26℃
-
25℃
25℃
-
25℃
26℃
-
24℃
- お土産を買う前にチェック！「沖縄でしか買えないお土産」特集！
- おすすめ【人気リゾートホテル特集】旅行前にこちらをチェック！
- 「ここは行っとけ！」おすすめ沖縄観光スポット45選！名所から穴場まで！
The Blue Cave, located in Onna Village in the center of Okinawa’s main island, is an underwater cave whose interior glows a mysterious blue when sunlight shines on the surface of the water.
The blue fantasy space, which makes you feel as if you are lost in another world, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Okinawa, and is popular worldwide among divers and snorkeling enthusiasts.
Here are some spots where everyone, from beginners to experts, can easily experience the mysterious blue world.
Attractions of the Blue Cave
The charm of the Blue Cave lies in the overwhelming beauty of this mysterious sight.
The Magic of Light: The Sights of the Blue Cave
- Incoming Sunlight
The fascinating phenomenon of the Blue Cave is especially noticeable during the day when the sun is high in the sky. Sunlight directly enters the sea surface and light shines into the water through the cave’s openings. This light is the first key to the process. - Reflection in Water
Incident light reflects off the water surface and is further scattered in the cave water. Light is diffusely reflected by water molecules and microscopic particles in the water, scattering the light in different directions. Water tends to absorb certain wavelengths of light, especially blue light wavelengths, which are absorbed least by water, thus enhancing the blue color. - Effects of White Sand
The bottom of the cave is covered with white sand, which plays a very important role. This white sand acts like a mirror reflecting sunlight and further reflects the blue light scattered in the water. This double reflection makes the inside of the cave even brighter and full of shining blue. - The structure of the cave
The shape of the cave itself also amplifies the effect of the light. The rock walls and ceiling further reflect the light, creating a uniform blue glow effect throughout the cave. The shape and angle of the cave subtly changes the way light enters the cave, and the depth of the color changes depending on the angle of view.
An experience unlike any other I’ve felt.
The spectacle of the blue cave thus created is truly an extraordinary experience for visitors.
The blue glow of the water in the cave makes visitors feel as if they have stepped into another world, leaving a deep impression on them.
Looking up from sea level, the light shining through the ceiling of the cave looks like stars, and many people are captivated by its beauty.
I went snorkeling to the Blue Cave.
It was very wonderful!
How to choose a car rental without making mistakes! Thorough explanation!
Car Rental
Be careful with cheap rental cars…
A rental car is essential to fully enjoy sightseeing in Okinawa. However, there are several points to consider when choosing a rental car company.
Basic Information on Blue Cave
| Location | Cape Maeda, Onna Village, Okinawa, Japan |
| Access | Approximately 1 hour drive from Naha Airport, 20 minutes from Ishikawa IC |
| parking lot | 180 passenger cars, 100 yen per hour |
| public transportation | Take bus No. 120 and get off at “Cape Maeda” bus stop. 10-minute walk. |
| Optimal Time to Visit | May-Oct. |
| Recommended time zone | Early morning 7-8 a.m. or evening |
| Activity Options | Diving, snorkeling |
| safety measure | Wearing a life jacket and a guide is recommended. |
| facility | Showers, lockers, toilets, store, observation deck |
| Charge | Shower: 200 yen per shower, lockers: 100 yen per locker, parking: 100 yen per hour |
A great way to reserve a rental car that locals also use!
Diving and Snorkeling
Diving and snorkeling are its most attractive options when visiting the Blue Cave.
Both are excellent ways to enjoy the beautiful underwater scenery unique to the Blue Cave, but each has its own characteristics and charms.
Diving: The Allure of Going Deep
Diving allows you to explore deeper underwater, so you can fully experience the mystery of the Blue Cave.
In particular, by diving inside the caves, visitors can see directly from the water how sunlight reflects off the white sand of the ocean floor, creating a spectacular blue glow.
This experience is unique to diving and is the moment when the fantastic beauty of the Blue Cave can be experienced most closely.
