Introducing our recommended [Okinawa snorkeling spots].

Okinawa's sea is exceptionally clear, with beautiful emerald-green waters stretching out before you.

Many different marine creatures live underwater, and some of you may be hoping to try snorkeling in Okinawa's sea at least once.

The appeal of Okinawa's sea

The Okinawa main island region enjoys a warm climate throughout the year, and its many favorable conditions help preserve its beautiful sea.

Here are some of the reasons Okinawa's sea is considered so beautiful.

The Kuroshio Current

A major reason for the clarity of Okinawa's sea is the warm Kuroshio Current flowing around Okinawa.

Alongside the Gulf Stream, the Kuroshio is one of the world's largest warm currents.Its fast flow makes the seawater less prone to cloudiness, resulting in high clarity.

Also,the Kuroshio has few nutrient salts and a low density of plankton, allowing the sea to remain clear. Plankton are important as the foundation of marine ecosystems, but large quantities can also make seawater cloudy.

Coral reefs

The sea around Okinawa is surrounded by extensive coral reefs, which help prevent seawater from becoming cloudy.

Coral reefs do more than prevent cloudy seawater;they create rich seas inhabited by a wide variety of marine creatures.

It is said that 600–800 species of coral exist in seas around the world, and more than 380 species have been identified in Okinawa, making it one of the world's foremost coral treasures.

Shallow seabeds and offshore shallows

Okinawa's sea has a shallow seabed covered in white sand.

The white sand reflects sunlight, making the seawater's colors look vivid.

Also,the distinctive environment of offshore shallows makes the beautiful emerald-green sea appear to stretch on endlessly.

What is snorkeling?

"Snorkel"is a word for a submarine ventilation and exhaust device developed by Germany. In German naval slang, it also means"nose".

A snorkel is the name of a device that lets divers breathe underwater. It came to be called a snorkel because its shape resembles that device.

Swimming underwater using a snorkel is called"snorkeling".

Snorkeling is a marine leisure activity that requires no license and involves swimming at the surface or in relatively shallow water.

Since you generally remain floating on the surface, even people who are not strong swimmers can enjoy it.

You can dive underwater too, but because you need to come up for air, it is not intended for extended underwater dives.

Scuba diving is a similar marine leisure activity, but a license is required depending on the depth.

Since it uses an air tank, it is intended for extended underwater dives.

Beaches in Okinawa where you can snorkel

Okinawa has many beaches, but some prohibit snorkeling.

Here are Okinawan beaches where snorkeling is possible.

■Popular recommended snorkeling spots in Okinawa

Blue Cave

The "Blue Cave"is the common name for a cave at Cape Maeda in Onna Village, northern Okinawa, and is one of Okinawa's best-known and most popular spots. Locally it is called"Kumaya Gama".

The name Blue Cave may remind many people of Capri in Italy, but Japan also has several famous places called the Blue Cave.

The Blue Cave at Cape Maeda gets its name from the sunlight entering through the cave entrance and coloring the entire cave blue.

Light passes through the clear seawater and reflects off the seabed, illuminating the cave as though it were lit up. The shade of blue inside changes between morning, daytime, and night.

The Blue Cave is said to receive the most sunlight in the early morning.

More than 200 species of coral live here, so you can see beautiful coral reefs.

Various fish live here, including Ryukyu sweepers and soldierfish, and the soldierfish emerge from the rocks at night to become active.

Although encounters are not guaranteed, sea turtles also live here.

The Blue Cave is located about 100m across the sea from Cape Maeda.

Because it is in a coastal rock face, access may be prohibited depending on weather conditions.

Odo Beach / Odo Coast

"Odo Beach / Odo Coast"is a natural beach in Itoman City at the southern tip of Okinawa's main island. Its sandy beach is very beautiful and is a valuable nesting ground where sea turtles lay eggs in summer.

Coral reefs spread through the shallows, and the seawater is very clear, making it a popular snorkeling spot.

