Can you enjoy Okinawa's Blue Cave in the rain? You can still take in a beautiful ocean!

"Can you still enjoy the Blue Cave on a rainy day?"

"How can I enjoy it to the fullest?"

The Blue Cave on a rainy day is actually full of special charm.

Underwater visibility is barely affected by rain, and if anything, it's a time of day when there are fewer tourists and you can take your time.

The waves are calm and the difference between water temperature and air temperature is small, so you can swim comfortably.

On top of that, the magical play of light created by raindrops makes for a special experience you can't see on a sunny day.

This article introduces the charms of the Blue Cave that you can enjoy precisely because it's raining, along with tips for enjoying it safely.

5 reasons to visit the Blue Cave even on a rainy day

Many people have a negative image of the rainy season because of the rain.

As a result, the number of tourists tends to drop. However, the Blue Cave is recommended even on rainy days. Here are 5 reasons why the Blue Cave is recommended even when it rains.

• Rain doesn't get inside the cave
• The difference between water and air temperature is small, so you stay comfortable
• There are fewer tourists, so you can take your time
• Waves are calm on rainy days, so you can swim safely
• You can enjoy a magical play of light

We'll explain each reason in detail.

Rain doesn't get inside the cave

With ordinary rain, almost no rain gets inside the cave. That's why you can enjoy the Blue Cave even on a rainy day.

Places with deep water aren't affected even on rainy days. Deep water has the property of absorbing red light[3]. In deep water, only blue light reaches, so it looks extremely beautiful. Because what you see underwater changes with the light, rain has little effect.

However, please be aware that tours may be canceled due to strong winds or high waves.

If anything, there are fewer tourists, so you can take your time

During the rainy season there are many rainy days, so there are fewer tourists.

In fact, it seems that some guests even aim for the rainy season.

The reason is that you can avoid the crowds.

Being able to enjoy the Blue Cave at a relaxed pace is a big advantage.

For example, there are advantages like the following.

• Shorter waiting times
• You can take your time with photos
• Instructors give more careful explanations

Even at a popular spot, you can take photos at your leisure. Instructors can also attend to each person carefully, so in some cases you can enjoy yourself even more on a rainy day.

Waves are calm on rainy days, so you can swim safely

It may be surprising, but waves are calm on rainy days. The entrance to the Blue Cave faces north.

Because of that, winds from the south don't reach inside the cave, so conditions there can always be calm.

In addition, raindrops have the effect of dampening the waves, which settles the water surface.

Especially first thing in the morning, the water surface is as calm as a mirror, so even beginners can swim in the sea with peace of mind.

Also, when the water surface is calm, you can enjoy the beauty of the light that is unique to the Blue Cave.

The difference between water and air temperature is small, so you stay comfortable

On rainy days the air temperature drops and the difference from the water temperature becomes small.

This is a big reason you can swim comfortably. When the difference is large, the human body unconsciously uses a lot of energy to regulate body temperature.

When the difference between water and air temperature is small, it's easier to regulate your body temperature and you tire less, so you can enjoy the Blue Cave for a long time.

In the following 2 patterns, which puts more strain on the body?

• Water temperature 20°C, air temperature 10°C
• Water temperature 20°C, air temperature 25°C

In the former, with an air temperature of 10°C, the difference is 10 degrees. The latter, by contrast, has a difference of only 5 degrees. Many of you have probably experienced this, and the former seems like it would be harder on the body, doesn't it?

The latter has a smaller temperature difference, so there is less strain on the body. However, depending on the time of year, the air temperature can sometimes drop. In that case, you can wear a wetsuit and be even more comfortable.

You can enjoy a magical play of light

The Blue Cave has a play of light that is unique to rainy days. Raindrops scatter the unique blue light around inside the cave, so you may get to see a special sight.

Raindrops falling on the water surface scatter the light and create a magical atmosphere.

This spreading mysterious scenery can't be seen on a sunny day.

It's also perfect for photography, and you'll be able to enjoy a special, breathtaking view you can see precisely because it's raining.

3 activities in the Blue Cave you can enjoy even in the rain

Even on rainy days, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the Blue Cave.

• Diving can go ahead as usual
• Snorkeling can be enjoyed without any problem
• Underwater photos also come out beautifully

There are fewer people on rainy days, so you can take your time. We'll explain each in detail.

