Naha: Kerama Islands Snorkeling Tour/Limited Time Whale Watching

Exploring the breathtaking Kerama Islands is a must-do experience for any traveler visiting Naha. We can uncover the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life on this 4-hour snorkeling tour, including complimentary refreshments. And if we’re lucky, we might even spot majestic humpback whales during the winter months. With an affordable price tag of $74.01 per person, this adventure is perfect for those seeking an unforgettable underwater exploration. Let’s dive in and discover what awaits us in these crystal-clear waters.

Key Points

• The Kerama Islands Snorkeling Tour offers a 4-hour excursion to explore the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life of the East China Sea.
• The tour includes snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and tea, with an optional 880 yen lunch available.
• Whale watching is an additional 3,000 yen per person and is available during the winter months, with a chance to see humpback whales breaching the surface.
• The tour has a maximum capacity of 10 travelers and offers free pickup within Naha City, with a parking cost of 500 yen per day.
• Participants should be in good health, and communication challenges may arise due to limited English proficiency of the staff.

Tour Overview

The Kerama Islands Snorkeling Tour takes place in Naha, Japan, and offers an immersive underwater experience for both novice and experienced snorkelers.

This tour is a great option, with an average rating of 4.1 from 28 reviews. For $74.01 per person, you’ll have access to snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and tea.

The tour lasts about 4 hours, with a maximum of 10 travelers. While the communication may pose some challenges due to limited English proficiency, the staff are professional, and the snorkeling spots are said to be beautiful.

An optional lunch is available for 880 yen.

Inclusions and What to Bring

As part of the Kerama Islands Snorkeling Tour, we’ll find that the tour includes essential snorkeling equipment, a restroom on board, bottled water, and tea.

An optional lunch is available for 880 yen, but if we opt to bring our own, we’ll need to pack swimwear, sandals, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and any additional food.

The tour provides free pickup within Naha City, though parking at the meeting point costs 500 yen per day.

Just be sure to arrive on time, as heavy traffic can affect the schedule, especially on weekdays.

Pickup and Meeting Information

Free pick-up is available within Naha City, though the capacity is limited. The meeting point is Miegusuku Port in Naha.

Parking at the port costs ¥500 per day, but free parking is available around the waiting area. Be punctual – heavy traffic, especially on weekdays, can affect travel time.

The tour boat departs at 8:00 AM, so plan accordingly. Communication may be challenging, as some staff have limited English proficiency.

Health and Safety Information

Participants must be in good health to join the Kerama Islands snorkeling tour. Certain medical conditions may disqualify you from participation for safety reasons.

Infants are welcome but must sit on laps, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

While the staff does their best, limited English proficiency may pose some communication challenges.

This is an excellent opportunity to explore the stunning Kerama Islands, but it’s crucial to consider your physical capabilities and any special needs before booking.

Let’s know if you have any other questions about the health and safety aspects of this tour.

Customer Feedback and Experience

The reviews for the Kerama Islands snorkeling tour provide a mixed picture of the customer experience.

On one hand, travelers rave about the beautiful snorkeling spots, professional staff, and clear water visibility. The optional lunch also gets high marks.

However, some participants struggled with communication issues and felt the tour was more focused on divers than snorkelers.

A few complained about waiting times after returning to the dock.

While most had a good time, the organization and snorkeling freedom seem to be pain points worth considering before booking this excursion.

Exploring the Kerama Islands

Nestled in the East China Sea, the Kerama Islands provide a stunning natural backdrop for our snorkeling adventure.

These pristine islands boast vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, making them a prime destination for underwater exploration.

The crystal-clear waters offer excellent visibility, allowing us to glimpse colorful schools of fish, graceful sea turtles, and perhaps even the elusive spinner dolphins.

As we glide through the tranquil lagoons, we’ll savor the peaceful solitude and the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the untouched beauty of this island paradise.

The Kerama Islands promise an unforgettable snorkeling experience.

Whale Watching Opportunity

While the primary focus of this tour is snorkeling, we also have the option to add an exciting whale watching experience. For an additional ¥3,000 per person, you can join the whale watching portion of the tour. This allows us to observe the majestic humpback whales that frequent the Kerama Islands during the winter months. The whales are often spotted breaching the surface, a truly awe-inspiring sight. To maximize our chances, the tour boat will venture out to prime whale watching areas within the island chain. This add-on is a must for any nature enthusiast.

Feature	Details
Duration	1-2 hours
Availability	Dec-Mar
Sightings	Humpback whales
Price	¥3,000 per person

Preparing for the Snorkeling Adventure

As we prepare for the snorkeling adventure, it’s important to pack the essentials. First, be sure to bring your swimwear and a change of clothes.

Sandals or water shoes are a must-have for the boat and beach. Don’t forget your sunscreen – the tropical sun can be intense.

If you’re not ordering the optional lunch, remember to pack your own. The tour provides bottled water and tea, but you may want to bring additional snacks or beverages.

Finally, consider bringing a small waterproof bag or pouch to keep your belongings dry while you’re in the water. With these items, you’ll be ready to explore the Kerama Islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Snorkeling Tour?

The tour does not specify a minimum age requirement. We recommend checking with the tour operator about any age restrictions or policies if you plan to bring young children.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Yes, you can bring your own snorkeling equipment if you prefer. The tour provides gear, but using your own can be more comfortable. Just be sure to pack it carefully for the trip.

How Long Is the Boat Ride to the Snorkeling Sites?

The boat ride to the snorkeling sites takes about 30 minutes. We’ll depart the Miegusuku Port in Naha City at 8 AM, giving us ample time to explore the Kerama Islands’ beautiful underwater world.

Is There a Secure Place to Store Belongings During the Tour?

We’re provided a small storage locker on the boat to safely store our belongings during the tour. Just be sure to bring a small bag or daypack to keep everything organized and accessible while we’re out on the water.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Included in the Tour Price?

We didn’t find any additional fees or costs mentioned beyond the tour price and optional lunch. The tour seems to include most key items, keeping costs predictable for budget-conscious travelers.

The Sum Up

Don’t miss the chance to experience the stunning Kerama Islands with the Naha Snorkeling Tour. For just $74.01, you’ll get to explore vibrant coral reefs and witness the diverse marine life. Plus, you can even spot majestic humpback whales during the winter months for an additional fee. It’s an unforgettable adventure you won’t want to pass up!