Kerama Islands
2026 swimming season
April 18 – late autumn 2026 (Zamami)
Beach opening dates change every year. Confirm before you travel.
See all Japan beach opening dates →About This Destination
Location
Prefecture: Okinawa
Address: Zamami, Okinawa, Japan
Nearest Station: Tomari Port (Naha)
Visitor Information
Credit Cards: Unknown
Food Options: Small island restaurants serve fresh fish, Okinawan dishes, and simple Japanese meals. Zamami has a handful of cafes and izakaya. Bring supplies for beach picnics.
Access
Okinawa, Japan
Get DirectionsFrequently Asked Questions
Which island should I pick: Zamami, Tokashiki, or Aka?
Three main inhabited islands, each with a different vibe. **Zamami** (~600 residents): the most photogenic single beach (Furuzamami: turtles, fish from the shore, easy entry), walkable port village with cafes and minshuku, the most accessible 'feels remote but isn't' choice; pick this if you've got 1 to 2 days. **Tokashiki** (~700 residents, largest island): Aharen Beach is more developed with rental shops and seasonal lifeguards, better for families; longer ferry-to-beach transfer (15-min bus). **Aka** (~280 residents): quietest, only accessible via Zamami's inter-island ferry (10 min), Nishihama Beach is least crowded; bring everything you need (one konbini-style shop, limited dining). **Suggested**: first-timers pick **Zamami** + day-trip the inter-island ferry to **Aka** if you have a second day. Tokashiki is the call only if Zamami's accommodation sold out (likely in summer).
When do whales come, and is snorkeling worth it year-round?
**Humpback whales** migrate to Kerama waters **late December through early April**, with the highest sighting probability **mid-January through mid-March** (peak Feb). Whale-watching tours run from both Naha (¥6,500 to 8,000) and the islands directly (¥5,500 to 6,500, ~2.5 to 3 hours, smaller boats with closer encounters). Sightings are weather-dependent and not guaranteed. **Snorkeling year-round, but**: water is warmest June to September (28 to 30 °C, no wetsuit needed); cooler Nov to May (22 to 25 °C, wetsuit helpful but rentals available everywhere). Sea turtles at Furuzamami Beach are present year-round but easiest to spot in calm summer mornings. **Coral health**: Kerama survived the 2016 mass bleaching better than many Okinawan reefs and remains some of Japan's healthiest; still, reef-safe sunscreen is requested. **Diving** (PADI shops on Zamami and Tokashiki): try dives ¥12,000, certified dives ¥9,000/2-tank. The famous boat-only sites are at the unhabited outer islets, so book at least 1 week ahead in summer.
Day-trip from Naha or stay overnight, and what should I bring?
**Day-trip is workable**: the first Queen Zamami high-speed ferry from Naha's Tomari Port departs ~9:00 (50 to 70 min, ¥3,200 one-way), last return ~16:00, giving ~6 hours on island. Tight but doable for one beach + lunch. **Overnight is dramatically better**: sunset on Furuzamami Beach with no day-trippers, stars without light pollution, and time for the inter-island ferry to Aka. Zamami minshuku ¥7,000 to 12,000/person with dinner + breakfast; ~30 listed on stayokinawa.com, so book 2+ weeks ahead summer, 1+ month ahead Marine Day weekend. **Ferry tickets**: high-speed Queen Zamami sells out 1 to 2 weeks ahead in summer (book at vill.zamami.okinawa.jp or by phone); the slower regular ferry (~2 h, ¥2,150) has more availability. Both run weather-dependent, with winter cancellations common, so build a buffer day. **Bring**: cash (ATMs limited, JP Post Bank ATM on Zamami works for foreign cards), reef-safe sunscreen, snorkel gear if you have it (rentals ¥1,000/day), light long sleeves for the sun, refillable water bottle. Two konbini-equivalent shops on Zamami, fewer on Aka.
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