Zamami and the Kerama Islands: Okinawa's Brilliant Blue Waters

Plan a trip to Zamami and the Kerama Islands, from the ferry out of Naha to Kerama blue snorkeling, sea turtles, deer and winter whale watching.

Published October 17, 2026 at 8:48 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Zamami is one of four inhabited Kerama Islands, reached by high-speed ferry from Tomari Port in Naha in roughly 50 to 70 minutes. It is famous for glowing Kerama blue water, snorkeling with sea turtles and winter humpback whale watching.

Why Everyone Is Talking About Kerama Right Now

Few places in Japan have a color named after them, but the water around the Kerama Islands does. "Kerama blue" is the phrase used for the glowing, almost electric shade the sea takes on here, and it has turned this small chain west of Okinawa's main island into one of the most talked-about island escapes in the country. Zamami, the best-known of the group, is the island many first-time visitors choose because it is small, friendly and packed with beautiful beaches. This guide explains how the islands came to be protected, how to get there from Naha, and how to enjoy the water, the wildlife and the quiet village life once you arrive.

The appeal is simple. You can leave Naha in the morning, be wading into clear water within about an hour, and still be back in the city by evening. Many travelers also stay a night or two, because the islands feel different once the day-trip boats have gone and the harbor settles into a slower rhythm. Whether you want to snorkel, dive, hike to a lookout or simply sit on white sand, Zamami makes it easy.

A Chain of Islands With Deep Roots

The Kerama Islands are a group of dozens of islands and islets west of Okinawa's main island, reached by ferry from the capital, Naha. Four of them are inhabited: Tokashiki, Zamami, Aka and Geruma. Tokashiki is the largest, and Zamami comes second. Most of the rest are tiny, uninhabited and wonderfully wild, seen mainly from the deck of a boat or from the water itself.

Long before modern tourism, these islands were part of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which flourished from the fifteenth century until the late nineteenth century. Islanders were valued as skilled navigators on trading voyages to China, a reminder that the sea here has always been a road as much as a view. Today that maritime heritage lives on in the boat culture of Zamami village, where fishing and diving shops sit side by side near the port.

In March 2014 the islands and surrounding waters became Kerama Shoto National Park, and the coral reefs around them are also recognized as a Ramsar wetland. The reefs are home to around 250 types of coral, mostly the branching Acropora group, which is a big reason the underwater scenery is so colorful and the water so clear. Protection of this kind is also why visitors are asked to treat the sea gently, a point covered in the practical tips below.

What Makes Kerama Blue So Special

The color comes from a happy combination of ingredients. The water is exceptionally clear, the seabed is pale sand and coral, and the sunlight is strong at this latitude. Together they make the shallows glow in shades from pale aqua to deep sapphire, often within a few meters of each other. On a calm, bright day the effect is dazzling even from the ferry window.

Zamami's beaches show it off best. Furuzamami Beach is the island's main snorkeling and diving spot, with rental shops, showers and a small beach hut selling food and drinks. Ama Beach is calmer and shallower, which suits families and anyone who prefers to paddle rather than swim far out. At both, snorkelers can hope to see colorful reef fish, and sea turtles are regularly spotted in the bay, although the best views usually mean swimming a little way from shore, so confident swimmers and life vests are a good combination.

If you would rather stay dry, glass-bottom boats and short boat tours offer a window onto the reef. Divers will find the Keramas a famous destination as well, with the clarity of the water making even beginner dives feel spacious and bright. Many dive shops welcome first-timers, and booking ahead is wise in the busier months.

Whales, Deer and Island Life

Winter brings a very different kind of visitor. Humpback whales travel to the warm waters around Zamami from roughly January to March to breed and raise their calves, and the island has become one of Japan's best-known whale watching bases. Boat tours usually last two to three hours, and some operators offer refunds if no whales appear, though the conditions differ from company to company, so it pays to read the booking terms. Watching these huge animals surface against a backdrop of green hills is an experience many travelers rank among their favorite memories of Okinawa.

