Diving in the Okinawan sea is an exciting experience that will make you feel as if you are lost in another world.
A paradise of crystal clear emerald blue waters, colorful coral reefs, and tropical fish. Snorkeling is the best way to experience this fascinating underwater world.
This activity, which can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to experts, is one of the best parts of a trip to Okinawa.

This article provides a complete guide to enjoying 120% of snorkeling in Okinawa.
I will just give you a few notes ahead of time!
Most water accidents in Okinawa involve snorkeling alone or without an instructor.
When snorkeling, be sure to join a tour or go to a supervised beach.
- 1 Enjoy snorkeling in Okinawa!
- 2 Recommended snorkeling tours
- 2.1 Okinawa, Blue Cave, Private Snorkeling] \Reservations are welcome on the same day! Free fish feeding!
- 2.2 GoPro photo and video transfer on the spot for free☆Reservations on the same day welcome☆Skimmers welcome☆Free sandal rentals
- 2.3 SALE! [Free for children up to 3 years old] One private group snorkeling in the blue cave 《Able to join from 2 years old to 70 years old》 Free photo shooting! Includes feeding experience!
- 3 First Time Snorkeling Advice
- 4 What kind of activity is snorkeling?
- 5 Points to consider when choosing a snorkeling tour
- 5.1 Difference between beach entry and boat entry
- 5.2 Tour Types and Features
- 5.3 Okinawa, Blue Cave, Private Snorkeling] \Reservations are welcome on the same day! Free fish feeding!
- 5.4 GoPro photo and video transfer on the spot for free☆Reservations on the same day welcome☆Skimmers welcome☆Free sandal rentals
- 5.5 SALE! [Free for children up to 3 years old] One private group snorkeling in the blue cave 《Able to join from 2 years old to 70 years old》 Free photo shooting! Includes feeding experience!
- 6 Popular snorkeling spots
- 7 When can I go snorkeling in Okinawa?
- 8 What to look out for when snorkeling in Okinawa
- 9 Experienced Reviewer Reviews
- 10 Frequently Asked Questions
- 11 summary
- 12 Climate and Clothing by Month
- 13 If you want to enjoy Okinawa, get discount tickets online!
- 14 special feature article
Enjoy snorkeling in Okinawa!









From introductions to spectacular spots to recommended tours and tips for beginners, this site is packed with information on how to enjoy Okinawa’s waters to the fullest.
Encounters with beautiful coral reefs and colorful tropical fish will surely leave you with unforgettable memories.
Recommended snorkeling tours

Okinawa offers a wide variety of snorkeling tours that can be enjoyed by beginners and experts alike.
Some of the most popular tours are listed below!
Okinawa, Blue Cave, Private Snorkeling] \Reservations are welcome on the same day! Free fish feeding!

Blue Cave, Onna Village / 6,980yen 2,980yen- (including tax) / Up to 57%OFF discount campaign!
Ages 2-54 years old Time required: approx. 2 hours 30 min. Number of reservations: 2 to 50 people
Reviews (6,178) Blue Cave Specialist Okinawa Diving Shop Wa
Okinawa blue that will make your heart tremble! We promise to provide you with a blissful time.
By combining the beach entry and boat plan, the probability of guiding to the Blue Cave is one of the highest in the industry! Even if it is difficult to guide you to the Blue Cave due to poor channel conditions, the boat option allows you to safely experience the blue of Okinawa at the best point of the day, such as a point with spectacular corals or a secret point inhabited by large sea turtles and clown fish, using the world’s first aquaculture technology.
GoPro photo and video transfer on the spot for free☆Reservations on the same day welcome☆Skimmers welcome☆Free sandal rentals

Number of reservations 2 to 100 people Ages 4 to 60 years old Time required: approx. 2 hours or more
West Coast / ¥4,500 2000yen- (tax included) / Up to 55% off discount campaign!
Reviews(14,872) Muto Diving
Even if you are not a good swimmer, it’s okay! Let ‘ s go see the Blue Cave Why don’t you enjoy snorkeling in the popular Blue Cave? Not only can you visit the blue cave, but you can also enjoy feeding tropical fish and taking pictures underwater. Surrounded by many tropical fish, you will feel like you are in the Dragon’s Palace. Even if you are not a good swimmer, a life jacket is all you need. You can easily swim with your feet in the water. You can hold on to a float and a staff member will pull you along. Children are also welcome.
SALE! [Free for children up to 3 years old] One private group snorkeling in the blue cave 《Able to join from 2 years old to 70 years old》 Free photo shooting! Includes feeding experience!

