Kerama Islands Snorkeling Tour with Introductory Dive

Coral reefs and tropical fish in waters so clear you see them from the surface

Snorkel and dive in the Kerama Islands National Marine Park, a protected reserve an hour from Naha with 248 species of coral and daily turtle sightings. The day includes one introductory dive with full instruction, snorkeling at two to three spots, lunch, all equipment, towel rental and photos. A live guide in English or Chinese leads the group. Pickup and drop-off from Naha are included.

The experience

The Kerama Islands were designated a National Marine Park in 2014, and the water clarity here is what makes the difference. You meet at the Naha shop for gear fitting, then head out on the boat while guides walk you through diving safety and technique. The introductory dive happens first: your guide teaches you as you go, and you stay close to them the whole time. After that, you can either pay extra for another dive or snorkel for free at the next two or three stops, depending on what the guides find that day. Turtles show up regularly. Humpback whales breed in the reserve during winter.

Between swims, you rest on deck with soft drinks and a lunchbox to refuel. The guides take photos throughout the day and send you a download link when you're back in Naha. The 248 coral species and the mix of tiny tropical animals and larger fish mean every season has something different to see. What you're looking at is not a manufactured reef or a tank. It's a working marine reserve where the biodiversity is the point.

The full day runs about eight hours from pickup to drop-off. Snorkel gear, dive equipment, lunch, a towel and the introductory dive are all included. You bring your own swimsuit. If you want a second dive, that costs extra per dive. The guide speaks English or Chinese, and pickup from designated Naha locations is part of the booking.

What’s included

• One introductory dive with full instruction and guide supervision.
• snorkel gear and SCUBA equipment.
• lunch and soft beverages.
• one towel rental per person.
• photos taken during the day.
• pickup and drop-off from designated Naha locations.
• live guide in English or Chinese.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (10 to 55 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 4

Live guideEnglish and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 21 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by マリンハウスシーサー那覇店

Is this one for you?Book this if you want your first dive in a protected marine reserve with a guide who teaches you in the water, not in a classroom first. The introductory dive is included, so you don't pay extra to try it. Snorkeling at the other stops is free, so you can mix both in one day.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Chinese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I snorkel if I've never dived before?

Yes, snorkeling requires no training and you can do it free at the second and third stops after your introductory dive. The dive itself is led by the guide step-by-step, so first-timers are the whole point of this activity.

What's the water like in the Kerama Islands?

The Kerama Islands are known for water transparency and 248 species of coral. Tropical fish, turtles and seasonal humpback whales live there. The reserve was protected as a National Marine Park in 2014 specifically because of the biodiversity.

How long is the boat ride from Naha?

The Kerama Islands are about an hour from Naha by boat. The full day is eight hours including the ride out, your dives and snorkeling, lunch and the ride back.

What if I want to dive twice instead of snorkeling?

You can book an extra dive for JPY 7,000 per dive instead of snorkeling free at the later stops. Let the operator know at checkout which you prefer.

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring your own swimsuit. Everything else (snorkel gear, dive equipment, towel, lunch and soft drinks) is included. The guides also photograph your day and send you the pictures afterward.