Diving Features
- The ability to dive to deeper depths allows visitors to enjoy more dynamic scenery.
- Allows for exploration of every detail of the cave interior.
- Accompanied by professional guides, visitors can enjoy cave exploration in safety.
- Enjoy the feeling of floating in the water.
Snorkeling: Easy and beautiful
Snorkeling is an easy way to enjoy the beauty of the ocean without the need for special training or equipment.
At the entrance to and around the Blue Cave, the water is crystal clear even at shallow depths, allowing visitors to observe a wide variety of tropical fish and coral reefs. Families and non-swimmers can safely enjoy the ocean.
Snorkeling Features
- Enjoy underwater views at low risk.
- Wearing a life jacket guarantees safety, and simply floating in the water is enough.
- It can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
- Many marine organisms and coral reefs can be observed in a short period of time.
Cave Ecology
The area around the Blue Cave is known for its rich ecosystem. Colorful tropical fish and rare marine life can be seen here, with clownfish and anemones being particularly popular.
These organisms are adapted to the natural environment of the caves, and observing their ecology is a major attraction in itself.
Ecosystem Characteristics
- Diverse marine organisms coexist in the area.
- Differences in water temperature and water flow inside and outside the caves add diversity to the ecosystem.
- The light reflected by the sandy bottom of the sea floor creates a rich environment for living organisms.
Beginners and inexperienced divers should enter the water with a special, guided person.
The maximum depth is 35 meters. The depth inside the Blue Cave is 5 meters.
Life jackets must be worn.
After diving and snorkeling, you can enjoy a chill time at Ura Maeda Beach.
Safety Precautions
Safety precautions when visiting the Blue Cave are extremely important to ensure a pleasant and safe experience. Below is a detailed description of the major safety measures and precautions to be taken.
Check sea conditions
Sea conditions at the Blue Cave vary greatly from day to day. Especially on days with fast currents or high waves, access to the cave can be very dangerous. Before visiting, please check the latest sea conditions by
- Check official websites and weather forecast sites: Get information on the day’s weather and waves at weather forecast sites and tourist portals.
Wearing a life jacket
It is recommended that life jackets be mandatory for all underwater activities, especially for non-swimmers and children. Life jackets provide buoyancy and make it easier to float in the event of an accident.
Safety is ensured by wearing a life jacket at all times during activities inside and around the caves.
Work with a guide
When visiting the Blue Cave, it is important to work with an experienced guide. Guides will provide the following safety measures
- Knowledge of cave topography and tidal currents: Familiarity with the cave’s internal structure and tidal currents allows for safe cave guidance.
- Emergency response: Guides are trained in first aid and can respond appropriately in the event of an accident or injury.
- Keep the group together: reduce the risk of getting lost by being part of a group, especially during busy times or when visibility is poor.
Understanding Depth
The water depth around the Blue Cave can reach up to 35 meters in some places, but the water depth inside the cave is relatively shallow and safe at about 5 meters.
However, inexperienced divers and snorkelers should be careful in the deeper areas outside the caves because of the strong influence of the currents.
Only trained divers should dive into deep waters, and it is recommended that activities be conducted within safe limits at all times.
Optimal time and timing of visit
Best time to visit the Blue Cave! Which do you prefer, early morning or evening?
The “Blue Cave” at Cape Maeda in Okinawa is known for its mysterious beauty and attracts many diving enthusiasts and snorkeling fans.
However, in order to truly enjoy this spectacular view, the timing of your visit is extremely important.
Especially recommended are the early morning or evening hours, when people are still quiet in their activities. By visiting at this time, you can have the fantastic sight all to yourself in a more tranquil environment.
Why early morning and evening are recommended?
- Fewer tourists: In the early morning and evening, the number of tourists is reduced, allowing visitors to be free from the buzz of people and to experience more deeply the mysterious blue of the caves. The quiet environment provides the perfect situation to directly feel the sound of the water and the breath of nature echoing in the cave.