Odo Beach / Odo Coast is affectionately known as"John Man Beach".

The name John Man Beach comes from John Manjiro, one of the first Japanese people to visit the United States. When his ship was wrecked on his return journey, he landed at Odo Beach / Odo Coast in Okinawa.

John Manjiro worked as a translator and educator from the end of the Edo period (Bakumatsu) through the Meiji period.

The waves at Odo Beach / Odo Coast are relatively calm, and you can see large corals and charming fish.

You may be able to see colorful tropical fish, large fish exceeding 30cm, and schools of young fish up close.

You can enjoy different scenery at high and low tide.

At low tide, the beach is busy with snorkelers, but there are many loose stones on the sand and exposed Ryukyu limestone, so wearing water shoes or similar footwear is recommended.

When the tide recedes, you can also observe the shallow waters surrounded by coral reefs known as an ino.

Naminoue Umisora Park

"Naminoue Umisora Park"is famous as the coast closest to Naha Airport.

The park has a dedicated snorkeling area, so it differs from a natural beach, but it is well equipped and maintained artificially, making it comfortable to use.

Naminoue Umisora Park is the only beach in Naha City, Okinawa, where swimming is allowed.

The fine sandy beach is easy to walk on, and a breakwater means you need not worry about high waves, making it a recommended snorkeling spot for beginners.

You can see various coral reefs and tropical fish.

Fish living here include tomato clownfish, small porcupinefish, and threadfin butterflyfish, among many others.

There are also marine mailboxes, which you rarely see at other beaches.

Two mailboxes are installed: an underwater mailbox on the seabed and a sea mailbox in the shallows.

The underwater mailbox is on the seabed at a depth of 7m, so only scuba divers can post mail there. The sea mailbox emerges above the water at low tide, allowing anyone to use it.

Only special water-resistant postcards can be posted, but they receive a commemorative stamp, making this a perfect way to preserve a souvenir or memory.

Sakimotobu Green Park (Gorilla Chop)

"Sakimotobu Green Park (Gorilla Chop)"is a famous snorkeling spot in Motobu Town, northern Okinawa.

Its official name is Sakimotobu Green Park, but it is affectionately known as Gorilla Chop because a large rock along the coast looks like a gorilla making a chopping motion.

Local people in Okinawa call it"Totome Stone". Totome means ancestors in the Ryukyuan language.

It is a popular snorkeling spot because of the large rock called Gorilla Chop and its exceptionally clear water and coral reef coastline, among the finest in Okinawa.

You can enjoy large coral reefs in many different colors. Mainly small tropical fish live here.

You can enter the sea from the stairs, but they become slippery near the water, so entering from the beach side is recommended for snorkeling.

The beach side also offers views of coral reefs and fish, making the scenery attractive.

Sesoko Beach

"Sesoko Beach"is on Sesoko Island in northern Okinawa and is famous for having what is described as the clearest seawater in the Okinawa main island area.

About 7km from Sakimotobu Green Park (Gorilla Chop), it is reached by crossing Sesoko Bridge, considered one of Okinawa's foremost scenic sightseeing spots.

The fine white sand reveals hermit crabs, coral fragments, and shells, while colorful tropical fish live in the water.

(Water shoes are recommended to avoid injuries from coral fragments and rocks.)

Near Sesoko Beach there is also a natural beach called"Anchi Beach".

Since it is on the same Sesoko Island, you can enjoy snorkeling there together with Sesoko Beach.

Kerama Islands

The "Kerama Islands"are an archipelago of more than 20 large and small islands in southern Okinawa. In 2014, the islands and surrounding waters were designated"Keramashoto National Park".

Their waters boast some of the world's highest clarity and are commonly called"Kerama Blue". They are also highly popular snorkeling spots in Okinawa.

The Kerama Islands have many beaches; we have introduced 6 representative ones.

If you want to enjoy snorkeling in Okinawa, the Kerama Islands are an unmissable recommended destination.

Note: To visit the Kerama Islands, travel by ferry or high-speed boat from Tomari Port.

