Snorkeling in Naha: Kerama Islands with guide and pickup

Two to three underwater sites in a single day, no swimming ability required

A full-day snorkeling and introductory diving activity in the Kerama Islands departing from Naha with a live English, Portuguese or Japanese-speaking guide, hotel pickup, all SCUBA and snorkeling gear, and insurance included. You visit two to three carefully selected spots per day (Zamami Island, Tokashiki Island, Kuroshima Island or Maejima Island) in search of sea turtles, with thorough instruction on the surface before entering the water. Most participants are first-time divers. The guide teaches at a leisurely pace and provides verbal explanations and equipment practice so you can enter the water with confidence.

The experience

The boat departs from Naha carrying small groups to the Kerama Islands, a chain lying about an hour offshore where the water stays clear enough to see the seabed and coral formations stretch across the bottom. Your guide (a certified instructor trained in first aid) walks you through equipment use and basic technique on the surface before you enter the water, so you know what to expect. The activity runs seven hours total, including the boat ride out, multiple underwater sessions at different sites, and the return to Naha.

You'll visit two to three spots per day depending on conditions, each chosen for what lives there: sea turtles are the main draw, though sightings are never guaranteed. The guide provides verbal instruction throughout, and all SCUBA and snorkeling equipment is supplied. You bring nothing but a swimsuit and willingness to get in the water. If you can't swim, you still participate: a wetsuit or life jacket keeps you afloat, and floating rings are available. The guide stays with you the whole time, teaching at a pace that lets first-time divers feel steady underwater.

Ship fare, insurance, tea and water are included. You'll also get two to three underwater photos as a gift, downloadable afterward on Facebook, with an option to purchase full HD video. Children under twelve receive free snacks. In August and September, shaved ice is free: eating it while looking out at the ocean is part of the day. If you're prone to motion sickness, free medication is available with advance notice. A swim bladder rental (for extra buoyancy control) is also free if you reserve it ahead.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup within Naha.
• all SCUBA and snorkeling equipment.
• ship fare and insurance.
• tea and water.
• two to three underwater photos as a gift.
• free motion sickness medication and swim bladder rental with advance notice.
• free snacks for children under twelve.
• free shaved ice in August and September.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

AgesAdult (4 to 80 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Portuguese and Japanese

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by JOY CREATE OKINAWA TEA-DA

Is this one for you?Book this if hotel pickup in Naha works for your schedule. The guide handles transport to and from the boat, so you can plan your whole day around the dive times without coordinating separate rides.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Portuguese and Japanese.

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 in the Kerama Islands if I've never dived before?

Yes. Most customers are first-time divers, and the guide teaches introductory diving at a leisurely pace with thorough instruction on the surface before you enter the water. If you can't swim, you still participate with a wetsuit or life jacket for flotation.

What do I need to bring for a full day of snorkeling from Naha?

Bring a swimsuit and any personal medications you need. All SCUBA and snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, life jackets and floating rings are provided. Hotel pickup is included within Naha city, so you don't need to arrange transport to the boat.

How many underwater sites do you visit in a day?

You visit two to three carefully selected spots per day in the Kerama Islands (Zamami Island, Tokashiki Island, Kuroshima Island or Maejima Island) depending on sea conditions and where the guide finds the best marine life that day.

What's included in the price?

Ship fare, insurance, all SCUBA and snorkeling equipment, tea and water, hotel pickup within Naha, and two to three underwater photos as a gift are included. Free motion sickness medication and swim bladder rental are available with advance reservation.

Will I see sea turtles?

Sea turtles are what the guide searches for at each site, but sightings are not guaranteed. They depend on where the turtles are that day and water conditions.