Number of reservations 2 to 20 people Age range: 3 to 70 years old Time required: approx. 2 hours or more
East Coast / 8,800 yen from 1,980 yen (tax included) / Up to 77% off discount campaign!
Reviews (3,623) Okinawa Marine Service Heki
We offer private tours for groups of 3 or more people! You can enjoy the Okinawan sea without worrying about other customers! We recommend this tour for those who are not good at swimming or for those who have children! Of course, you are welcome to join the tour with your friends! If you are a good swimmer, you may be able to spend less time practicing and more time underwater!
First Time Snorkeling Advice

We will explain in detail how to use the basic equipment and what to look out for so that even first-time snorkelers can enjoy the experience.
1. how to use the tools

The basic equipment needed for snorkeling is as follows
snorkel mask
Choose the one that works best for you. Also, practice its use many times in shallow water.
snorkel
It takes a little time to get used to using it, but once you do, you can see into the ocean without having your face on the surface.
Fins
2. basic precautions
To enjoy snorkeling safely, observe the following precautions.
advance preparation
Please do not engage in marine sports when you are sleep deprived, as it is dangerous.
Precautions while snorkeling
Please do not go alone, as it is especially dangerous to do so.
Emergency response
What kind of activity is snorkeling?

Snorkeling is an underwater observation activity using underwater glasses (mask), snorkel, and fins while floating on the surface of the water.
Attraction of snorkeling
ease
Snorkeling requires no special skills and is easy for anyone to enjoy. Since it does not require training or a license like diving, it can be easily tried on vacation.
Enjoyable for people of all ages
Snorkeling is an activity that can be enjoyed by children and adults of all ages, and with tours available for children as young as 2 years old, it can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Beautiful Underwater World
Snorkeling allows visitors to observe beautiful coral reefs and colorful fish up close as they swim through the crystal clear waters. It is a great way to feel as if you are in an aquarium.
Snorkeling Basics
Required Tools
Enjoy snorkeling fully equipped!
Flow of Experience
Basically, snorkelers should wear life jackets.
How to enjoy snorkeling

nature observation
Snorkeling allows visitors to observe the pristine marine ecosystem.
There are colorful fish, beautiful coral reefs, and if you are lucky, you may even see sea turtles.
Relaxation Effect
The feeling of floating in the water has a relaxing effect, allowing you to forget the stresses of everyday life and enjoy a pleasant moment in nature.
Family Activities
Snorkeling for the whole family can be a valuable experience, especially for children.
Parents and children can enjoy nature together and strengthen their bond.
Points to consider when choosing a snorkeling tour

Here are some tips for choosing the right tour for you.
The differences between beach entry and boat entry and the features of each tour are explained in detail.
Difference between beach entry and boat entry
beach entry
boat entry
Tour Types and Features
Beginner’s Tour
Family Tours
adventure tour
Okinawa, Blue Cave, Private Snorkeling] \Reservations are welcome on the same day! Free fish feeding!

Blue Cave, Onna Village / 6,980yen 2,980yen- (including tax) / Up to 57%OFF discount campaign!
Ages 2-54 years old Time required: approx. 2 hours 30 min. Number of reservations: 2 to 50 people
Reviews (6,178) Blue Cave Specialist Okinawa Diving Shop Wa
Okinawa blue that will make your heart tremble! We promise to provide you with a blissful time.
By combining the beach entry and boat plan, the probability of guiding to the Blue Cave is one of the highest in the industry! Even if it is difficult to guide you to the Blue Cave due to poor channel conditions, the boat option allows you to safely experience the blue of Okinawa at the best point of the day, such as a point with spectacular corals or a secret point inhabited by large sea turtles and clown fish, using the world’s first aquaculture technology.
GoPro photo and video transfer on the spot for free☆Reservations on the same day welcome☆Skimmers welcome☆Free sandal rentals

Number of reservations 2 to 100 people Ages 4 to 60 years old Time required: approx. 2 hours or more
West Coast / ¥4,500 2000yen- (tax included) / Up to 55% off discount campaign!
Reviews(14,872) Muto Diving
Even if you are not a good swimmer, it’s okay! Let ‘ s go see the Blue Cave Why don’t you enjoy snorkeling in the popular Blue Cave? Not only can you visit the blue cave, but you can also enjoy feeding tropical fish and taking pictures underwater. Surrounded by many tropical fish, you will feel like you are in the Dragon’s Palace. Even if you are not a good swimmer, a life jacket is all you need. You can easily swim with your feet in the water. You can hold on to a float and a staff member will pull you along. Children are also welcome.
SALE! [Free for children up to 3 years old] One private group snorkeling in the blue cave 《Able to join from 2 years old to 70 years old》 Free photo shooting! Includes feeding experience!