We recommend checking and preparing ferry times, tickets, and other details in advance.

If you join an activity tour departing from Okinawa's main island, you can travel to the Kerama Islands on a marine shop's boat.

■ Okinawa main island

Hanashiro-no-Sato Coast / Hanashiro Beach

"Hanashiro Beach"is in Yaese Town, southern Okinawa. Its waves are relatively calm, and many fish live in the shallows.

Because you need to pass through a golf course called Southern Links to reach it, this is a little-known hidden snorkeling spot in Okinawa.

With relatively few tourists, it is recommended for people who want to spend a relaxing time in a quiet setting rather than on a crowded beach.

You can also admire unusually shaped rocks and salt crystals in hollows in the rocks.

Its appeal lies in the beautiful sandy beach and clear sea filled with coral reefs.Picasso triggerfish, damselfish, and other fish live here.

Hanashiro Beach is also called the "Phantom Beach".

Because resort development was planned for this area, some parts have been artificially developed. It is not maintained, so be careful to avoid injuries when walking over the rocks.

There are also abandoned buildings, although entry is prohibited.

■ Miyako Islands

Blue Cave (Miyako Island)

The Blue Cave is on Irabu Island, one of the Miyako Islands. True to its name, this sea cave lets you experience a magical"blue world".

Its beauty rivals the Blue Cave at Cape Maeda on Okinawa's main island, and it is also called"Sapphire Cave".

Sunlight enters through the entrance and rocks and reflects inside, creating a blue world as though the seabed were illuminated.

Beautiful coral reefs, sea turtles, clownfish, convict tang, and other creatures live here.

The sea turtles here are mainly rare green sea turtles.

When visiting Okinawa for snorkeling, Irabu Island's Blue Cave is a spot you should visit at least once.

Because the cave is in the sea, you cannot walk there from land. You travel to the entrance from Sarahama Port on a snorkeling boat or glass-bottom boat.

■ Ishigaki Island

Phantom Island (Hamajima)

Hamajima, commonly called "Phantom Island,"is a small crescent-shaped uninhabited island. Its nickname comes from appearing only at low tide, making it visible for only a limited time.

Phantom Island is about 10km west of Ishigaki Island and becomes small enough to disappear at high tide (depending on weather, wind, and waves, it may still be visible at high tide).

The area surrounding Phantom Island is designated as a marine national park called "Sekisei Lagoon".

Phantom Island is located roughly in the center of the Yaeyama Islands, and the surrounding waters offer plenty of snorkeling spots.

The emerald-green sea stretching as far as the eye can see and some of Japan's largest coral reefs are truly spectacular.

Boat tours from Ishigaki Island land on Phantom Island, allowing you to enjoy snorkeling in the surrounding waters.

Since there are no scheduled boats, joining a tour is essential to land on Phantom Island.

Tours like those above are available.

■ Iriomote Island

Hoshizuna-no-Hama (Star Sand Beach)

"Hoshizuna-no-Hama (Star Sand Beach)"is a very popular snorkeling spot on Iriomote Island.

As its name suggests, you can pick up star-shaped grains of star sand on the shore and in shallow water.

Unlike an ordinary beach, what washes onto the beach is not sand but the shells of a foraminifer called"Baculogypsina". Since these shells resemble stars, they are called"star sand".

You can also find"sun sand,"the shells of"Calcarina".

Both are sometimes collectively called star sand. However, because star sand is currently declining, some areas prohibit taking it home.

Star Sand Beach has calm waves and clear offshore shallows and is surrounded by coral reefs.

On windless days, you may be able to admire a beautiful sea surface that resembles a mirror.

At Star Sand Beach you can admire coral reefs of various sizes. Vivid blue tropical fish and fish about 50cm long also live here.

About 100 species of tropical fish are said to live here, making it an Okinawan snorkeling spot to visit at least once.