Diving can go ahead as usual

Diving is an activity where you carry an oxygen tank and dive underwater to explore.

You can enjoy it without any problem even on a rainy day. The Blue Cave is inside a cave even on rainy days, so rain doesn't get in.

Also, few people are in the sea at the same time, and the water surface is calm.

Diving may be canceled for typhoons or heavy rain, but with ordinary rain, it often goes ahead as scheduled.

Blue Cave diving has plans where an instructor teaches you carefully in person, so

you can enjoy it safely.

Snorkeling can be enjoyed without any problem

Just like diving, snorkeling can be done comfortably on rainy days.

The gear is simpler than for diving, so it's reassuring even for first-timers.

Many people also wear life jackets, so they also help with the cold on rainy days.

Snorkeling is characterized by being able to look at the Blue Cave from the surface and swim alongside tropical fish.

Unlike diving, you swim in shallow water, so you can enjoy it with a moderate level of tiredness.

Underwater photos also come out beautifully

If you like photography, you'll want to photograph the Blue Cave, won't you? In light rain, the underwater world isn't affected, so you can take beautiful underwater photos even on a rainy day.

Even in light rain, the water surface can get rough, but a little deeper underwater there is almost no effect. Also, underwater visibility is affected by waves and wind, but rain doesn't have much to do with it.

One thing to note when shooting, of course, is to use a waterproof camera. If you're using a smartphone, check whether it has a waterproof feature.

When photographing raindrops, adjusting the shutter speed will give you beautiful shots. Depending on the model, some smartphones let you change the shutter speed, but on an iPhone you can't change the shutter speed manually

You can change the shutter speed with a camera app, so consider using one.

5 dangerous weather conditions when you can't go to the Blue Cave

There are some weather conditions in which you simply can't go to the Blue Cave. The conditions to avoid for safety are as follows.

• When a typhoon is approaching, cancellation is likely
• Postponed if swells exceed 2 meters
• Avoid when there is a chance of lightning
• Canceled when roads are flooded by heavy rain
• Check first when a strong wind advisory is issued

These weather conditions pose safety problems. We'll explain each in detail.

When a typhoon is approaching, cancellation is likely

When a typhoon is approaching, never go. It poses a danger to life.

• Danger of high waves
• Danger of violent winds
• Poor visibility

The effects of a typhoon are hard to predict and conditions can worsen suddenly, so in most cases tour companies cancel as well. So don't push it; wait until the weather settles down after the typhoon passes.

July to October is the time when many typhoons approach, and August and September in particular are especially prone to typhoon impact. However, Onna Village, where the Blue Cave is located, sees a typhoon approach only about once or twice a year. So the chance that a Blue Cave tour is canceled is probably low.

Tours may be canceled when wave height exceeds 4 m

When swells are large, tours may be canceled. The criteria for canceling snorkeling tours due to swells and high waves are as follows.

• Canceled at wave height of 4 m or more
• Consult us at wave height of 3 m

The cancellation criteria also depend on the tour company, but caution is needed when wave height is high.

High waves carry a great deal of energy, and there is a danger of boats capsizing and of drowning.

In the first place, there are times when it is difficult to even enter the Blue Cave.

Snorkeling beginners in particular use up too much energy because of the waves.

Choose a safe day to enjoy yourself.

Avoid when there is a chance of lightning

Absolutely avoid going when there is a danger of lightning. The water is especially dangerous.

• Danger of electric shock
• Sudden worsening of the weather
• Difficulty evacuating

These risks are conceivable, and there is a danger to life.

Tour companies also check the weather forecast and thunder advisories and decide whether to cancel. Follow their instructions and stay away from the sea.

Canceled when roads are flooded by heavy rain

When roads are flooded, traveling to the site is dangerous, so consider canceling.

Roads in Okinawa can flood rapidly in heavy rain. Mountain roads and coastal roads in particular are dangerous, so caution is needed.

You may also be affected by landslides and high waves.

Of course check the weather forecast, but also check traffic conditions in detail.

Check first when a strong wind advisory is issued

When a strong wind advisory is issued, check first. The wind increases the danger. For example, the following become more likely to occur.

• Waves get higher
• Exhaustion of stamina
• Impact on boat operations

Cape Maeda, where the Blue Cave is located, faces north, so when a north wind blows, waves get higher and running a tour can become dangerous.