Number of reservations 2 to 20 people Age range: 3 to 70 years old Time required: approx. 2 hours or more
East Coast / 8,800 yen from 1,980 yen (tax included) / Up to 77% off discount campaign!
Reviews (3,623) Okinawa Marine Service Heki
We offer private tours for groups of 3 or more people! You can enjoy the Okinawan sea without worrying about other customers! We recommend this tour for those who are not good at swimming or for those who have children! Of course, you are welcome to join the tour with your friends! If you are a good swimmer, you may be able to spend less time practicing and more time underwater!
Popular snorkeling spots
Blue Cave (Onna Village)
The nationally famous “Blue Cave” is located in Onna Village.
The sight of the blue glow of the caves is truly fantastic! There are a variety of snorkeling and diving tours available, so even beginners can participate with ease.
Kerama Islands
The waters of the Kerama Islands are so beautiful that they are called “Kerama blue,” and boast outstanding clarity.
With a high encounter rate with sea turtles, this is a must-see spot if you want to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Sezoko Island
Sesoko Island is reached by crossing the Sesoko Ohashi Bridge from the main island.
Sesoko Beach, with its long white sandy beach, is also a popular snorkeling point.
Ike Island (Tokyo)
Ike Island is a remote island located in Uruma City in the central part of the main island. It is accessible by car, so it is easy to visit.
Snorkeling excursions are also available, and you can enjoy the resort atmosphere.
5. Miyagi Beach (Sunabe, Chatan Town)
The Miyagi Coast is a famous point for diving, surfing, and snorkeling.
Visitors can enjoy beautiful undersea scenery with colonies of soft corals.
When can I go snorkeling in Okinawa?

The snorkeling season in Okinawa can be enjoyed throughout the year, but there are certain times of the year that are especially recommended.
Best season: April to November
Spring (April-May)
Summer (June-August)
Typhoon season begins in mid-July and the weather can be unstable. Please check typhoon information in advance and make a reasonable plan.
Autumn (September to November)
Winter (December to March)
The beach control building is often closed during the winter months and there are no lifeguards on duty. Individual snorkelers should exercise caution.
Wear an et suit to keep warm and prevent cold.
Seasonal equipment and precautions
January-February and December
A thick (about 5mm) wetsuit and head cap are essential. Wearing innerwear with good heat retention function is even safer. The sea can be rough, so check the weather conditions and take safety into consideration.
March-May, October-November
A thin wetsuit (3 mm) is suitable. Wear clothing that covers the entire body to protect against UV rays. In spring and fall, the weather is often stable and you can enjoy snorkeling comfortably.
June-September
Rash guards and light clothing are acceptable; wear UV-blocking spats and trenchers. Since we are entering typhoon season, check the weather in advance and plan accordingly. Don’t forget to take UV protection.
Seasonal Attractions
On-season (April to November)
Off-season (December to March)
Okinawa’s climate throughout the year
What to look out for when snorkeling in Okinawa

Safety considerations are essential to enjoying snorkeling in the beautiful waters of Okinawa.
1. first get to know the beach
Beaches where swimming is prohibited
Snorkeling is also prohibited on beaches where swimming is prohibited. This is due to various risks such as dangerous currents, underwater topography, and the presence of dangerous organisms.
Check the rules and regulations of the beach and be sure to snorkel where swimming is permitted.
Check with locals and fishing associations.
When visiting a beach for the first time, it is important to check beach safety information with locals and fishing associations. Ask for information about tidal currents, wave heights, and dangerous areas.
2. safety considerations
Beware of dangerous creatures
Okinawa’s ocean is home not only to beautiful fish and coral, but also to dangerous creatures such as habu jellyfish and bonito eboshi. Stings from these creatures can cause severe pain and allergic reactions.
Stay away from dangerous creatures and do not touch them unnecessarily. Even if they look beautiful, be careful.
Check equipment
Make sure your life jacket, wetsuit, snorkel mask, and other equipment are properly fitted. This will ensure buoyancy and prepare you for any problems that may arise.
3. watch out for reef currents

