Okinawa Kerama Islands Snorkeling Experience/FUN Diving Tour from Naha, Japan Day Tours

Must Do Experiences

• Swim alongside wild sea turtles in their natural habitat at the Kerama Islands' renowned snorkeling spots.

• Experience the vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish while exploring the crystal-clear Kerama Blue waters.

• Upgrade your adventure on-site with a FUN diving session using rented cylinders and full diving equipment.

• Relax on the scenic ferry ride from Naha, taking in the panoramic ocean views of the East China Sea.

Hidden Gems

• The guides strategically choose three fixed points based on daily tidal conditions to maximize your chances of spotting sea turtles.

• You can easily rent full diving gear and cylinders with cash on-site if you decide to upgrade from snorkeling to FUN diving at the last minute.

• The trilingual crew offers personalized underwater photography tips and marine life identification that many standard tours skip.

What Makes it Special

• Exceptional multilingual support in English, Japanese, and Chinese ensures clear communication and safety briefings for all guests.

• High probability of encountering wild sea turtles thanks to the crew's deep knowledge of the Kerama Islands' marine hotspots.

• Hassle-free inclusions covering your ferry transfers, reception, and even gratuities, letting you focus purely on the ocean adventure.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

The best time to embark on this tour is during the summer months from June to September when the waters are warmest and visibility for spotting sea turtles is at its peak. Morning departures offer the calmest sea conditions and the brightest sunlight for underwater visibility, while avoiding the larger afternoon crowds.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Use a red filter on your underwater camera or GoPro to restore the vibrant colors of the coral reefs and tropical fish in the deep Kerama Blue.

• Capture the sea turtles from a respectful distance using burst mode to get the perfect shot of them gracefully gliding through the water.

• Take advantage of the bright midday sun while snorkeling, as the direct overhead light penetrates the clear water and illuminates the shallow reefs beautifully.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

In Okinawan culture, the ocean and its creatures are deeply respected, so always maintain a safe distance from sea turtles and never touch the coral reefs. Tipping is not customary in Japan, but this tour conveniently includes gratuities, so you can simply offer a polite thank you to your guides and boat crew.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• Sea turtle nesting season peaks between May and August, offering rare chances to see them near the shores of the Kerama Islands.

• The annual Naha Hari Dragon Boat Race in early May brings a festive atmosphere to the departure city of Naha.

• Winter months from December to March occasionally offer the bonus of spotting migratory humpback whales from the ferry during the transit to the islands.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Strictly follow the guides' instructions regarding ocean currents and designated swimming zones to ensure a safe snorkeling and diving experience.

• Stay well-hydrated before and after your water activities, as the Okinawan sun can cause rapid dehydration even while you are in the cool water.

• Ensure you do not fly or travel to high altitudes for at least 18 to 24 hours after participating in the FUN diving activity to avoid decompression sickness.