Also, sightseeing in strong winds takes a lot of stamina, so beginners in particular need to be careful. If a strong wind advisory is in effect, check with the tour company before heading out.

5 points to watch out for at the Blue Cave on a rainy day

There are 5 points to watch out for at the Blue Cave on a rainy day. But if you just follow these, you'll be able to enjoy the Blue Cave safely. The points are as follows.

• Check the amount of rain in the weather forecast
• Get thoroughly prepared with waterproofing
• Follow the instructor's judgment
• Take special care of your health
• Decide to cancel when visibility is poor

They're basics, but very important points. Let us explain each one in detail.

Check the amount of rain in the weather forecast

Of course, be sure to check the weather forecast. Depending on the amount of rain, the tour company's response may change.

Specifically, look at the forecasts for the day before and the day itself, and also check conditions at the site. Local weather forecasts are more accurate.

After checking the weather forecast, also check the situation with the tour company. Checking the weather lets you enjoy yourself more safely.

Get thoroughly prepared with waterproofing

Be sure to take solid waterproofing measures. Things you should consider preparing are as follows.

• Prepare a change of clothes
• Waterproof your camera
• Store your valuables

Put your change of clothes in a waterproof bag, and put your camera in a waterproof case. Even if you don't have a waterproof camera, you can rent one, so there's no need to worry.

Local shops will also prepare the equipment you need. You should check whether they can provide what you need.

Follow the instructor's judgment

Always follow the instructor's judgment.

• When to enter the water
• Deciding whether to stop the activity
• Response in an emergency

Please defer to the instructor's judgment on these matters. Instructors are Blue Cave professionals, and they put safety first.

By following their judgment, you'll be able to enjoy yourself safely.

Take special care of your health

Taking care of your health is especially important on rainy days. Large changes in temperature can make you feel unwell. From a few days before the tour, keep the following in mind in your daily life.

• Get enough sleep
• Eat moderately
• Stay hydrated

Especially the day before, go to bed early and eat well. If you're not feeling well, don't push yourself, and consider canceling. If you have other sightseeing spots planned besides the Blue Cave, pushing yourself may mean you can't visit those other spots.

So pay attention to your health so that you can fully enjoy your sightseeing.

Decide to cancel when visibility is poor

When visibility gets bad, safety can no longer be ensured, so decide to cancel right away. Not only floating matter and suspended particles in the water, but also eddies and air bubbles can cause poor underwater visibility.

When fog reduces visibility, it may also become difficult to travel to the Blue Cave. Even in light rain, when humidity in the air rises and water vapor condenses more easily, fog is more likely to form. On rainy days the conditions for fog are in place, so poor visibility is more likely.

When rain or fog makes visibility poor during sightseeing, also try contacting the tour company.

3 charms of the Blue Cave found only on rainy days

The Blue Cave also has special charms unique to rainy days. Those charms are as follows.

• Patterns of light on the water surface made by raindrops
• Having the sea to yourself in a quiet space
• A mysterious blue world made by rain clouds

We'll explain each charm in detail.

Patterns of light on the water surface made by raindrops

The patterns of light born the moment raindrops hit the water surface are natural art unique to the Blue Cave. As each drop of rain touches the water, ripples spread, and those ripples scatter the light, creating a mysterious sight as if sparkling jewels had been strewn across the water.

Inside the cave in particular, the light reflected off the walls overlaps with the patterns on the water surface, creating even more complex and beautiful interference patterns of light.

This phenomenon changes with the intensity of the rain and the strength of the wind. At the moment raindrops that have fallen on the water bounce back up, you can even see a magical sight as if particles of light were dancing up into the air.

This light woven by nature forms a special pattern that you can only see on rainy days and can never see on a sunny day.

Having the sea to yourself in a quiet space

The Blue Cave on a rainy day offers a luxurious experience, almost as if you had it all to yourself.

A popular spot that is usually bustling with many tourists transforms into a mysterious space wrapped in stillness.

The sound of raindrops falling on the water and the gentle lapping of waves echo pleasantly inside the cave, like music played by nature.

In this quiet, even small sounds you normally wouldn't notice come through clearly.

Underwater, the fish, sensing how few people are around, show you more of their natural behavior.