What is reef current?
A reef current (rip current) is a strong current flowing from shore to offshore. If you are swept away by this current, it becomes very difficult to return to shore on your own.
They are especially likely to occur in reef breaks and narrow channels, and can be dangerous if approached unknowingly.
When swept by the reef current
If you should be swept away by the reef current, do not panic and remain calm.
Instead of swimming toward the shore, swim parallel to the reef current to make it easier to escape from the current. Then, once you are out of the current, swim toward shore.
4. if you encounter an “ocean what-if” situation
Responding to Emergencies
If an emergency arises while snorkeling, you are expected to respond quickly.
If you see a drowning person or feel yourself in danger, contact the local police or Coast Guard immediately.
Emergency Contact
In the event of a marine emergency in Okinawa, call the Japan Coast Guard’s “Umi no Moshi” number, 118.
This number is dedicated to maritime emergencies and will respond quickly.
Additional safety measures
Accompanying persons while snorkeling
Always make sure that more than one person is involved in snorkeling. It is very dangerous to act alone. By being with a group of friends, you can help each other in case of trouble.
Check weather and sea conditions
Check the weather and ocean conditions before going snorkeling. On days with strong winds or high waves, snorkeling should be avoided. It is important to check the weather forecast and local ocean conditions in advance.
Frequent breaks
It is easy to lose energy while snorkeling, so take frequent breaks. If you feel tired or cold, it is important to get out of the water immediately to warm up.
Prepare drinks and snacks
Bring drinks and snacks for long snorkeling sessions. Hydration in moderation is necessary to prevent dehydration.
Experienced Reviewer Reviews

We have collected real reviews from people who have actually experienced snorkeling in Okinawa.
Please feel the charm and enjoyment of snorkeling through the experience!
First time snorkeling on a family vacation
Experienced by: Tanaka family (40s, Tokyo) Location: Blue Cave (Onna Village)

This was my first snorkeling experience with my whole family. We took the Blue Cave tour and the guide was very kind and the children were able to enjoy the tour without any worries. The blue light in the cave was really fantastic and we felt as if we were in another world. We saw a lot of fish and were very satisfied with the day!
Creating Memories as a Couple
Experienced by: Suzuki couple (30s, Kanagawa Prefecture) Location: Kerama Islands

My girlfriend and I went snorkeling in the Kerama Islands. The clarity of the ocean was amazing and the most memorable part was meeting sea turtles. Since it was a boat entry tour, we were taken to a quiet and beautiful point. It was a special experience that we could not usually have, and it strengthened the bond between us!
Review 3: Challenges of traveling alone
Experienced by: Mr. Yamamoto (20s, Osaka Prefecture) Location: Sesoko Island

I joined a snorkeling tour of Sesoko Island during my solo trip. I was a little nervous at first, but the guide was very attentive and helped me relax right away. Since it was a beach entry, it was nice to be able to slowly get used to the shallow water before trying the deeper areas. The white sand beach and the clear ocean were truly beautiful, and I was able to spend some quality time alone.
Review 4: Adventures with a group of friends
Experiencer: Mr. Sato and friends (20s, Fukuoka Prefecture) Location: Miyagi Beach (Sunabe, Chatan Town)

I joined a snorkeling tour of the Miyagi Coast with a group of friends. The underwater area, with its colonies of soft corals, was like a flower garden, and we were impressed by the many colorful fish swimming around us. In the evening, we saw a beautiful sunset, and it was a very satisfying day. It was a very satisfying day and made me realize once again the richness of nature in Okinawa.
Review 5: Repeat customers enjoy
Experienced by: Mr. Matsumoto (50s, Kyoto Prefecture) Location: Ike Island

I enjoy snorkeling every year when I come to Okinawa, and this year I joined the tour to Ike Island. The wide sandy beach and crystal clear waters were impressive and relaxing. After snorkeling, we could also enjoy camping and BBQ, so the whole family enjoyed the whole resort atmosphere. No matter how many times I visit, I always discover something new and am more and more attracted to the charm of Okinawa.
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about snorkeling and their answers.
We will provide you with information to help you enjoy your first time in the area.
These questions will help you have a safe and enjoyable snorkeling experience.
If you enjoyed snorkeling! Let’s do parasailing next!
summary

Advance preparation and safety measures are essential to enjoy snorkeling in Okinawa’s beautiful waters. Make sure you have the necessary tools and equipment for snorkeling, and check the weather and ocean conditions. We recommend joining a guided tour so that even beginners can enjoy snorkeling with peace of mind.
Also, be aware of dangerous creatures and reef currents, and be prepared to respond calmly to any eventuality. We hope you enjoy a wonderful snorkeling experience in Okinawa, where crystal clear waters and rich ecosystems await you!
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.