- Exquisite light: At sunrise and sunset, the sun’s rays shine diagonally across the surface of the water, making the water in the caves glow an even brighter blue. The natural light at these times accentuates the beauty of the cave and creates a fantastic underwater view.
- The underwater world is at its most vivid: The calm water surface and high water clarity provide excellent underwater visibility in the early mornings and evenings. This allows the beautiful details of colorful tropical fish and coral reefs to be observed more clearly.
Optimal Visiting Season
The best season to visit the Blue Cave is between May and October. During this period, Okinawa’s waters are at their calmest and relatively free from typhoons, allowing visitors to enjoy underwater activities safely and comfortably. During the summer months, the water temperature is warmer, making it comfortable to stay underwater for long periods of time. However, during busy seasons such as summer vacation and Golden Week, you can enjoy the caves more comfortably, especially if you avoid weekends and holidays.
Tips and Preparation for Visits
When visiting, bring comfortable swimsuits, rash guards, sandals, and towels. Wetsuits and snorkeling equipment can be rented locally. Also, bring a camera or waterproof camera to capture the mystical beauty of the site for an unforgettable experience.
Early in the morning or in the evening, the Blue Grotto provides a special experience to enjoy the beauty of nature at the beginning or end of the day. It is sure to be a peaceful time for all who visit.
Click here for information on the entire Cape Maeda area.
How to access
Access by car
- Departure point: Naha Airport or Naha City
- Take the Okinawa Expressway, head north, and exit at the Ishikawa IC.
- From the Ishikawa IC, take Route 58 toward Onna Village and follow the directions for Cape Maeda to the site.
- The time required is approximately 1 hour from Naha Airport.
- Parking lot information
- There is a paid parking lot at Cape Maeda, with 180 spaces for passenger vehicles and a fee of 100 yen per hour.
Access by public transportation
- Take the bus
- From Naha Airport or Naha Bus Terminal, take bus No. 120 and get off at “Cape Maeda” bus stop in Onna Village.
- It is about a 10-minute walk from the Cape Maeda bus stop to the cave.
combined access
- Combination of rental car and bus
- You can also choose to rent a car in Naha City, take the Okinawa Expressway, and transfer to a bus on the way.
- Especially during the tourist season and peak season, parking lots are often full, so taking the bus reduces the need to worry about parking.
Recommended access
- Generally, access by car is most convenient. It is especially recommended for groups and families, as it offers greater freedom of movement and can be easily combined with other nearby attractions.
- If using public transportation, it is recommended to check bus times in advance and allow plenty of time for travel.
Okinawa Beach Special! An in-depth introduction to 33 beaches on the main island!
summary
The mysterious blue color created by the reflection of sunlight on the surface of the water makes the Blue Cave a true work of art created by nature in Okinawa.
The depth of the water is shallow, and the blue world inside the cave can be enjoyed not only by diving but also by snorkeling. The underwater scenery of tropical fish and coral reefs is superb, and the experience of stepping into this extraordinary blue world will be one of the best memories of your trip to Okinawa.
Please visit the Blue Cave in Onna Village to experience another world under the sea.
Climate and Clothing by Month
Okinawa Travel Guide! A thorough guide to travel costs and staycation techniques by time of year
If you want to enjoy Okinawa, get discount tickets online!
special feature article
Roadside Stations and Direct Selling Stations Special Feature!
Michi no Eki (Roadside Stations) and direct sales shops in Okinawa are very popular tourist attractions. Each has its own unique characteristics, making them 200% worth visiting! Please visit them!
Special feature on beaches on the main island of Okinawa!
The main island of Okinawa has many wonderful beaches that can only be found in the tropics. We will introduce each of them in an easy-to-understand manner, from the very secluded to the well-serviced executive beaches.
Typhoon Okinawa
We have compiled a list of points to keep in mind when a typhoon approaches so that you can respond without panic before or during your trip. We hope you will find it useful.
