Okinawa: From Naha Full-Day Kerama Islands Snorkeling Tour

If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and the chance to see sea turtles up close, the Okinawa: From Naha Full-Day Kerama Islands Snorkeling Tour might just be your perfect escape. While I haven’t personally been on this exact trip, reviews and detailed descriptions reveal an experience that promises memorable marine encounters, expert guidance, and a well-organized day on the water.

What we love about this tour are its professional guides who are also instructors, the beautiful ocean scenery, and the value for money—especially considering the multiple snorkeling stops, equipment, and transportation included. A potential consideration is the chance you might not see a sea turtle on every trip, which is worth noting if wildlife sightings are a priority for you.

This adventure suits travelers who appreciate well-organized outdoor activities, don’t mind a bit of sea time, and want to enjoy Okinawa’s marine life in a safe, supportive environment. Families with older kids, snorkelers of all levels, and those wanting a comprehensive day out will find this tour particularly appealing.

Key Points

• Professional Instructors: All staff are trained instructors, ensuring safety and helpful guidance.
• Multiple Locations: Visits to Zamami Island, Tokashiki Island, and Maejima provide diverse underwater scenery.
• Marine Wildlife: Chances to see sea turtles, octopuses, sharks, and colorful fish, although sightings depend on weather and luck.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes wetsuits, flotation devices, free water/tea, and optional rental gear like a GoPro.
• Flexible & Organized: Pick-up from Naha hotels, a clear itinerary, and options to cancel or reserve with flexible payment.
• Seasonal Perks: Whale watching from January 12 to March; shaved ice in August and September for a refreshment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience Breakdown: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Getting Started: Easy Pickup & Departure

The tour kicks off with a hotel pickup within Naha city, which is a huge plus for travelers staying nearby. When booking, you’ll need to provide your hotel details and wait outside for your pickup. If you’re outside Naha, no worries: you’ll meet at the designated spot. The ride to the port takes about an hour on a high-speed boat, giving you time to soak in the views or chat with fellow travelers.

The Speedboat Journey & Scenic Cruising

Once aboard, you’ll cruise around the Kerama Islands—renowned for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. The ride itself is part of the fun; the boat offers a spacious and comfortable environment, with complimentary water and tea to keep you hydrated. For many, this scenic cruise is a highlight, giving a chance to relax and enjoy the Kerama blue while sipping on warm tea and admiring the ocean.

Visiting Three Unique Locations

The core of the tour involves visiting three snorkeling spots: Zamami Island, Tokashiki Island, and Maejima. Each offers something special. Reviewers mention that the crew often searches for sea turtles—sometimes spotting them, sometimes not, depending on the day’s conditions. One guest noted, “We saw turtles and many fish species, including snakes,” which shows how lucky some travelers get at these sites.

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Snorkeling & Marine Encounters

Snorkeling is the main draw. The staff, all qualified instructors, provide wetsuits, masks, and fins, ensuring comfort and safety. Many reviews praise the helpfulness and patience of guides like Cristina, especially for first-time snorkelers. The calm, shallow waters allow snorkelers of all levels to enjoy coral reefs bursting with colorful fish and marine creatures.

Safety & Equipment

Wetsuits and life jackets are provided, and floating rings are available for those who prefer to stay buoyant. Reviewers frequently mention how guides are attentive—helping with gear, explaining safety procedures, and pointing out interesting marine life. As one reviewer said, “I felt very well looked after and had a great time,” which underscores the local crew’s focus on safety and support.

Additional Activities & Seasonal Perks

Depending on the season, you’ll enjoy extras like whale watching (January to March) or Kerama blue shaved ice (August and September). These little touches enhance the day, making it more than just snorkeling. For example, one guest shared, “We watched whales and enjoyed shaved ice—such a cool treat after snorkeling.”

Food & Refreshments

You’re encouraged to bring your own packed lunch, or you can opt to pre-order a meal. Onboard, there’s a simple but tasty lunch option, with reviews mentioning the rice and sauces were satisfying, though some travelers suggest packing extra snacks for energy. A common theme in reviews is the importance of bringing plenty of water and lightweight snacks, especially if you plan to snorkel multiple times.

Returning & Debriefing

After a full day of underwater exploration, the boat makes its way back to Naha. The return trip offers more chances to enjoy the ocean views, reflect on the day, and perhaps share photos—since many reviews highlight the availability of GoPro rentals and professional photos taken during the trip.

The Real Value of This Tour

When considering the price of around 7 hours, it’s evident that the tour offers excellent value. You get multiple snorkeling stops, safety gear, transportation, and a knowledgeable crew—all in one package. Guests consistently mention how well-organized and smooth the experience is, making it suitable even for those new to snorkeling or with limited time to explore Okinawa’s marine environment.

Why This Tour Stands Out

• Expert Guidance: The entire crew is trained, friendly, and fluent in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, and Portuguese.
• Diverse Locations: Visiting three separate islands means you get a broad taste of Okinawa’s underwater scenery.
• Wildlife Sightings: While not guaranteed, the chances to see sea turtles, sharks, and other marine life make it an exciting adventure.
• Comfort & Safety: Wetsuits, flotation devices, and safety instructions mean you can relax and enjoy yourself without worry.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive day of snorkeling without the hassle of planning individual trips. It’s also ideal for those who value professional guides and safety, as well as families or groups with mixed swimming abilities. If you’re seeking a well-organized, value-for-money excursion with chances to see stunning marine life, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. The balance of beautiful scenery, wildlife sightings, and well-organized logistics makes this tour a standout choice for anyone eager to experience Okinawa’s underwater world. The reviews reflect a high level of satisfaction, emphasizing how attentive the guides are, how beautiful the waters are, and how well everything runs from pickup to return.

For those on a budget, it offers comprehensive value, covering transportation, equipment, and multiple snorkel stops. It’s especially appealing if you want to maximise your time in Okinawa and see as much marine life as possible without stressing over logistics.

This experience is best suited to adventurous travelers, snorkel newbies, or anyone craving an organized, safe, and scenic day out on the water. If you love marine life, enjoy being in or near the ocean, and value professionalism, then this trip deserves a place on your Okinawa itinerary.

FAQs About the Okinawa Kerama Islands Snorkeling Tour

Do I need previous snorkeling experience?
No. The tour is suitable for all levels, including beginners. Guides are attentive and will assist with gear and safety instructions.

Can I see sea turtles on every trip?
While there’s a good chance, sightings depend on the weather and sea conditions. Reviewers mention seeing turtles, but it’s not guaranteed every time.

What should I bring?
Swimsuit, change of clothes, sandals, sunscreen, your own packed lunch if desired, and plenty of water. Towels are provided.

Is food included?
Not automatically. You can bring your own or pre-order a simple lunch from the tour provider for around 1,000 yen.

What about whale watching?
Whale watching is available from January 12th to March. This is an optional part of the experience, with weather and sea conditions influencing sightings.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes. The tour is not suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or those with certain health issues like heart problems or respiratory issues.

How long is the overall tour?
The entire experience lasts around 7 hours, including transportation, snorkeling, and relaxation time.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if plans change.

To sum it up, if you’re looking for a well-organized, marine-filled day in Okinawa, this snorkeling tour offers a fantastic blend of scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and expert support. It’s an easy choice for those wanting to enjoy Okinawa’s underwater treasures with peace of mind and plenty of memorable moments.

You can check availability for your dates here: