Kerama Islands Diving | VISIT OKINAWA JAPAN | Official Okinawa Travel Guide

Sea turtles, humpback whale watching, and top-class visibility in the captivating Kerama Islands

The Kerama Islands offer world-class diving and crystal-clear waters, all within easy reach of Okinawa’s main island. The whole area is a national park, and more than 200 of the 400 species of coral in Japan can be found around the reefs of the Kerama Islands. Sea turtles (hawksbill, green, and loggerhead) nest around the Kerama Islands, and humpback whales frequent the waters in winter. Enjoy diving, snorkeling, or whale watching tours. Tour operators offer day trips from Naha and other areas on the main island, but to really explore the underwater environment of the Kerama Islands, base yourself on either Tokashiki Island, Zamami Island, Aka Island, or Geruma Island.

Sea Life in the Kerama Islands

Diving Sites

1. Ugan(Zamami Island)

Spot schools of migratory fish at this popular drift diving spot off Zamami Island. The current can be quite strong, so the site is only for advanced divers.

Entry: Boat

Depth: 25 m

Current: Occasionally strong

Level: Advanced

License: Advanced

2. Cave Nita(Zamami Island)

Encounter schools of silver sweeper and big-eyed red soldierfish inside Nita, a large cavern with natural skylights. On your way into and out of the cave, take some time to enjoy the surrounding coral gardens.

Entry: Boat

Depth: 15 m

Current: Moderate

Level: Intermediate/advanced

License: Advanced

3. Ijyakajya(Ijyakajya island)

Ijyakajya is a manta cleaning station, where manta rays gather to be cleaned by other marine life species. You can often see mantas here between May and October, and there is usually a high chance of encountering sea turtles, too.

Entry: Boat

Depth: 30 m

Current: Moderate

Level: Beginner

License: –

4. Gina(Aka island)

Enjoy coral landscapes and encounter sea turtles at this beginner-friendly dive site. Diving here, you stand the chance to see both green and hawksbill turtles. Take care not to disturb them, especially when they are sleeping or eating.

Entry: Boat

Depth: 25 m

Current: Minimal

Level: Beginner

License: –

5. Nishibama(Aka Island)

This is one of the best spots in the Kerama Islands. The coral reefs are vibrant and home to a wide variety of species including green chromis and pink basslet. Diving is regulated here to conserve the coral community.

Entry: Boat

Depth: 26 m

Current: Occasionally strong

Level: Beginner

License: –

6. Amuro Fish Reef(Amuro island)

Jeweled finger coral grows around artificial reefs at this shallow, beginner-friendly site with plenty of fish. Keep neutral buoyancy to avoid accidentally banging into the coral.

Entry: Boat

Depth: 7 m

Current: Minimal

Level: Beginner

License: –

7. Uminchu(Tokashiki Island)

Explore artificial reefs at this location offshore of Tokashiku Beach, on Tokashiki Island. The name means “fisherman,” and a huge variety of fish including pinnate spadefish and saddleback clownfish can be seen here.

Entry: Boat

Depth: 25 m

Current: Occasionally strong

Level: Beginner

License: –

8. Aharen Lighthouse(Tokashiki Island)

Explore crevasses and caves at this captivating site almost directly beneath Aharen Lighthouse. Sunlight filtering into the caves and crevasses creates a mesmerizing light display.