
Numerous tropical fish can be observed even in the shallows, so this beach is recommended for those unfamiliar with the ocean.
The sandy beach is also nice and smooth.
It has a strong tropical feel and makes you feel like you are in a foreign country.
Directions from Naha Airport and Zamami Port
Approximately 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport to Naha Tomari Port
50 minutes from Naha Tomari Port to Zamami Port by high-speed boat, 2 hours by ferry
20 minutes walk from Zamami Port
Recommended activities for solo travelers
Here are some recommended activities in the Kerama Islands.
Please refer to this page.
snorkeling
There are two entry methods for snorkeling, so please choose the one that best suits your preference when participating in the activity.
Beach Entry
Beach entry into the ocean from the shore is recommended for those unfamiliar with the ocean.
Because you enter the water from the shallows, you can slowly acclimate your body to the water and feel less anxious, and before you know it, you are hooked on snorkeling.
Boat Entry
Take a boat (ship) to the point and enter the water from the boat.
Recommended for those who want to relax and enjoy themselves in a less crowded place!
Going offshore is more transparent, and it is also advantageous to be able to go to points where sea turtles live.
Recommendations
Hizushi Beach on Aka Island is highly recommended for its excellent transparency.
This point is called the reef edge, and the edge looks like a forest of corals.
However, in recent years, global warming has led to a decrease in the number of corals, and coral forests are less vigorous than before, making this a very valuable landscape.
diving
The Kerama Islands can be visited by boat from Naha City in 20 to 60 minutes.
Diving is one of the most popular marine activities because it allows people to enjoy the clear and beautiful ocean at a short distance.
Another reason for its popularity is that it can be enjoyed as a day trip from Naha!
Recommendations
We recommend Keise Island, also known as Cibici, which is only 20 to 30 minutes from Naha Tomari Port.
The waters around Tibici are crystal clear throughout the year, and visitors can observe colorful and magnificent corals and schools of bright tropical fish.
Tours to look for sleeping sea turtles are popular!
Canoe/Kayak
Explore the crystal clear waters by canoe/kayak.
Since the boat travels on the surface of the sea, it offers a completely different view from the one seen from a ferry or ship.
You can observe coral and tropical fish swimming around.
Recommendations
Tours to uninhabited islands around Zamami Island are recommended.
You can enjoy a sense of adventure while feeling the sparkling surface of the sea up close.
SUP
Why don't you stand on a special SUP board and enjoy a walk on the sea with a paddle?
The clarity of the ocean makes you feel as if you are floating in midair.
Recommendations
Sunset SUP on Zamami Island is recommended.
The Kerama blue ocean at sunset is very magical, beautiful, and healing.
yoga
Yoga combines breathing, posture, and meditation to improve mental and physical health.
By facing your true inner self, you can take a new step forward.
Recommendations
Yoga held on the beach at Tokashiki Island is recommended.
Enjoy yoga while feeling the energy of the sun in the beautiful ocean and life-giving nature.
The program can be enjoyed by anyone, even beginners, as it can be participated in without difficulty.
Three recommended tours for one person
Finally, for those who wish to enjoy marine activities as a solo traveler, we recommend the following tours.
All of the tours will allow you to enjoy Kerama to the fullest, so please refer to them.
summary
We hope you enjoyed this article on solo travel in the Kerama Islands.
In the Kerama Islands, you can enjoy the beautiful sea and other great nature, and also spend time relaxing in body and mind.
We hope you will enjoy a relaxing and luxurious trip!
Thank you for reading to the end.
