The Kerama Islands offer world-class diving and snorkeling in waters with 50+ meter visibility, known as "Kerama Blue." Top dive sites: Tokashiki's Aharen area (coral gardens, sea turtles), Zamami's outer reef (manta rays June-October), Aka Island's Nishi Beach (sea turtle cleaning station). Snorkeling is excellent at Furuzamami Beach (Zamami) and Aharen Beach (Tokashiki) — no boat required. Water temperature: 21°C winter to 29°C summer. Access from Naha Tomari Port: high-speed boat 35 min to Tokashiki, 60 min to Zamami. Intro dives from ¥10,000, certified dives from ¥8,000.
*Photos are for illustrative purposes only
The Kerama Islands, designated a national park in 2014, are home to some of Japan’s most pristine marine environments. The visibility here regularly exceeds 30 meters and can reach over 50 meters in optimal conditions — giving rise to the term “Kerama Blue.” Located just 30-60 minutes from Naha by high-speed boat, the Keramas offer easy access to world-class underwater experiences.
Top Dive Sites
Tokashiki Island’s Aharen area features extensive coral gardens and frequent sea turtle encounters. Zamami Island’s outer reef attracts manta rays from June through October. Aka Island’s Nishi Beach is known as a “sea turtle cleaning station” where turtles gather to have parasites removed by cleaner fish — a rare and unforgettable sight. For advanced divers, the drift dives through channels between islands offer thrilling current diving with large pelagic fish.
Beach Snorkeling (No Boat Needed)
Furuzamami Beach on Zamami Island and Aharen Beach on Tokashiki Island both have excellent reef snorkeling accessible directly from shore. Sea turtles are commonly spotted at Furuzamami, and the coral coverage at Aharen starts just meters from the beach. Equipment rental is available at both beaches (¥1,000-2,000 per set).
Practical Information
Water temperature ranges from 21°C in winter (wetsuit required) to 29°C in summer (rash guard sufficient). Intro dives for beginners start from around ¥10,000 including equipment, while certified diver boat dives start from ¥8,000. Most dive shops operate year-round. For detailed access information, see our Kerama Islands access guide.
The Kerama Islands boast some of Japan’s finest diving and snorkeling sites, with water visibility regularly exceeding 30 meters. The archipelago was designated as Japan’s 31st national park in 2014, ensuring strong environmental protections for its coral reefs and marine ecosystems. Over 250 species of coral have been identified in Kerama waters, supporting an extraordinarily diverse marine community.
For non-divers, beach snorkeling is available at no cost at numerous spots throughout the islands. Furuzamami Beach on Zamami Island and Nishi Beach on Aka Island are particularly popular for shore-entry snorkeling, where sea turtles and colorful tropical fish can be observed in shallow water. Snorkeling equipment rental is available at most beaches for ¥1,000–2,000. Visitors should use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral ecosystem.
