Kerama Islands: How to Visit, Where to Stay, the Best Beaches & Top Things to Do
Just 30–40 kilometers west of Okinawa’s main island, the Kerama Islands deliver what locals call Kerama Blue: crystalline water, living coral gardens close to shore, and powdery arcs of white sand. Ferries from Naha make day trips simple—but the real magic arrives when you slow down for a night or two on Zamami, Tokashiki, Aka, or Geruma. You’ll unlock sunrise swims, quiet coves between boats, and the chance to watch humpback whales in winter.
Why the Kerama Islands (and what “Kerama Blue” really means)
Short distances, protected waters, and high visibility make the Keramas uniquely friendly for first-timers, families, and casual snorkelers—while still thrilling divers with clear walls and bommies. Many beaches sit right by villages, so you can step off a ferry, drop your bag, and be in the water the same hour. Conservation rules protect sea turtles and coral; follow beach flags, float—don’t stand—over the reef, and give all wildlife space.
Kerama at a Glance: Which Island Fits You?
Zamami Island
A compact, walkable base with two headline beaches: Furuzamami, the classic from-shore snorkel, and Zamami Beach, broad and family-friendly. The village has low-key eateries, guesthouses, and (in winter) whale-watching boats.
Tokashiki Island
Larger and hillier, Tokashiki pairs the lively curve of Aharen Beach (watersports, cafes, easy rentals) with the quieter, turtle-frequented Tokashiku Beach. Marine shops cluster around Aharen and run beginner-friendly boat snorkels and intro dives.
Aka & Geruma
Linked by bridges and lighter on crowds, these two promise village-lane calm and coves that feel private at the right times of day. Nishibama Beach on Aka is a standout strand with big-sky views and easy snorkeling in settled conditions.
Getting There from Naha (Ferries & Smart Timing)
All boats for the Keramas depart from Tomari Port (Tomarin) in Naha. You’ll choose between a high-speed boat (fast and popular with day trippers) and a slower ferry (cheaper, roomier, and vehicle-capable). Schedules can shift with wind and swell, so always check the latest times the day before and build buffer time if your plan hinges on a specific crossing. Arrive 30–45 minutes early for tickets and boarding on busy days.
Day trip vs. overnight
- Day trip: One marquee beach plus a guided snorkel or an intro dive—book the earliest out and latest back.
- Overnight: Multiple beaches, sunrise/sunset color, and a cushion against weather or full boats.
Map: Naha ↔ Kerama Islands & Beaches
The Most Beautiful Beaches in the Keramas
1) Furuzamami Beach (Zamami) — Signature reef, classic Kerama Blue
A sweeping crescent backed by low green hills, with coral shelves close to shore. Even a short float rewards you with reef fish and, in calm conditions, sparkling visibility.
- Best for: First-time snorkelers, couples, “I only have one beach” visitors.
- Access: Short ride from the village by bike, shuttle, or taxi; facilities near the sand.
- Know before you go: Enter gently, mind surge near rocky points, float above coral—don’t stand.
2) Zamami Beach (Zamami) — Wide, family-friendly, golden-hour views
Big arc of sand with calmer sections that feel lagoon-like in settled conditions.
- Best for: Families with varied swim confidence; sunset strollers.
- Access: Walkable from the village; rentals and eateries are close.
3) Aharen Beach (Tokashiki) — Postcard curve with watersports on tap
A dramatic S-curve of powder sand fronting turquoise shallows. Marine shops along the strip organize guided boat snorkels, SUP, and kayaks.
- Best for: Social beach days with easy rentals and beginner-friendly guided trips.
- Access: From Tokashiki Port by local bus or taxi; cafes and bars within walking distance.
4) Tokashiku Beach (Tokashiki) — Turtle encounters in a quiet bay
A tranquil, gently shelving bay known for green sea turtles cruising the edge of the reef.
- Best for: Calm, quieter swims and turtle spotting with respectful distance.
- Access: No regular bus service; use taxi, rental, or arrange pick-up with a marine shop or lodging.
5) Nishibama Beach (Aka) — Long view lines, big sky, glassy days
A long, bright sweep facing open water on Aka’s northeast coast. On settled mornings, the surface can go mirror-glassy, with sand channels and coral patches visible from the surface.
- Best for: Photographers, long shore walks, confident snorkelers who read conditions.
- Access: Walk or cycle from Aka’s village area; facilities vary by season.
6) Ama Beach (Zamami) — Laid-back, village-adjacent snorkel
Quiet vibe and an easy entry for casual floats, just a short hop from the village.
- One perfect day: Furuzamami (snorkel) + village lunch + Zamami Beach sunset.
- Family-first: Zamami Beach’s protected feel + short guided boat snorkel.
- Turtle focus: Morning Tokashiku + boat snorkel from Aharen.
- Photographer’s light: Dawn at Nishibama + golden hour on Ama.
Top Things to Do (beyond the towel)
Snorkeling & Turtles
Kerama reefs begin astonishingly close to shore. For the clearest water and fewer flipper collisions, book a boat snorkel to tucked-away coves—guides handle currents, choose the day’s calmest leeward side, and brief you on reef-safe technique.
Diving
Expect high-visibility days, coral bommies, sandy channels with garden eels, and—on the right drifts—pelagics or schooling fish. Operators on Zamami and Tokashiki run discover dives for first-timers and two-tank trips for certified divers; book ahead in peak months.