■ Yonaguni Island

Higawahama Beach

Yonaguni Island is Japan's westernmost island, about 500km from Okinawa's main island. Since it is about 111km from Taiwan, it is called the "border island"or an "isolated island in the open sea".

It is the place in Japan where sunrise and sunset occur latest.

"Higawahama Beach"is famous as a filming location for Dr. Koto's Clinic, but its clear sea also makes it a recommended snorkeling spot.

It features a crescent-shaped expanse of white sand and is also called"Moon Beach".

The tidal current is fast, so caution is needed when snorkeling, but the beach has offshore shallows, calm waves, and a quiet atmosphere.

It is one of the few places for marine leisure activities among Yonaguni Island's many cliff-lined beaches. Many local people say Higawahama is the place to snorkel on Yonaguni Island, Okinawa.

Precautions when snorkeling

When snorkeling in Okinawa,always choose a swimming area where snorkeling is not prohibited. It is also important to stop without pushing yourself if weather or wave conditions require it.

Beach and underwater scenery differ at high and low tide, as well as by time of day, such as morning, daytime, and night.

Snorkeling is strictly prohibited when you are unwell, have consumed alcohol, are sleep-deprived, or are otherwise not in good physical condition.Being in the sea uses more energy than you may imagine, so get plenty of rest the day before.

When snorkeling independently

Unlike scuba diving, snorkeling requires no license, making it an easy way for a wide range of people to enjoy the underwater world. However,beginners should first snorkel in waters where professional instructors are present for greater safety.

Snorkeling mainly involves 3 pieces of equipment—a snorkel, mask (underwater goggles), and fins—along with a wetsuit, life jacket, and similar gear.

Also,you need to learn the basic skills of mask clearing and snorkel clearing before going underwater.

Some beaches have coral fragments and rocks scattered across the sand, so preparing water shoes or similar footwear provides greater peace of mind and safety.

Okinawa's strong sunshine can cause sunburn while snorkeling, so bring waterproof sunscreen and drinking water, such as sports drinks containing salt, to stay hydrated.

Snorkeling with a professional instructor who knows the waters well also increases your chances of encountering beautiful coral reefs, tropical fish, and sea turtles.

To learn correct equipment use and skills, we recommend enjoying snorkeling in Okinawa accompanied by a professional instructor.

When snorkeling independently, you face risks and possible injuries and do so at your own responsibility.

If no facility offers marine leisure equipment rental, you need to prepare everything yourself.

Without a professional instructor accompanying you, you cannot know what may happen in the sea when alone, so always snorkel with at least 2 people.

Even in a group, never let children snorkel on their own.

When snorkeling independently, it is also important not to dive into deep places.

Some beaches do not have protective jellyfish nets.

Underwater etiquette

Touching marine creatures living in the underwater world is forbidden.

Admire beautiful coral reefs and marine creatures without touching them. Some types of coral and marine creatures are also venomous when touched.

Only 7 species of sea turtles exist worldwide, and 6 of them are designated endangered species.

Okinawa's beautiful sea is home to 3 species: loggerhead turtles, green sea turtles, and hawksbill turtles.

Encountering a sea turtle underwater is very lucky. If you see one on a beach, keep your distance and observe it quietly.

Joining a tour is recommended

For anyone who wants to fully enjoy snorkeling in Okinawa, joining a tour is recommended.

Healthy people across a wide range of ages can participate (some tours or locations may have age limits).

You need not worry about transportation or accommodation, and marine leisure equipment can also be rented.

Tours offer a wide variety of plans, and some snorkeling spots in Okinawa can only be reached on a tour.

Professional staff accompany you and guide you safely to spots with beautiful coral reefs and marine creatures.

Conclusion

We have introduced a carefully selected range of recommended snorkeling spots in Okinawa.

Facility information may change, so we recommend checking in advance along with swimming seasons and other details.

Snorkeling is a marine leisure activity that people across a wide range of ages can enjoy.

Why not take in Okinawa's beautiful, clear open sea and enjoy the underwater world alongside coral reefs and its many marine creatures?