Kerama Islands: Okinawa's Famous Kerama Blue
How to visit the Kerama Islands near Naha: the clearest water in Okinawa, sea turtles, whale watching, ferries and island hopping.
Quick answer
- What it is: a group of small islands about 40 km west of Naha, Okinawa.
- Famous for: exceptionally clear water, known as Kerama blue, and sea turtles.
- Status: Kerama Shoto National Park, created in 2014.
- Time needed: a day trip, or 2 to 3 days to relax.
- Best time: April to October for swimming, and January to March for whales.
Just a short boat ride from Naha, the Kerama Islands rise from water so clear and brightly coloured that locals gave it its own name, Kerama blue.
Why the Kerama Islands are a wonder
The islands are surrounded by coral reefs and some of the clearest water in Japan. Visibility can reach many tens of metres on calm days.
Sea turtles graze in the shallows off beaches like Ama on Zamami, and in winter humpback whales come to breed in the surrounding waters.
Island hopping
Tokashiki is the largest island, with long beaches. Zamami has lookout points and whale watching tours. Aka and Geruma are tiny and quiet, linked by bridges.
Snorkelling gear is easy to rent, and many beaches have calm, shallow water.
Islands at a glance
| Island | What it is known for | From Naha by fast ferry (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Tokashiki | Long beaches like Aharen | 35 minutes |
| Zamami | Turtles, lookouts and whale watching | 50 minutes |
| Aka | A tiny island with a sleepy village | 50 minutes |
| Geruma | A quiet island linked to Aka by bridge | By bridge from Aka |
| Hanari | Uninhabited islets visited on boat tours | Tour only |
When to go
- April to June: warm water before the summer crowds.
- July to September: peak season, with a risk of typhoons.
- January to March: humpback whale watching.
- Weekdays: easier ferry bookings.
Our tip: Book fast ferries well ahead in summer. If you stay overnight, you will have the beaches almost to yourself after the day-trippers leave.
Getting there
- From Naha: fast ferries and slower car ferries leave from Tomari Port.
- Between islands: small village boats link Zamami, Aka and Geruma.
- On the islands: rent a bicycle or scooter, or use local buses on Tokashiki.
Protecting the reef
- Do not touch or stand on coral.
- Do not chase or touch sea turtles.
- Swim only at beaches with lifeguards or in calm conditions.
- Ferries can be cancelled in rough seas, so build in extra time.
Frequently asked questions
What is Kerama blue?
The name for the unusually clear, vivid blue water around the Kerama Islands.
Can you see sea turtles in the Kerama Islands?
Yes, often while snorkelling off beaches such as Ama on Zamami.
How do you get to the Kerama Islands?
Take a ferry from Tomari Port in Naha, about 35 to 50 minutes by fast ferry.
When is whale watching season?
Usually from January to March.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
Buses that drive between walls of snow up to around 20 metres high.
We check this guide regularly. Prices, hours and rules in Japan can change, so confirm with the official sources below before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.