You can take your time observing schools of colorful tropical fish swimming leisurely, and small fish moving back and forth among the coral reefs.

You can also enjoy taking photos at your leisure, without worrying about other people getting in the shot.

When shooting with an underwater camera, sand is less likely to be kicked up, so you're more likely to get photos with higher clarity.

A mysterious blue world made by rain clouds

At the Blue Cave on a rainy day, the light-scattering effect of rain clouds opens up a blue world with greater depth.

With sunlight moderately blocked by rain clouds, blue wavelengths of light are scattered effectively, creating a world of colors different from the usual.

As light is scattered by tiny water droplets and ice crystals in the atmosphere, the sky and the water surface are dyed a deeper blue than usual, giving you the feeling of having wandered into another dimension.

This mysterious blue world, which can't be fully captured in photos, is a special natural phenomenon you can only experience by seeing it with your own eyes and feeling it with your body.

The deeper, more mysterious look of the Blue Cave that you can see precisely because it's raining will become a memory deeply etched in the heart of everyone who visits.

5 preparations for enjoying the Blue Cave on a rainy day

To enjoy a rainy day, solid preparation is necessary. The necessary preparations are as follows.

• Check the weather and waves the day before
• Prepare a waterproof camera
• Bring a change of clothes and a warm drink
• Check the tour company's rainy-day policy
• Put valuables in a waterproof bag

If you make these preparations, you can stay comfortable even on a rainy day. Let us explain each one in detail.

Check the weather and waves the day before

To enjoy marine activities in Okinawa safely, checking the weather in advance is essential.

Especially in the rainy season and typhoon season, the weather can change rapidly, so extra careful checking is needed.

Checking the weather forecast is a must. On the day before your planned activity and on the morning of, be sure to check the following important items.

• Chance of precipitation: Watch for changes by time of day
• Wave height: Check whether it is suitable for the activity you'll be doing
• Wind strength: Wind speed over the sea in particular should be checked
• Visibility: Possible visibility restrictions due to rain or fog
• Temperature: Important for choosing clothing to manage your body temperature

Depending on the weather forecast, tours may be canceled to ensure safety. If you contact the tour company, experienced staff can tell you the detailed conditions at the site. Also, by checking in advance when the decision to cancel on the day is made, it becomes easier to plan an alternative.

At many marine shops, if a tour is canceled due to weather conditions, they offer a full refund or rescheduling. It's reassuring to check the refund and cancellation policy when you book. Also, in summer the wind is often calmer in the morning, so if possible we recommend choosing a morning tour.

Prepare a waterproof camera

To keep your memories, you need a waterproof camera. Prepare a waterproof camera so you can capture the beautiful scenery of the Blue Cave.

The more you use the camera, the more battery it consumes.

If it loses power during the tour, you won't be able to take photos.

The same goes when shooting with a smartphone.

A smartphone drains its battery faster than a dedicated waterproof camera, so preparing a charger is a must.

For cameras too, prepare a spare battery.

In case the camera becomes unusable, it's also a good idea to have a waterproof case for your smartphone.

Bring a change of clothes and a warm drink

Preparing to take care of your health is also important. To stay comfortable even on a rainy day, bring a full change of clothes. After enjoying marine sports such as snorkeling and diving in the Blue Cave, you need to take steps to warm your wet body.

If you leave yourself wet, you're more likely to get sick. If you become unwell during your long-awaited trip, your plans will fall apart.

Besides a full change of clothes, don't forget to prepare a warm drink and a towel.

Check the tour company's rainy-day policy

Understand the tour company's rainy-day policy so you can enjoy your Blue Cave tour with peace of mind. Be sure to check the following items when you book

• Cancellation terms: Whether you can cancel the day before, when cancellation fees apply, refund policy
• Time changes: Possibility of same-day rescheduling, switching to a time slot after the weather improves, deadline for changing your reservation
• Alternative plans: Experience programs at nearby facilities, whether prices change, switching to other activities

Many tour companies place importance on customer satisfaction and respond flexibly.

If a tour is canceled due to weather, many companies offer a full refund or a free switch to an alternative activity, so choose a plan you can feel secure about by checking in advance.

Put valuables in a waterproof bag

Managing your valuables in particular is a very important point for a wonderful, memorable experience.

