Zamami Island is a tourist spot visited by many travelers every year.
Dive into the sea to meet colorful fish and sea turtles, or paddle out by canoe to enjoy the beautiful ocean.
The powerful jumps of humpback whales in winter, the deep-red sunsets in summer. Because a different kind of wonder awaits each time you visit, it is a special place you will want to return to again and again.
If you are looking for a travel destination, Zamami Island is sure to capture your heart.
Features of Zamami Island
Zamami Island is a nature-rich island located at the center of the Kerama Islands, about 50 minutes by high-speed ferry from Naha.
Zamami Island has a crystal-clear sea called “Kerama Blue”—so beautiful and transparent that divers gather from within Japan and abroad.
The island has many beautiful beaches with white sand, and another feature is that you can see sea turtles and tropical fish right before your eyes.
Not only the sea—panoramic views from observation decks, sunsets, starry skies, and more await as moving experiences on land, too.
Though a small island, it has abundant activities, and being able to enjoy both a resort feel and simple nature is a charm unique to Zamami Island.
Activities you can enjoy on Zamami Island
Snorkeling
Zamami Island can be called a mecca of snorkeling.
At Furuzamami Beach and Ama Beach, you meet coral reefs and colorful fish right after entering the water, so even beginners can enjoy it with peace of mind.
Especially around Ama Beach, you can encounter sea turtles with high probability, and many people are moved by the sight of them swimming gracefully before their eyes.
The highly transparent “Kerama Blue” sea is wonderfully photogenic, and once you enter, its beauty will steal your heart.
There are also plenty of guided tours, and being able to safely enjoy the beautiful sea is another draw.
Diving
Zamami Island is known as one of the world’s premier diving spots, drawing many divers from Japan and abroad.
There are many dive points nearby, where you can meet vivid coral reefs and schools of tropical fish, and sometimes sea turtles or manta rays.
From beginner-friendly trial dives to dives that advanced divers can enjoy, there are courses to suit every level.
With many guide shops, you can take on the challenge with peace of mind and experience the deep world of the sea. Zamami’s sea truly deserves to be called a “diver’s paradise.”
SUP, canoeing, and kayaking
On Zamami Island you can enjoy the recently popular SUP, canoeing, and kayaking.
SUP (stand-up paddle) is a popular activity where you stand on a board and paddle, feeling as if you are strolling on the sea.
Meanwhile, canoeing and kayaking let you paddle to uninhabited islands and hidden beaches under your own power, for an adventurous feel.
You can also combine snorkeling along the way or relax on the beach, making it great for families and groups.
Sunset viewing
Zamami Island is also famous as a beautiful sunset spot.
From Kamino-hama Observation Deck, Unaji-no-sachi Observation Deck, and more, you can enjoy the sight of the setting sun on the horizon dyeing the Kerama Blue sea orange.
The quiet time at dusk is a soothing moment that makes you forget the everyday.
You can enjoy it in various ways—walking up to an observation deck on a stroll, or sitting on the beach and gazing leisurely. It is the perfect activity to wrap up your trip.
Whale watching
From winter to spring (around January to March), humpback whales migrate to the seas around Zamami Island.
Whale watching is an activity unique to this season, where you can see mother-and-calf whales and powerful breaching.
Boat tours are full of impact, and being able to feel even the whales’ breathing sounds and splashes up close is a draw.
Bird watching
Because Zamami Island retains untouched nature, it is also a recommended place for bird watching.
In the island’s forests and forest roads you can observe wild birds unique to the Kerama Islands, such as the Ruddy Kingfisher and the Light-vented Bulbul.
Depending on the season, migratory birds also fly in, expanding the fun of searching, binoculars in hand.
From observation decks and walking paths you can stroll while listening to birdsong, and feeling at one with nature is a charm
It can be called a soothing activity unique to Zamami Island, where not only the sea but also the land’s ecosystem richly remains.
Tours on Zamami Island
Snorkeling & SUP tours
On Zamami Island, snorkeling and SUP tours where you can fully enjoy the wonderfully transparent sea are very popular.
Since a guide accompanies you, even beginners can join with peace of mind, and you can enjoy coral reefs, vivid tropical fish, and—if lucky—an encounter with sea turtles.
With SUP you move as if strolling on the sea, and at sunset or sunrise a fantastical scene unfolds.
Many plans include a photography service, so you can firmly preserve the experience of the beautiful sea as a memory.
Nature guide tours
Not only the sea—Zamami Island’s land nature is also a highlight.
On a nature guide tour, you can stroll around Takatsuki-yama Observation Deck and forest roads while observing the island’s native plants and wild birds.
The birdsong echoing in the subtropical forest and the Kerama Blue view spreading below give a wonder you cannot notice just by walking.
There are also plans combining stargazing and nighttime creature searches, so you can experience Zamami Island’s unique nature with all five senses.
Recommended beaches on Zamami Island
Zamami Island has many beautiful beaches.
The most popular beach is Furuzamami Beach. It is recommended for sea bathing, snorkeling, banana boats, and more.
The next most popular is Ama Beach. It is a beach where you can also see sea turtles, and many people enjoy activities like snorkeling and SUP.
The article below introduces a total of five beaches on Zamami Island, from popular to hidden ones, so please check it out if you are interested!
How to get to Zamami Island
To get to Zamami Island from Naha Airport, you need to take either a ferry or a high-speed ferry.
The steps are as follows.
- Step 1: Travel from Naha Airport to Tomari Port (Tomarin)
- Step 2: Take a ferry or high-speed ferry from Tomari Port (Tomarin) to Zamami Port
Ferry and high-speed ferry fares are as follows.
During busy periods such as summer, you may not be able to board without a reservation, so we recommend booking in advance.
| 船種 | 大人（片道） | 大人（往復） | 小人（片道） | 小人（往復） |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry Zamami | 2,150 yen | 4,090 yen | 1,080 yen | 2,060 yen |
| Queen Zamami (high-speed ferry) | 3,200 yen | 6,080 yen | 1,600 yen | 3,040 yen |
For the boarding times of other ferries and high-speed ferries, please see the article below.
Recommended hotels on Zamami Island
Kanusuba Zamami
Kanusuba Zamami is a beautiful hotel that opened in July 2019.
It also features a shared lounge, concierge service, free WiFi, and more.
Summary
Zamami Island is a charming island blessed with the wonderfully transparent Kerama Blue sea and untouched nature.
Explore underwater by snorkeling or diving, enjoy a stroll on the sea by SUP or canoe, watch whales in winter, and enjoy stargazing and bird watching on land.
Though a small island, it offers varied experiences, and being able to savor different wonders by season and time of day is a charm.
If you want to make special memories on your Okinawa trip, Zamami Island is a place you should definitely visit.
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