Land animals have their own charm. Neighboring Aka Island is home to the Kerama deer, an endangered subspecies found only on a handful of the islands, thought to descend from sika deer brought here in the early seventeenth century. They wander freely, and they have even been seen swimming between islands. Aka is about 50 minutes from Naha by high-speed ferry and is a lovely second stop if you have time, with Nishibama Beach roughly a 20-minute walk from the port.

Back on Zamami, the village itself is part of the pleasure. Roughly 600 people live on the island, and the main settlement is compact and easy to explore on foot. Small cafes, guesthouses and dive shops cluster around the harbor, and the pace is relaxed. For views, walk or ride up toward Mount Takatsuki, the island's high point, which is noted for its views over the surrounding sea and islets.

Getting There and Practical Tips

Almost every visit begins at Tomari Port in Naha, Okinawa's capital. High-speed ferries leave from here for the main islands. Tokashiki takes about 40 minutes, Aka about 50 minutes, and Zamami roughly 50 to 70 minutes depending on the service, with two or three departures a day to Zamami. A slower car ferry also runs once a day. Schedules shift with the season and weather, so check the operators' current timetables and book the return trip in advance if you are making a day visit.

On Zamami, the port is small enough that you can walk to the nearest beaches in around 20 minutes, which means no car is necessary for most visitors. Bicycles and scooters are an option on neighboring Aka if you want to cover more ground there. Free Wi-Fi is available around the town, strongest at the port, which helps with last-minute ferry checks. There is also a small airport on nearby Fukaji Island, and boats link the islands, so island hopping is possible for those who want to combine Zamami with Aka or Tokashiki.

Pack for sun and sea. A rash guard, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and polarized sunglasses will make the day more comfortable and help protect the coral. Bring a towel and a change of clothes, along with cash for small shops, since not every place accepts cards. Water shoes are useful on rocky entries, and a waterproof phone pouch lets you take photos without worry.

Respect for the reef is the golden rule. Avoid touching or standing on coral, keep a respectful distance from sea turtles, and never feed wildlife. If you wear fins, be careful in shallow areas where a kick can damage fragile colonies. Take your trash with you and follow any local guidance posted at the beaches. These small habits help keep the water so clear.

Timing matters too. Okinawa has a subtropical climate with warm temperatures and plenty of rain through the year, and ferries can be adjusted in rough weather, so allow flexibility in your plans rather than squeezing a tight schedule around a single boat. Winter is the whale season, while the warmer months are the choice for swimming and snorkeling. If you are unsure, ask your accommodation or tour operator what conditions to expect for your dates.

Quick Takeaways

Zamami is the friendliest doorway to the Kerama Islands: easy to reach from Naha, small enough to walk, and surrounded by water that really does glow. Come in the warmer months for swimming and snorkeling, or in winter for humpback whales, and consider adding a trip to Aka to meet the island's deer. Pack for sun, treat the reef with care, and leave room in your schedule for ferries and weather. Do that, and this little corner of Okinawa will reward you with some of the brightest scenery in Japan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to Zamami from Naha?

High-speed ferries leave from Tomari Port in Naha and take roughly 50 to 70 minutes, with two or three departures a day. A slower car ferry runs once daily. Check current timetables and book the return trip early.

When can you see whales around Zamami?

Humpback whales visit the warm waters around Zamami from about January to March to breed and raise calves. Whale watching boats usually run two to three hours, and refund policies differ by operator, so read the booking terms.

Can you visit Zamami as a day trip from Naha?

Yes. The ferry ride is about an hour, and beaches such as Furuzamami and Ama are a walk of around 20 minutes from the port. Staying overnight gives more time for snorkeling, diving or a trip to nearby Aka Island.

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More guides from Tokyo Paul: Hirosaki Castle Park: Moats, Blossoms and Autumn Color, Lake Towada: Aomori's Deep Crater Lake and Yamadera: Yamagata's Mountain Temple of a Thousand Steps.