Electronic devices and important belongings such as smartphones, wallets, and cameras can be exposed to the risk of water damage or loss with a moment's carelessness.

Especially with marine sports on rainy days, such as snorkeling, diving, and kayaking, valuables are away from your body for long periods.

That's why we recommend using a waterproof bag. If you carry your valuables in a waterproof bag, you can protect your important belongings from sudden rain and sea spray.

In addition, if you use the lockable lockers provided at beaches and marine shops, you can enjoy your activities with even greater peace of mind.

5 spots near the Blue Cave for rainy days

Since you're in Okinawa, you'll want to enjoy other spots besides the Blue Cave too, won't you? Here are recommended spots you can enjoy even on rainy days.

• Onna Village Seaside Park
• Blue Cave Cafe
• Ryukyu Mura
• Manzamo
• Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

All of them are places you can enjoy even on rainy days. We'll explain each spot in detail.

Onna Village Seaside Park

Onna Village Seaside Park is a place you can fully enjoy even on rainy days. It has plenty of indoor facilities where you can relax.

• Rest house
• Observation deck
• Souvenir corner

It has facilities like these. There is a rest area that shelters you from the rain and an observation area where you can look out over the sea. At the restaurant you can also have warm Okinawa soba.

Also, there is a big shisa at the entrance to the beach, and it is popular as a social-media-worthy photo spot.

There are also objects such as the "Bell of Blessing" and the "Nabi Swing," which are perfect for wedding and family photos.

Ryukyu Mura

Ryukyu Mura is a place where you can learn about Okinawan culture. You can enjoy things like the following.

• Traditional craft experiences
• Watching Ryukyuan dance
• Souvenir hunting

The weaving and pottery workshops are a valuable chance to receive direct instruction from skilled artisans. Traditional performances are held several times a day, and you can watch the powerful dances up close. There is also a restaurant on the grounds where you can enjoy Ryukyuan cuisine, so you can experience Okinawa's food culture too.

A route that takes you through covered facilities has been set up, so you can tour comfortably even on a rainy day. There are also many photo spots inside, so you can make social-media-worthy memories. It offers plenty of hands-on content that everyone from children to adults can enjoy, and you can spend half a day to a full day soaking in Okinawan culture.

On rainy days in particular, there are fewer tourists outdoors, so you can enjoy the facilities in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Manzamo

Manzamo is characterized by sheer cliffs of Ryukyu limestone about 20 meters high.

The look of the rock face wet with rain and the fog-veiled sea views are a sight to see.

In particular, the odd rock formation resembling an "elephant's trunk" is known as the symbol of Manzamo.

It is located northwest of the Onna Village Office and is easy to access.

A visit takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and there is a well-kept walking path, so it is easy to drop by.

In 2020, the "Manzamo Area Revitalization Facility" opened, with a shop for tourists, a food court, an observation deck, and more.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Churaumi Aquarium is a classic spot for rainy days.

It's indoors, so you can enjoy it without worrying about the weather. The recommended highlights to see at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium are as follows.

• The spectacular tank
• Dolphin show
• Hands-on touch experiences

The huge tank where whale sharks swim and the tropical fish exhibits are extremely popular.

The giant tank is called the "Kuroshio Sea," and it once held the Guinness record as the world's largest tank.

Even now it boasts one of the largest scales in the world, and you can watch large marine animals such as whale sharks and reef manta rays swimming leisurely.

Also, compared with the other places introduced, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a recommended spot you can enjoy all day.

Please be sure to visit at least once.

Conclusion

The Blue Cave is a tourist spot you can fully enjoy even on a rainy day.

If anything, it has charms unique to rainy days, and it's worth visiting for the following reasons.

The inside of the cave is barely affected by rain, and in deep water in particular you can enjoy an especially beautiful blue scene.

There are fewer tourists on rainy days, so you can take your time with photos and experiences, and receive more careful explanations from the instructor.

On rainy days the water surface is calm, and especially in the morning it becomes mirror-like, so even beginners can swim with peace of mind.

The difference between air and water temperature becomes small, so there is less strain on the body and you can stay comfortable.

You can also experience the special play of light made by raindrops and the magical atmosphere.

However, in dangerous conditions such as an approaching typhoon, wave heights of 4 m or more, or a chance of lightning, you should avoid going for safety.