Kerama Islands

The Kerama Islands are a group of about 20 islands located 40 kilometers west of Naha, designated as Keramashoto National Park in 2014. The islands are renowned for their exceptional water clarity, often called Kerama Blue, with visibility reaching 50 meters or more. Zamami and Tokashiki are the two largest inhabited islands, offering pristine white sand beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving among coral reefs and sea turtles, and winter whale watching from January through March when humpback whales visit the warm waters. Access is by ferry from Tomari Port in Naha, with high-speed boats taking about 50 minutes and regular ferries about two hours to Zamami. The islands maintain a relaxed, unspoiled atmosphere far removed from the busier main island beaches.