Okinawa Kerama Islands: Snorkeling Day Trip & Whale Watching

Summary

Snorkeling in Kerama’s clear blue waters with local guides, whale watching in season, boat trip from Naha and warm Okinawan touches

You’ll ride a fast boat from Naha to the Kerama Islands for guided snorkeling at two or three spots, plus seasonal whale watching if you’re lucky. Enjoy free underwater photos taken by your guide, warm tea between swims, and optional lunch onboard. It’s an easygoing day with friendly locals and plenty of time to soak up those unreal blue waters.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the slap of waves against the side of our boat as we left Naha behind — that sound, sharp but steady, mixed with a salty breeze that made my hair stick up funny. Our guide, Yuji-san, grinned at us as he passed out wetsuits and gave a quick demo on how not to fog up your mask (spit works better than anything else, apparently). I’d never been to the Kerama Islands before and honestly wasn’t sure what “Kerama Blue” meant until we got closer — it’s not just a color, it’s like someone turned up the brightness on the whole ocean.

We stopped at two snorkeling spots near Tokashiki and Zamami. The water was so clear I could see every twitchy little fish — yellow ones darting around coral that looked like old bones. Yuji pointed out something called a “sea squirt” (I still laugh about that name) and even snapped a few underwater photos for us. There was this moment when I floated on my back and just listened: muffled splashes, someone giggling nearby, the distant hum of another boat. We had hot tea on deck between swims — nothing fancy but it warmed my hands after being in the water. In August they serve shaved ice but we went in March so it was more about keeping cozy; they handed out these thick hooded vests that made me feel like a marshmallow but hey, I didn’t mind.

We tried whale watching too — apparently January through March is prime time for it here. No promises (Yuji kept reminding us), but we actually spotted one far off: just a flash of tail and spray before it disappeared again. Everyone cheered like kids. Lunch was simple; you can bring your own or order Okinawa soba on board (I did both because…hungry). There’s even a restroom on the boat which sounds boring until you realize how grateful you are for it after two hours at sea.

I didn’t expect to feel so calm by the end of the day trip from Naha to Kerama Islands. Maybe it was all that blue or maybe just being around people who laugh easily — either way, I still think about floating there while Yuji waved his arms trying to get us all back onboard for one last group photo.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kerama Islands snorkeling and boat cruise

• Free pick-up from Naha city
• Board comfortable large boat
• Enjoy tea on boat cruise
• Snorkel at two or three spots
• View colorful marine life
• Drink Kerama blue shaved ice (Aug-Sep)
• Optional whale watching (Jan-Mar)
• Download free underwater photos

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Kerama Islands snorkeling tour?

Yes, free pickup is available from Naha city hotels.

What islands do you visit during the day trip from Naha?

You’ll snorkel near Tokashiki Island, Zamami Island, and Aka Island depending on conditions.

Are snorkeling equipment and wetsuits provided?

Yes, all necessary snorkeling gear and wetsuits are included in the tour.

Can I join if I can’t swim well?

The tour is suitable for beginners; instructors guide you gently throughout.

When is whale watching available on this tour?

Whale watching runs from January 12th to late March each year.

Are underwater photos included?

Your guide takes 2-3 underwater photos per guest; you can download them online after the tour.

Is lunch included or do I need to bring my own?

You can bring your own lunch or choose an option with Okinawa soba or oden onboard.

What’s the water temperature during winter tours?

The sea is around 22°C in winter; outside air is usually about 20°C.

What’s included

Your day includes free hotel pickup from Naha city, use of snorkeling equipment and wetsuits (plus cozy coats or hooded vests if chilly), guided snorkeling at two or three Kerama Islands spots with instructors who also take underwater photos for you to download later, warm tea served onboard between swims, access to restrooms on the boat, seasonal whale watching from January through March if conditions allow, and options for bringing your own lunch or ordering Okinawa soba or oden during the cruise before returning to Naha in the afternoon.