A short ferry ride west of Naha, the Kerama Islands are a national park famed for some of the clearest, most luminous water in Japan — a turquoise so distinctive it has its own name, “Kerama Blue.” With brilliant coral reefs, sea turtles, and powder-white beaches, the islands (chiefly Zamami, Aka and Tokashiki) are a snorkelling and diving paradise, doable as a day trip or an overnight escape. They’re also a winter whale-watching spot.
This guide covers the islands, snorkelling and diving, ferries, beaches and how to get there.
🗓️ Quick Reference
| Location | ~40 km west of Naha (Tomari Port) |
| Access | Ferry from Tomari Port, Naha |
| Time needed | Day trip or overnight |
| Best for | Snorkelling, diving, beaches, turtles |
| Season | Year-round; whales Jan–Mar |
The islands & “Kerama Blue”
- Zamami: the most popular base, with stunning Furuzamami Beach and turtle-rich snorkelling.
- Aka: quieter, connected to Geruma by bridge; gorgeous coral close to shore.
- Tokashiki: the largest, with long Aharen and Tokashiku beaches.
- The water clarity — “Kerama Blue” — and healthy reefs draw snorkellers and divers from across Japan.
Snorkelling, diving & turtles
- Snorkelling straight off the beaches reveals coral and reef fish; green sea turtles are often seen, especially around Zamami — see our sea turtle snorkelling guide .
- Scuba diving is world-class — see our diving guide .
- Whale watching runs roughly January–March.
Ferries & tips
- Ferries depart Tomari Port (“Tomarin”) in Naha: a faster high-speed boat (~50–70 min) and a slower car ferry.
- Book ahead in summer and on holidays — boats sell out.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water and a hat; island shops are limited.
- For an unhurried trip, stay overnight to enjoy the beaches before/after day-trippers.
Best time to visit
- Late spring to autumn for swimming and snorkelling.
- Winter for whale watching (and quieter beaches).
- Check ferry/sea conditions — rough weather can cancel sailings.
Combine your visit
The Keramas pair with a Naha base:
- Spend nights on Kokusai-dori between island trips — see our Kokusai-dori guide .
- For more remote islands, consider the Yaeyama or Miyako groups — see our Yaeyama guide and Miyako guide .
How to get there
- Ferry from Tomari Port (Tomarin), Naha to Zamami/Aka/Tokashiki.
- Tomari Port is ~10 min by taxi/monorail-plus-walk from central Naha.