Whale Watching (Jan–Mar)
Humpbacks migrate through Kerama waters in winter. Morning departures often mean calmer seas. Wear a windproof layer, leash your camera, and choose a larger boat if you’re motion-sensitive.
Kayaking, SUP & Coastal Walks
Glass-off mornings are ideal for SUP/kayak. Short paths lead to viewpoints above Furuzamami and across headlands near Aharen—great for framing beach curves from above.
- Boat Snorkel (Kerama Blue Intro): small groups, calm coves, guide-chosen sites.
- Discover Scuba: shallow reef bommies; short training and close supervision.
- Whale Watching (Jan–Mar): morning departures; respectful approach rules protect the whales.
- Kayak/SUP to Quiet Coves: best at first light; bring sun protection and water.
When to Visit (weather, sea, and crowd rhythms)
- Best overall balance: late April–June and October–early November.
- Whales: January–March.
- Peak crowds & higher rates: Golden Week, July–August, Obon.
- Typhoons: ~July–October. If your plan depends on boats, build a buffer day.
Where to Stay (budget → splurge, by island feel)
Zamami: Walkable beaches, simple guesthouses, and winter whale boats—ideal for variety without much transit.
Tokashiki (Aharen area): Cafe strip, rentals, and marine shops concentrated by the sand—great for guided activities and families.
Aka/Geruma: Quiet inns, village ambience, and bridge-linked coves—best for low-noise nights and slow mornings.
- Budget: Minshuku/guesthouses within walking distance of beach and port.
- Mid: Small inns near Aharen with on-site marine shops or shuttles to Tokashiku.
- Splurge: Boutique ocean-view stays on Zamami or Aka with breakfast and sunset decks.
Selection logic: beach walkability, proximity to snorkel/dive operators, quiet at night.
Trip Builder (½ day • 1 day • 3 days)
Half-Day (from Naha)
Early high-speed to Zamami → drop bag → Furuzamami swim/snorkel → lunch in village → late return.
1 Day (Tokashiki focus)
Early crossing → taxi/bus to Aharen → shoreline swim + cafe lunch → boat snorkel to a calm reef cove → sunset viewpoint → evening return.
3 Days (island sampler)
- Day 1 (Zamami): Village wander, Furuzamami afternoon, sunset at a nearby viewpoint.
- Day 2 (Tokashiki): Morning boat snorkel or intro dive; afternoon Tokashiku for turtles; quiet dinner.
- Day 3 (Aka/Geruma): Cycle to Nishibama, slow beach time, village lanes; boat back to Naha late afternoon.
Practical Tips (safety, etiquette, money, connectivity)
- Reef etiquette: Don’t stand on coral. Keep fins off the bottom. Give turtles space and never block ascent paths.
- Flags & seasons: Swim within marked zones; lifeguard/flag coverage varies by season and beach.
- Cash & cards: Bring cash for rentals, snacks, and small shops; card acceptance is improving but not universal.
- Transport on-island: Walking, bikes, shuttles, and taxis handle most needs. Note: some beaches (e.g., Tokashiku) aren’t served by local buses.
- Packing: Reef-safe sunscreen (oxybenzone-free), long-sleeve rash guard, 10–20 L dry bag, mask defog, quick-dry towel.
- Connectivity: Install an eSIM before you board so timetables, maps, and messages are live at the port.
- Weather buffer: In typhoon season, pad your plan; ferries may cancel for safety.
- eSIM/SIM: pre-install to handle last-minute schedule shifts.
- Insurance: choose coverage that includes marine activities and boat trips.
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Rash guard (long sleeve)
- Dry bag (10–20 L)
- Anti-fog drops (snorkeling)
- Compact microfiber towel
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Snorkel set (adult)
- Water shoes (reef-friendly soles)
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FAQ (quick answers)
- Is a day trip enough?
- Yes—focus on one marquee beach plus one guided activity. For dawn swims, sunsets, and weather leeway, stay a night.
- Zamami or Tokashiki?
- Zamami for walkability and two headline beaches; Tokashiki for Aharen’s social curve and many marine shops, with Tokashiku as a quiet turtle bay.
- Which month is best?
- Late April–June and October–early November balance warmth and fewer storms. Humpback whales are January–March.
- Can I see turtles?
- Often, yes—especially around Tokashiku and designated snorkel zones on Zamami/Aka. Keep respectful distance.
- Where do boats leave in Naha?
- From Tomari Port (Tomarin). High-speed boats are faster; the slower ferry is cheaper and roomier.
- Do I need a tour to snorkel?
- From-shore is possible at marquee beaches, but a boat snorkel usually means clearer water and better reef quality.
- Are there lifeguards?
- Coverage and zones vary by season and beach. Obey posted signs and flags.
- Is there a bus to Tokashiku Beach?
- No regular bus; plan for taxi, rental, or a marine-shop pick-up.
Other interesting websites about the Kerama Islands
- Keramashoto National Park (Ministry of the Environment)
- Keramashoto National Park (National Parks of Japan)
- Zamami Village ferries: seat availability & basics
- Tomari Port → Zamami/Aka overview (terminals & tips)
- Zamami Tourist Information: Getting Here
- Tokashiki Village (English info): inter-island boat & tips
- Kerama Shotō National Park (overview)